Overview
Glenariff’s Waterfall Walk is among the best short hikes in County Antrim, and it’s the reason to come. The largest of the Nine Glens of Antrim — nicknamed the Queen of the Glens — is a U-shaped valley carved by Ice-Age glaciers, running from the Antrim plateau down to the coastal village of Waterfoot. At its centre is Glenariff Forest Park, over 1,000 hectares of planted conifer, native birch, open glen and small lakes, and the gateway to a National Nature Reserve protecting a dense carpet of mosses, liverworts and ferns. The timber boardwalk through the gorge was first built about a century ago and carefully reconstructed since, so it brings you within metres of the falls. If you have a couple of hours and one choice to make, make it the Waterfall Walk.
History & Landscape
The Irish name Gleann Airimh translates to “valley of the ploughman”. For centuries, the glen’s sheltered floor supported a traditional “ladder farm” system, where families held strips of land across the lowlands, glen sides, and upland pastures. Seventeenth-century records document these tightly knit farming communities. Medieval presence is still visible nearby at Red Bay Castle, a tower house built by the Bisset family and later held by the McDonnells until Cromwell’s forces destroyed it in 1652. Today, the Northern Ireland Forest Service manages the park, balancing sustainable timber production with public recreation and habitat protection. The exceptional botanical diversity earned part of the glen its National Nature Reserve designation.
Walking Trails & What to See
The forest park offers a network of marked routes suited to different fitness levels and timeframes:
- Waterfall Walk (≈3 km / 1.5 mi): The flagship boardwalk route climbs through the gorge, passing three waterfalls. The twin Ess na Larach (Mare’s Tail) and Ess na Crub (Fall of the Hooves) drop over ancient bedrock, while a smaller cascade tumbles further downstream. Raised viewing platforms bring you within metres of the spray and fern-clad rock faces.
- Scenic Trail (≈9 km / 5.9 mi): A longer loop that follows the Inver River up to the Garron Plateau. The climb rewards walkers with sweeping views across the Antrim plateau and, on clear days, a distant glimpse of Scotland’s Mull of Kintyre.
- Viewpoint Trail (≈1 km / 0.6 mi): A short, gentle loop that rises to a natural overlook, ideal for families or visitors who want panoramic glen views without a long hike.
- Rainbow Trail (≈0.6 km / 0.4 mi): A quick detour from the Waterfall Walk that crosses the Rainbow Bridge and follows the riverbank. Perfect for a brief nature break or photographing the gorge from a different angle.
- Glenariff River Walk (≈3 km linear): Begins at Carnneill Park in Waterfoot and follows the Glenariff River to Greenaghan Cottage, linking the forest park to the coastal promenade and beach.
- Moyle Way (Long-distance): The long-distance Moyle Way passes through Glenariff Forest Park and continues north to Ballycastle. Hikers can join it here for a stretch of waterfalls and woodland before heading toward the Causeway Coast.
Wildlife & Conservation
The humid microclimate of the gorge creates ideal conditions for several species of conservation concern. Keep an eye on the canopy for red squirrels, which remain one of the UK’s most vulnerable native mammals. Hen harriers frequently hunt over the open glen and plateau edges, while the Irish hare is commonly seen on the heather-covered slopes at dawn and dusk. The National Nature Reserve status protects the understory, where rare liverworts and ancient fern species thrive in the constant mist from the waterfalls.
Facilities & Camping
- Visitor Centre & Tea-House: Open 09:00–17:00 (seasonal variations apply). Serves hot drinks, light meals and provides trail maps.
- Picnic & Barbecue Areas: Scattered throughout the park with tables and grills.
- Showers & Toilets: Separate male and female facilities, plus a fully accessible unisex shower and toilet. Showers are token-operated (tokens available from the duty ranger).
- Laundry: Washing and drying machines available 09:00–21:00 (tokens required).
- Camping / Touring Vehicle Site: Open mid-March to early November. Only touring vehicles (caravans, motorhomes, camper-vans, trailer-tents) are permitted. Pitches are tarmac-surfaced with adjacent grassed areas for awnings. There are no full-time staff on site, so pre-booking is essential — arrive without it and you can’t get through the gate, which works on a supplied PIN code.
- Accessibility: Disabled parking and accessible toilets are provided. Most boardwalk sections are wheelchair-friendly, though the Waterfall Walk includes steep steps that limit full access.
- Play-Park: Currently closed for repairs (as of 2026).
Getting There
- By car: The main entrance is on Glenariff Road (A43). Car-park gates operate 08:00–dusk. Walking in is free, but parking is £5 per car — the one real cost of a visit.
- Bus: Ulsterbus route 150 runs between Ballymena and Waterfoot (Monday–Saturday) and stops at the front entrance gate.
- Cycling: Accessible via the A43, though some boardwalk sections are not suitable for bicycles.
- Foot traffic: The forest is open 24 hours for walkers. Vehicle access may be temporarily restricted during forestry operations.
Practical Tips for Visitors
- Footwear: Wear sturdy, waterproof shoes with good grip. The boardwalk can be slippery when wet, and the Waterfall Walk includes uneven steps.
- Weather: Conditions in the gorge change quickly. Bring a waterproof jacket and layers, even in summer.
- Booking: Group walks, guided tours and campsite reservations can be arranged online via the Forest Service or by contacting the Garvagh Forest Office.
- Pets: Dogs are welcome on the trails but must be kept under control. They must be leashed in the National Nature Reserve area to protect ground-nesting birds.
- Biosecurity: Follow signage regarding tree disease prevention and forestry safety. Vehicles may be redirected temporarily during harvesting or maintenance.
Before heading out, check the Forest Service website for any temporary track closures due to harvesting, and book your campsite PIN well in advance during summer weekends.