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Ideal summertime hike boasts refreshing waterfalls

By Hannah Ballard - Daily Herald - | Jun 28, 2013
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The cold water of Battlecreek Falls rushes over the cliff, seen from the top of the falls.

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The sun peeks from behind one side of Battlecreek Falls on Monday, June 24, 2013.

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The rocky cliffs seen from the bottom of Battlecreek Falls.

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A view of Battlecreek Falls among the lush, green trees scattered around the cliff.

Short and sweet with a nice reward, Battlecreek Falls is a 1.2-mile hike in Pleasant Grove. After a 10-minute drive from Provo, which involved getting lost multiple times and running over an unknown speed bump much too quickly (in my defense, it was hidden by shade), we made it to the trailhead located just past a huge water tank emblazoned with “Pleasant Grove.”

Though there were a few other families hiking up the trail on our way down, we were undisturbed by other visitors at 10 a.m. when we started. Though it was described to me as “similar to the Y mountain trail,” it was only a little steep just before the waterfall.

As we followed the stream toward the sound of splashing water, we headed to the top of the waterfall, which was complete with a beautiful view of the valley. The trail continued onward (for a few miles), and supposedly, this provides another view of the valley. I’m hoping to try this next time!

Before jaunting toward the bottom of the waterfall, I made sure to get as close as I could to the water rushing off the cliff. Though it was no Niagara Falls, by any means, watching the water fall off the cliff gave me a similar feeling. The rush of being so close to falling water!

We climbed down from the top and set ourselves in front of the waterfall. The water was cold — of course — but we got as close as we could to stand below the 20- to 25-foot waterfall, basking in the mist that soothed our hot hiking bodies. This was the perfect hike for a hot summer’s day.

Though the hike was a short hour and 15 minutes, it was a perfect morning hike and it seemed we weren’t the only ones with that idea. After heading down, we ran into a Boy Scout group and a few moms and their kids.

We were the only ones who hadn’t brought kids along this quick hike. Next time, I’ll bring some little cousins so that they, too, can enjoy the beauty (and brevity) of Battlecreek Falls.

Getting there:

Be sure to follow the directions to a tee. We ended up turning around too soon on the main road that brings you to the hike (200 South). 200 South is easiest to get to from State Street. Be sure to follow 200 South (in Pleasant Grove) all the way to the east side of town. If you see a small “Welcome to Pleasant Grove” sign, you are heading in the right direction. After the end of 200 South, turn right and the little road will bring you to the trailhead.

* A water bottle for each person

* Good hiking shoes (tennis shoes work just as well)

* Camera

* Clothes (and shoes) that you can get wet in

* Small snack if you have children with you

* Small backpack

http://www.utah.com/hike/battle-creek-falls-trail

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