Kennedy Falls
Kennedy Falls is in the district of North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It’s an 11 KM out and back hiking trail. Elevation gain is a little bit over 350 meters. However, don’t let that mild distance and low elevation gain fool you. It’s an unofficial trail of the district therefore it doesn’t get proper maintenance. It’s the muddiest trail I have been to. To get to the water falls, you have to cross numerous running streams, climb down (and up when you coming back) a chain, avoid tree roots, climb over some rocks and boulders, and watch out for muddy water puddles. Waterproof shoes are a must. At least you will see a 600+ years old cedar tree. The waterfall itself is beautiful. It’s not a straight waterfall as many of other waterfalls. It’s cascading down the hill.
Parking is a big problem. The parking lot is tiny and gets full quick. There are a lot of mountain bikers using the mountain bike trails in that park. Furthermore there are signs in the parking lot that say parking is limit for 3 hours which is not enough for hiking to and back from Kennedy Falls. However I am not sure how strict the city enforces the bylaw.
I hiked this trail both in the Summer of 2021 and 2020. There were a lot more people in 2021 compared to 2020 (I usually start my hike pretty early). This trail is getting more and more popular. Moreover, the parking lot is usually closed during the winter (or perhaps only on snow days?). Either check the parking situation before you arrive. If it’s closed, you have to park farther away or at Lynn Headwaters parking and hike over (adding about 100m elevation and 2 km to your hike).
I also hiked to the Falls in winter. It has a different look in the Winter with snow around it.
There is another popular Waterfalls nearby called Norvan Falls. If you are up to it, you can actually do both Waterfalls in one day.
A video of Kennedy Falls in Winter. There had been a deep freeze a week ago before I went this time. But after the deep freeze the temperature went up and melt all the snow. I didn’t see a frozen Kennedy Falls, but it’s still beautiful none the less.
At last, I was able to visit the Falls after a cold freeze and captured the half frozen Kennedy Falls.