A sandy trail aside a short series of cascades leads to Mist Falls, one of Kings Canyon National Parks largest waterfalls, where the South Fork of the Kaweah River drops 100 feet over a granite incline.

Mist Falls is a fantastic introductory hike in Sequoia/Kings. From the Big Stump Entrance to King's Canyon National Park, take Highway 180 towards Grant Grove and Road's  End. Follow the highway north and then east as it dips deep into the  canyon.

Follow the Highway to the appropriately named "Road's End." Park and start your hike next to the Wilderness Ranger Station that issues back-country permits for backpackers. Hikers do not need to stop.

A loop can be made of this hike by crossing the footbridge on the way down and walking back along the Southern bank of the King's River.  Generally the falls are most stunning in the spring, but be careful. Rocks near the  waterfall are slippery and dangerous if proper caution is not taken.

Plan on about four hours for this 8 mile hike. Beyond the waterfall the canyon flattens into Paradise Valley--a popular camping spot.