See three waterfalls in one day when you hike beyond Troll Falls to Marmot Falls and Upper Falls.
Troll Falls Trail is a family favorite with minimal elevation gain, shelter from the wind and sun, and a beautiful waterfall at the end. If you’re game for a longer hike, continue on to Marmot Falls and Upper Falls. While it’s a relatively easy hike in summer, expect the trail to be packed down and icy in winter; especially the section between Troll Falls and Upper Falls. Go midweek to avoid the crowds if you can!
Route Description
Begin the hike at Troll Falls Trailhead and take Troll Falls Trail to the Upper Falls junction (Look for the “Upper Falls” sign about 100 metres before Troll Falls). Cross the bridge and climb the short but steep hill, following the trail markers to a series of pretty cascades. The trail ends at beautiful Upper Falls, also known as Double Falls. While there are even more waterfalls along Marmot Creek, they require going offtrail, so it is best to consult Gillean Daffern’s Kananaskis Country Trail Guide Volume 1 (Amazon affiliate link) in order to find them safely. We turned back at the “End of Upper Waterfall Route” sign and returned the way we came. For a slightly longer, but scenic loop, return via Hay Meadow.
The trail to Troll Falls is sports stroller friendly but can get quite bumpy during periods of melting and freezing. A baby carrier/backpack and microspikes are recommended for the trail to Upper Falls (narrow and has stairs).
Troll Falls/Upper Falls at a Glance
- Distance: 1.7 km to Troll Falls + 1 km to Upper Falls
- Elevation Gain: 150 m
- Difficulty: Easy to Troll Falls, moderate to Upper Falls with some exposure (keep kids away from the edge).
- Duration: Allow 2-3 hours round trip with kids.
Know Before You Go
- A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to park in Kananaskis. Purchase your pass online at https://www.alberta.ca/kananaskis-conservation-pass.aspx.
- There have been serious accidents in this area (falls from cliffs), so please stay on the trail and away from the edge of the cliffs.
- This popular trail gets packed down and icy in the shoulder season, so traction devices such as Kahtoola Microspikes (Available from Amazon and MEC), or Hillsound Trail Crampons (Available at Amazon and Sport Chek) are recommended.
What to Bring
Disclosure: This section includes affiliate links through which I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting our small family business!
Good hiking boots, a down hoody/fleece, toque, gloves, and windproof/waterproof shell are recommended year round.
For winter hiking, we recommend traction devices such as Kahtoola Microspikes (Available from Amazon and MEC), or Hillsound Trail Crampons (Available at Amazon and Sport Chek) and trekking poles with snow baskets. Base layers, insulated winter boots, a down jacket and windproof/waterproof shell (or insulated ski jacket/parka), gloves or mittens, and toque are cold weather must-haves.
- See our fall/winter hiking gear guide for product recommendations.
- For snowshoeing, see our Snowshoeing Gear List.
You should also carry The Ten Essentials including: water, extra food, extra clothes, a headlamp, a GPS/satellite communicator (or compass) and map of the area, sunscreen (this one is safe for babies), bug spray (this one contains 20% icaridin and will repel ticks), and bear spray. Carry bear spray in a Frontiersman Bear Spray Holster or Scat Belt.
Getting Here
Click here for Google Maps Directions to Troll Falls parking lot. It’s about 1 hr 15 mins from Calgary.
Enjoy the hike and let me know which Marmot Creek waterfall is your favorite!
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