Harding Falls in Cleveland National Forest, CA

Hike Harding Falls Cleveland National Forest, CA

Class 1 6.6 miles 1300 gain 3-5 hrs Out + Back Oct 29, 2018
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Harding Falls GPX Track

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A nice hike that starts at the Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary, heads up a hill, and then down into Harding Canyon. A social trail leads most of the way up the canyon until brush begins to choke the canyon and the trail becomes a bit obscured. It's obvious where to go, but you might be doing some minor bushwhacking for the last half mile or so. There is a small waterfall within a narrow section of Harding Canyon, and this is not Harding Falls. Continue over this one and you'll know when you get to the true waterfall. It was dry during my visit.

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Starting from the Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary, head up a well-marked dirt road up a hill.
Starting from the Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary, head up a well-marked dirt road up a hill.
From the top of the hill, split off from the main dirt road and head down into Harding Canyon (you can see it on the right in this photo).
From the top of the hill, split off from the main dirt road and head down into Harding Canyon (you can see it on the right in this photo).
Entering Harding Canyon.
Entering Harding Canyon.
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Harding Canyon is pretty uneventful for a while.
Harding Canyon is pretty uneventful for a while.
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Forested sections of Harding Canyon. Sometimes its overgrown, but mostly there's a nice social trail to follow.
Forested sections of Harding Canyon. Sometimes its overgrown, but mostly there's a nice social trail to follow.
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Harding Canyon opens up a few times, one time being to w big open field.
Harding Canyon opens up a few times, one time being to w big open field.
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...and after the big open section, Harding Canyon narrows again and becomes a bit more overgrown.
...and after the big open section, Harding Canyon narrows again and becomes a bit more overgrown.
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You'll pass a small and pretty waterfall - this isn't Harding Falls, but to be honest, I liked it more than the true Harding Falls. It's cozy.
You'll pass a small and pretty waterfall - this isn't Harding Falls, but to be honest, I liked it more than the true Harding Falls. It's cozy.
From the top of false Harding Falls looking down into the canyon.
From the top of false Harding Falls looking down into the canyon.
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Approaching Harding Falls, no water during my visit.
Approaching Harding Falls, no water during my visit.
Harding Falls.
Harding Falls.
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Above Harding Falls - Class 3 scramble if you chose to do so.
Above Harding Falls - Class 3 scramble if you chose to do so.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!