Sluice Box Trail North Section

Dogs Off-leash

Features Birding · Cave · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Spring · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Bring shoes that you don't mind getting dirty and leave on for the crossings. They are close enough together that it is a pain to take shoes on and off. On the way back, there are two choices take the cliff side or the high line trail. Neither are much longer or difficult. If you elect the cliff side trail be prepared for exposure. At time, you may come across people in rafts and kayaks floating down.

The trail starts at the lower parking lot as soon as you cross the bridge. Just after the start, the trail splits, and you can go either way. To the left is far less traveled and gives you more privacy as this is a popular hike; to the right is a much wider path. About 0.5 miles in you'll come to the first of four river crossings. Keep in mind that the river changes very fast depending on the amount of rain and what season it is.

The second crossing is the deepest and flowing the fastest (waist deep when I went through). Each area provides a great place to swim and cool down. After the fourth crossing, take the trail heading up the cliff side and it will come out at the upper parking lot. It's 1.5 miles down a dirt road back to the lower lot. The trail does continue and go deeper into the Sluice Boxes.

Return to the trailhead via Evans Riceville Road.