Brink of Lower Falls via North Rim Trail

The Brink of the Lower Falls Trail, accessed via the North Rim Trail in Yellowstone National Park, leads to one of the park’s most awe-inspiring viewpoints — the top of the 308-foot Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, the largest waterfall in the park. This short but steep trail gives visitors an unforgettable, up-close perspective of the raw power and beauty of the falls as they plunge into the iconic Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

Trail Overview:

• Difficulty: Moderate due to incline

• Trail Type: Out-and-back

• Estimated Time: 60–90 minutes

Route Description:

• The trail begins at the parking area just above Lookout Point, located along the North Rim Drive (a one-way road).

• A series of well-maintained switchbacks descend from the rim down to a fenced overlook right at the brink of the waterfall, where you’ll feel the thunder and mist of the Yellowstone River as it drops into the canyon.

• For a shorter hike, you can begin at the official Brink of the Lower Falls Trailhead. 

Highlights:

• Feel the tremendous force of the waterfall from just a few feet away.

• Panoramic views of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, with its colorful walls and roaring river.

• Ideal for photography, especially in the morning when the lighting hits the canyon walls.

• Great for families with older kids or anyone able to handle the incline.

Permits & Fees:

• A valid Yellowstone National Park entrance pass is required.

• No special permits are needed for day hiking on this trail.

Parking & Access:

• Parking is available at the Brink of Lower Falls Trailhead, off North Rim Drive.

• During summer, arrive early — parking is limited and this is a very popular viewpoint.

• Vault toilets are available at the parking area.

Required Items:

• Comfortable hiking shoes or boots with good traction.

• Water — the climb back up can be strenuous.

• Sun protection — parts of the trail are exposed.

• Camera or binoculars for canyon and waterfall views.

Pet Policy:

• Pets are not allowed on any trails, boardwalks, or in the backcountry in Yellowstone National Park.

• Pets are permitted only in developed areas, parking lots, and campgrounds, and must be leashed at all times.

Additional Info:

• Open seasonally, typically from late spring through fall, depending on snow conditions.

• Snow or ice can make the trail dangerous early or late in the season — check trail conditions at a visitor center.

• Combine this stop with other North Rim viewpoints for a fuller experience of Yellowstone’s canyon area.

The Brink of the Lower Falls is one of Yellowstone’s most thrilling and accessible short hikes, offering an unforgettable front-row seat to the park’s most iconic waterfall and the dramatic canyon it helped carve.