Marble Falls
in Sequoia National Park
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The Marble Falls Trail starts from Potwisha Campground in the foothills region of Sequoia National Park, and makes for a perfect spring hike. The 8-mile round-trip trail takes a flower-lined path up a mountain canyon to a powerful falls. In April and May, much of the trail can be lined with flowers, giving hikers plenty to look at on the way to Marble Falls.
The trail starts near Potwisha’s campsite 14. For those who are not staying at the campground, there are a couple parking spots at the trailhead. If those are full, park in the large lot across the road from the campground.
The trail commences up a service road past a sign for Marble Falls. The Marble Fork of the Kaweah River can be seen and heard through the trees to the left. After a short distance, a posted arrow points up a single-track to the left. Turn up this new trail and stay on it for the rest of the hike, as it switches up the canyon wall and heads north toward the falls.
Wildflowers along the trail
The trail continues steadily uphill, weaving through a painter’s pallet of wildflowers. While it remains several hundred feet above the river, the rushing water will stay within earshot. The trail passes through chaparral, along rock faces, and through groves of bays. It is a sincere four miles to the falls. As the elevation increases, the vegetation becomes more alpine. After 2.5 miles, a prominent outcropping boasts a wide view up the canyon and at the raging creek below. From here, the trail continues to climb before finally leveling out near the falls.
Looking down the canyon
Marble Falls tumbles about seventy feet into a large pool. The river is wide and powerful and the thundering water echoes off the sheer canyon walls. The trail passes the falls and ends on a slab of white marble. Pause on the marble and take in the cacophony of the rushing torrents. If interested, continue up along the river a bit further to be treated to another waterfall that tumbles into a lively pool. There is faint trail to the upper falls and a bit of easy scrambling is required. This falls is shorter, but a more direct view is available, and it is no less picturesque.
Upper Marble Falls
The other good news is, the hike back is mostly all downhill. In the spring, when the temperatures in the foothills are accommodating and the river is flowing strong from the snow melt, this hike deserves to be on every itinerary.
To get to the trailhead: From Southern California, take the 5 North to the 99 North. After 96 miles, take the 198 East toward Visalia. The 198 leads right to the park, where it becomes the Generals Highway. An entrance fee is charged to access the park. Four miles into the park, cross over the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River and Potwisha Campground is on the left. There is parking across from the campground for those not staying at Potwisha.
Use the map below to create your own directions:
Nearby Trails
 | Tokopah Falls This gradual 3.4-mile hike visits the base of the tallest waterfall in Sequoia National Park. |
 | Paradise Creek This short stroll leaves Buckeye Flats Campground to visit the perfect swimming hole for a hot summer day in the Sierras. |
 | Panther Creek This 6-mile hike follows the Middle Fork Trail to a 100 foot waterfall that drops into the Middle Fork of Kaweah River. |
 | General Sherman Tree This one-mile hike visits the world’s biggest tree, a 275-foot tall Giant Sequoia that is 36.5 feet across at the base. |
 | Congress Loop This easy paved two mile loop visits the fourth and fifth tallest Sequoias in the world (among others). |
 | Sunset Rock This 2-mile hike visits a large granite dome with great views to the west, possibly the best place to end your day in the Giant Forest. |
 | Beetle Rock This short walk from the Giant Forest Museum to Beetle Rock visits a granite dome with great views and stunning sunsets. |
 | Crescent Meadow This level 1.6-mile loop visits a Sequoia you can stand inside (Chimney Tree) and another that someone used to live in (Tharp’s Log). |
 | Moro Rock This 0.6 mile hike sports panoramic views and should be considered a mandatory hike for first time visitors to Sequoia National Park. |
 | More trails in the Sierra Nevada Mountains Explore other destinations in Sequoia National Park and the rest of the range. |
Similar Trails
 | Chilnualna Falls in Yosemite National Park This 8-mile round trip hike ascends 2,200 feet past a raucous string of cascades to the top of a waterfall alongside Wawona Dome. |
 | Tangerine Falls in the Los Padres This 2.5-mile hike visits a beautiful waterfall on the edge of Los Padres National Forest near Santa Barbara. |
 | Rose Valley Falls in the Los Padres This 1-mile round trip trail leads to the lower tier of this two-tier 300 foot waterfall. From there one can scramble off trail to the much taller upper tier. |
 | Sturtevant Falls in the San Gabriel Mountains This 3.25-mile hike visits a 60-foot waterfall and a lush cottage-lined canyon. |
 | Fish Canyon Falls in the San Gabriel Mountains This 4-mile hike starts at a rock quarry with restricted access and ends up at a multi-tiered 80-foot waterfall. |
 | Escondido Falls in the Santa Monica Mountains This 3.8-mile out and back visits a 200 foot waterfall that is split into two tiers. The upper tier is 150 feet tall and stunning after a rainstorm. |
Camping
 | Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Campgrounds There are 14 campgrounds with over 1,000 total sites spread throughout the park to facilitate your visit. |
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good hike. just FYI you have to park across the street from the campground near the dump station and the trail starts across from campsite #14.