Overlook Trail to McWay Falls [CLOSED] is a 1.1 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Big Sur, California that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips and is best used from September until December.
Wheelchair friendly
Kid friendly
Stroller friendly
Hiking
Nature trips
Walking
Beach
Partially paved
Views
Waterfall
Wildlife
Closed
No dogs
![Overlook Trail to McWay Falls [CLOSED] Map](https://cdn-assets.alltrails.com/static-map/production/at-map/28354817/trail-us-california-overlook-trail-to-mcway-falls-and-saddle-rock-at-map-28354817-1590529463-414x200-1.png)
Note: This trail is currently closed due to COVID-19. This short hike will give you some of the most stunning views in all of Big Sur for the least amount of effort. The 1-mile out-and-back hike leads you to a trail on the cliffs along the coast. At the viewpoint you can see McWay Falls pouring down on the sandy beach below in McWay cove. * Note that the McWay Falls Overlook Trail is only partially open due to trail erosion that has caused dangerous conditions. McWay Falls can still be seen from the section of the trail that is open. This wheelchair accessible trail can be accessed from the south parking lot or the stairs near the entrance kiosk. The trail passes under the highway and then heads north around McWay Cove, overlooking the waterfall and beach that was created from a 1983 land slide. It ends at an observation deck with a magnificent panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean - a good location to see migrating whales. California Condors are often seen in the Eucalyptus trees here. NOTE: There is no beach access here. Any attempt to get down to the beach is a citable and arrestable offense. This area is extremely hazardous. Please stay on the trail.
California State Parks Website http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=578
August 1, 2020Park is still closed to get to the trail, but you can park on the side of the road and still have the same view. Highly recommend!
July 11, 2020Entire Park closed due to Covid and can’t enter on foot either. Signs saying you’ll be cited if you pass through. They gated up the tunnel as well :( still decent views
July 10, 2020Trail Closed due to Covid. You can see the falls from the scenic viewpoint though
July 3, 2020Easy trail with a stunning waterfall. Enjoy!
June 21, 2020Trail that leads to the famous waterfall photo. Easy path anyone can walk. If you get there at a good time, real early, you can avoid the crowds of people. Worth a peak if you’ve never seen.
June 17, 2020Easy, flat trail that can be done by the young and elderly alike. Took my in laws who are not very mobile- they were able to complete it and they thoroughly appreciated the falls and coastal views. Recommend adding this as a quick stop to any Hwy 1 / Big Sur roadtrip. Takes no more than 30 min (and half that time if you are fit and healthy).
June 15, 2020It’s short and sweet with beautiful views!!!
June 6, 2020Family friendly, kinda a walk not a hiking, nice view.
May 29, 2020is this still close ?
May 1, 2020State park is currently closed and the pull offs on the side of the road are blocked off with cones. There was one pull off before the blocks that you could walk a minute down the road to view the waterfall which really is stunning and only 1 of 2 tidefalls in California! Definitely worth a stop if you're driving down the coast but not accessible for hiking.
April 20, 2020To be honest, this trail really doesn’t qualify as hiking, but the view can be spectacular, weather and foliage permitting. Definitely worth the stop. Don’t forget to pay for your parking!
February 23, 2020Not worth the time. Not for hikers. It’s very easy 7 minute walk to the viewpoint of the so called “FALLS” just fooling people! You to pay $10 if you want to park your car inside the local park. Rather you can park it outside the park by thw curb/shoulders.
February 19, 2020superbes chute d'eau. reposantes et calmes. Très faciles d'accès
January 11, 2020Very crowded, even in January. Very easy walk.
January 1, 2020We parked in the side of route 1 and walked in. Quick, flat walk to the overlook. Super crowded.
November 3, 2019For those who respect hiking and nature, it is never a problem to support the parks department, even if it is short, easy trail that costs $10. How exactly do people think that washed out or damaged trails like this get fixed? It certainly doesn't flow unending from state or government funds - it comes from YOU, the tourist. That money will help FIX the pathways for future generations to enjoy the views. So stop complaining about the cost - if you really want to see it, you will. It is a beautiful view and hopefully will be around for many many more centuries.
September 18, 2019Most of the trail closed. Waterfall is a trickle. Lots of people. Not worth $10.
August 31, 2019Less than 0.5 mile out and back as most of the trail is closed. Pretty view of the waterfall and cove at McWay Falls at the end. All flat, not strenuous. More of a leisurely stroll than a hike.
August 18, 2019The best part of this trail is closed but I snuck through and enjoyed this paradise all to myself for about an hour. Like many things in life, it's the things you're not supposed to do that bring incredible richness and reward.
July 24, 2019Yes the fall is pretty, just as you see online. But, the trail really doesn’t offer much more than what you get from the pullout right by the highway. Definitely doesn’t worth the $10 unless if you’re planning to visit other state parks on the same day. That’s not to say all of the parks. Both Limekiln and Pfeiffer beach, the only other two spots I planned to visit on the same day, do not accept the payment I made here. Basically a waste of money.
July 11, 2019Wouldn’t call it a hike just a leisurely stroll but nonetheless still beautiful. Mind you parking is limited and lots of traffic but worth the view.
July 10, 2019Not a hike anymore, more of a short walk to the overlook. Very crowded, only downside was it was hard to see the actual falls because of the multitudes of people trying to get selfies. Otherwise very beautiful and still worth the walk out there!
June 22, 2019Only a portion of the trail is currently open. It is $10 to park unless you previously visited another state park that day. It was pretty to look at but jammed packed full of people waiting to get picks with it. Definitely wouldn’t come back if given the opportunity. It was pretty but nothing that I would need to see again.
May 19, 2019Trail is closed at first overlook. But still a unique view and easy walk to get there.
April 8, 2019You can’t get down on the beach or close to the falls. The view is pretty.
March 30, 2019March 25, 2019Outside of the trail being closed it was one of the most beautiful gifts from God I’ve seen! We had a great day and took pics as close as we could get!
December 31, 2018Probably one of the most phenomenal views in the entire US.
October 30, 2018Breathtaking view especially at sunset. Of course a must on every drive down Hwy 1!
