Tag: Battlecreek Falls

Waterfall Week – Battlecreek Falls in Pleasant Grove, Utah with The Kid Project and GoAdventureMom

This last week the tots and I explored three amazing waterfalls, all within a 40 minute drive of our house. The first falls of Waterfall Week was Battlecreek Falls – a favorite of mine that I got to share with some great blogging friends – Alyssa from The Kid Project and Kathy from GoAdventureMom.

The great thing about connecting with other outdoor moms is that they get it. They understand that getting young children out in nature isn’t easy, but like me they believe it’s worth it even through the dirt, tears and mishaps.

And this adventure had several mishaps.

1. My spray sunblock could’ve doubled as mace. The faulty tip made a powerful five foot spray that hit my eyes and that of Alyssa’s son (sorry again), ruined my shirt and overall did little to protect against the sun.

2. Rumbling sounds and dark clouds were not enough to keep us from hiking to the falls, and incidentally the hike ended in pouring rain and crying kids.

3. Little g said “I wanna walk!” but would then stop to examine every pebble and bug, forcing me to strap her screaming into a MobyWrap for the majority of the trip.

4. Nature called for Big E, forcing us to use a trailside toilet AKA a boulder behind some bushes.

5. Little g ate cherries, dug in dirt and played in the blackened remains of a fire pit leaving her looking like this.

Even with the misadventure parts of this adventure, watching my son run with delight through the trees, or proudly show off a bug he found reminded me of why I bother. It’s this. Being outdoors with my kids brings me joy, and sharing that joy with other moms makes it all the more joyful. Thanks Kid Project and GoAdventureMom for a great outdoor adventure!

Battlecreek Falls
Getting there: In Pleasant Grove follow 200 South toward the mountains. The road becomes Battlecreek Drive and dead ends at the trail head.
Length: 1 mile out and back
Difficulty: Moderate. The rocky trail follows a stream for much of the way but there are some steep sections that are tough with kids.
Tips: Bring other kids along to help entertain and encourage yours!

Battlecreek Falls, Pleasant Grove, Utah

Water is one thing I always look for when hiking with my tots. I don’t know if the rushing sound is calming to their nerves, or exciting for their senses but one thing’s for sure, my tots LOVE the water. That’s why Battlecreek Falls hike was such fun.
Not only did this short hike follow a meandering stream most of the way, but the end result was the playful Battlecreek Falls. The tots and I joined our friends from Rocky Mountain Mammas on the wide, rocky trail. We gained elevation gradually, walking through dense foliage in some parts, and over running water in others. Near the falls, a small cave appeared in the wall of the mountain, which my tots were a little too timid to explore. 

The main attraction of the hike is Battlecreek Falls, a waterfall approximately forty feet high. Big E was happy running around and throwing rocks, like always. Little g, on the other hand, only wanted to be in my arms when we were at the falls. Perhaps the pounding sounds of water, or the cool spray on her face scared her. To me, the refreshing spray felt great after the uphill hike.
   

Hiking down from Battlecreek Falls, we got a great view of Utah Valley. Following the water, we ended up at a large pool near the beginning of the trail, where Big E and little g would’ve been content to stay all day, throwing in rocks and watching them splash.


Over all this was a great hike for kids. It was short, fun and had a great waterfall to enjoy. 

Battlecreek Falls
Rating: 4 stars
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: Approximately 1 mile
Tips: Put your toddler in a baby carrier. Why did I think she would walk the whole way?