With only 300 feet of elevation variation, this4.4-mile trail along the north side of the Tuolumne River is rated easy, although making a round trip of it requires a full day. While lacking the buffed granite walls and boulders of the Hetch Hetchy area just 12 miles upstream, this section of the Tuolumne River Canyon is plenty picturesque. The foamy white "falls" and emerald pools below them occur in a section of the river where granite boulders constrict its flow.
Preston Falls is frequented by backpackers, who find flat ground in a meadow near the falls. The trail is also shared with equestrians. Please observe trail etiquette by keeping your dog leashed when in the vicinity of horses and other hikers.
GETTING THERE: The trailhead is near the Early Intake facility off of Cherry Lake Road. After the bridge, turn right to trailhead. Use the Cherry Lake South topographic quad for mapped directions.
