Updated July 2026
Mist Falls
Mist Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in Kings Canyon National Park, where the South Fork of the Kings River cascades over granite. It is reached by a popular day hike from Roads End in the Cedar Grove area.
Before you go
Waterfalls are hazardous by nature — wet rock, cold water, and unstable edges — and flow varies enormously with season and recent rain. Trail figures here describe the route as documented, not conditions today. Check National Park Service for closures and current conditions, and confirm land status before setting out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mist Falls drops about 45 feet. That makes it the 452nd-tallest documented waterfall in this inventory, taller than roughly 34% of the falls listed here. Height comes from published land-manager and survey records, not from our own measurement.
The Mist Falls Trail (Paradise Valley Trail) reaches it about 8 miles (out-and-back) with roughly 800 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate. The nearest town is Cedar Grove. That describes the route as documented, not conditions on the day — check with National Park Service for closures and current conditions.
late spring to early summer. Waterfall flow swings enormously with snowmelt and recent rain, so a fall that roars in spring can be a trickle by late summer.
More California waterfalls
- Alamere Falls · 40 ft
- Bassi Falls · 109 ft
- Berry Creek Falls · 70 ft
- Big Falls · 500 ft
- Bridalveil Fall · 617 ft
- Burney Falls · 129 ft
- Carlon Falls · 35 ft
- Cascade Falls · 200 ft
Sources
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