
This is one of my favorite lower-elevation hikes to share with guests year-round. The trail features a beautiful waterfall, plenty of boulders, and rocky areas where kids can play, find a spot to sit and take in the view, or watch wildlife pass by. One of the things I love most is that its formation occurred within my lifetime. Located not far from the Fall River entrance, it’s an accessible walk for park visitors. The area’s origins trace back to 1903, when a group of farmers built a 26-foot earthen dam at Lawn Lake, creating a reservoir 2,200 feet above Horseshoe Park. However, in July 1983, heavy rains caused the dam to collapse, sending water rushing down the Roaring River Valley. The force of the flood carried sand, gravel, and boulders, forming the alluvial fan, named for the river’s sediment. The dam was never rebuilt. A similar flood event occurred in 2013, when water surged down the Roaring River, bringing more debris with it. This hike offers a glimpse of both the natural beauty and fascinating history of the area