McWay Falls
Big Sur, California
Description
Added by Stephen Bellrichard
This waterfall is one of the most recognizable images of Big Sur. It's a short (just over a half mile roundtrip) walk to get views of this 80 foot waterfall. Get your camera ready!
McWay Falls is one of the most iconic waterfalls in BIg Sur and can be seen from Highway 1. The trail to the falls is located in Julia Pfeiffer. For all of you history buffs, Mcway Falls is named after Christopher McWay, an early settler and farmer from New York who ventured west in the late 1800s.
To get there, from the parking lot, walk back towards Highway 1 and look for the sign to the Waterfall Trail. If you're parked in the additional parking lot, walk back toward the lot entrance. You'll head down some steps, follow a wide path and then pass through a tunnel under the highway. Along the path, there are several points to take in the falls. Depending on the time of year and day you go, they may be packed with photographers, so be patient.
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Reviews
There are very few waterfalls which cascade into the ocean, so a visit to McWay is a treat. This beautiful spot is often crowded and it's challenging to navigate with a tripod, but well worth the effort for a long exposure photo!
5.0
This is an iconic waterfall along the coastline and in Big Sur. There's a small hike you can do in the area, but otherwise this stop is mainly only for the waterfall
4.0
The lookout point over McWay Falls is a beautiful roadside attraction. It's a great spot to shoot sunset photos of the falls.
5.0
Leave No Trace
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Nearby
Hike the Waters Ridge Trail
Hike the Ewoldsen Trail
Explore The Hidden Rock Caves At Partington Cove
Hike to Big Sur's Tin House
Partington Cove Trail
Explore the Big Sur River Gorge
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