Norvan Falls

Route Description for Norvan Falls

Set out on the Norman Falls hike from the farthest end of the parking lot, where you’ll spot a large map that shows the local hiking trails to become familiarized with the trail route.

From here, head north to the bridge that goes over Lynn Creek. Here, you’ll find a hiker registration station, where you should fill out a form in case of an emergency. Head left from this registration station onto the wide path. The first section of the trail is well marked and easy to follow. Take the Lynn Loop Trail north through the forest for 1.8 km, until you hit a junction point and a trail sign.

At the junction you have two options, you can head right and upwards to Upper Lynn Loop and Headwaters Trails, which is an alternative route that will eventually take you to Norvan Falls, but makes the hike significantly harder with more elevation gain. Instead, we recommend you follow the trail north along the Lower Lynn Loop Trail. Continue for 1.8 km until you hit the Cedars Mill Trail, staying left and following the creek.

The Norvan Falls trail was once home to an extensive logging trade during the early 1900’s and to this day, there remains artifacts from this time period, such as a four-wheel log transporter that was left among the woods.

Continue on the hiking trail for about another 2.1 km until you come to an open area, known as Third Debris Chute, which turns into the Headwaters Trail. This is the perfect spot to stop for a rest, have a snack and soak in the mesmerizing view of Goat Ridge and Mount Fromme.

From here, follow the junction north, until the path turns into a single-track and becomes more challenging. Keep hiking north, noting the numerous yellow trail markers. The trail moves further away from Lynn Creek and becomes more rolling, up and down, and even passing over multiple jagged streams.

About 3.0 km from the 3rd Debris Chute, the path once again splits into two options. To the right is Coliseum Mountain – an ambitious undertaking. We’d suggest staying left, until you reach the next junction where you can take a left and cross over a metal suspension bridge to the Hanes Valley Trail and also to Lynn Lake (save this for another day as well).

Head right, following the signs for Norvan Falls. From here, tackle the last few hundred meters up a big hill to reach the 30 m high Norvan Falls.

For a photo op, and be careful about this, go to the viewpoint at the very tip top of the trail, but proceed with caution, so as not to fall off the cliff. If you’d like to get closer to Norvan Falls, there are a few safe spots to access the creek further back down the trail, but they are not official paths and should also be proceeded with caution.

Once at Norvan Falls, take a rest before heading back the exact same way you came, until you reach the parking lot.

Insider Hints for Norvan Falls

• If you want to add even more distance to the Norvan Falls hike, you can also start at the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve and access Lynn Headwaters Regional Park via the Lynn Headwaters Connector Trail, which skirts the west side of Rice Lake.
• The Norvan Falls trail has a lot of loose debris, stairs and jagged rocks, we recommend hiking boots over trail runners or sneakers.