Last updated on April 23rd, 2024 at 11:05 pm
The Troll Falls hike in Kananaskis is incredibly popular since it is fairly family friendly and suitable for a range of abilities. Much like the Johnston Canyon hike in Banff National Park, you can pick your own adventure. If you are looking for a shorter hike, head to the lower Troll Falls and turn around, if you are looking for more fun, complete the full loop which takes you to a further two waterfalls.
This mostly forested hike is not huge on the mountain views but makes for a lovely half day hike along a mostly wide and well maintained trail. The Troll Falls hike is popular year round, we completed it mid week in April and had the trail to ourselves, however during the weekends the parking lot can often fill up.
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The Troll Falls Hike
Distance to Lower Falls: 1.4km one way
Elevation gain: minimal
Distance from Lower Falls to Upper Falls: 0.9km return
Elevation gain: 70m
The Troll Falls hike starts from mid way down the left side of the parking lot, beside the washrooms. From here the trail goes through the trees, gaining a small amount of elevation, it goes up and down a bit and doesn’t offer much in the way of views but walking through the forest is very peaceful.
You’ll cross a small creek with a bridge and then you are almost at the junction. Keep left to head up to Troll Falls, it is clearly signposted and there is a bike rack as you can’t cycle all the way to Troll Falls. From the large junction it is a short walk to the lower Troll Falls.
When you get to Troll Falls, please respect the signage and stay within the wooden fences to avoid rockfall danger. Practice leave no trace and enjoy the views of this gorgeous waterfall.
Backtrack a short way on the Troll Falls hike and just where the wooden fencing strats is a bridge, cross the bridge and follow the trail which will link up with the path to the upper falls.
You’ll gain a bit of elevation and soon reach a junction, you can go right to the Upper Falls or left to Marmot Falls. The recommended route is to head to Marmot Falls first, this is a unique waterfall and in winter it can be possible to walk behind the frozen falls. Again pay attention to the signage to stay safe.
The Troll Falls hike continues by following the stairs up beside the Marmot Falls, once at the top, follow signs for the Upper Falls, a short walk through the trees will bring you back to the creek and there are a series of small falls. The Troll Falls hike ends at the Upper Falls and there is a sign indicating this.
When you are ready to head back, follow the same trail to the top of the staircase, you can then head left to follow the Upper Falls all the way back to just before the lower Troll Falls or you can go back the way you came.
Where Is The Trailhead
The Troll Falls hike trailhead is approximately 100 kilometers from Calgary. Turn off Highway 1 onto Highway 40 and head south for around 23 kilometers. Follow signs for Nakiska Ski Area and turn right off of Highway 40. A short drive along Mt Allen Drive and then a right onto Stoney Trail and the parking lot is right there.
The joy of the Troll Falls hike is that it is clearly signposted once you get off of Highway 40.
Since the Troll Falls hike is in Kananaskis, you’ll need to have a valid Kananaskis Conservation Pass to park at the trailhead. You can buy an annual pass or a day pass, either online or at an Alberta Parks Visitor Centre.
Items You Might Need
Since we completed the Troll Falls hike in winter after a fresh snowfall, we wore hiking boots. I love my La Sportiva Raptor 2 boots. They are ideal for any and all hiking adventures, lightweight but waterproof, a winning combination as far as I’m concerned.
The trail to the Upper Falls wasn’t as well trafficked, so wearing gaiters was incredibly useful to not get snow in the top of our boots! Helping keeps our socks dry and our lower legs warm!
Since the trail hadn’t seen too many other hikers since the snowfall we didn’t require spikes but we did have them with us since it quickly gets packed down and slippery on the steeper sections to the upper falls.
You are in bear country, always pack bear spray and know how to use it.
Where To Stay
We completed the Troll Falls hike while camping just down the road at Mount Kidd RV Park. They are open year round and offer site types to suit everyone. There are coin showers and a small shop selling essentials on site as well.
If camping isn’t your thing but you are budget conscious, check out the Kananaskis Wilderness Hostel for a rustic experience, perfect for solo travelers.
Alternatively close to the Troll Falls hike is the Pomeroy Kananaskis Lodge, a beautiful hotel with a luxurious feel. There is also a nordic spa next door.
