Mammoth in Yellowstone National Park in Park County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)
Brink of Lower Falls
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, July 24, 2011
1. Brink of Lower Falls Marker
Sculpting Lower Falls
Reaching the Brink of Lower Falls overlook requires hiking a steep trail that winds down the canyon wall…a wall of hardened rhyolite lava…a wall exposed by the Yel1owstone River while excavating the canyon.
Below Lower Falls, volcanic heat and gases soften the rhyolite rock. The river carves more quickly there than upstream—sculpting a ledge and creating a waterfall.
Welcome to Brink of Lower falls
The steep, winding path to the Brink of Lower Falls overlook descends very rapidly about 600 feet (180 m) in 3/8 mile (0.6 km). You will encounter very steep grades, slippery gravel, and rough surfaces. Wear sturdy walking shoes with good tread. Take plenty of water with you.
At the brink, you will have a "bird's eye" view of the Yellowstone river thundering over the edge.
The return trip is a steep difficult, uphill climb. Allow plenty of time to rest as you enjoy your surroundings.
Stay safe! Do not leave designated trails ofr overlooks!
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At the edge there is a flash of diamond and emerald, then the whole descending surface breaks into a tissue of frosted silver, and with a tremendous roar, re-echoed from the huge cliffs of the Canyon, becomes mixed with the iridescent cloud of spray
this page online
Thomas Henry Thomas, 1884
This exhibit made possible by a generous grant from The Yellowstone Association
Erected by The Yellowstone Association.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Features. A significant historical year for this entry is 1884.
Location. 44° 43.165′ N, 110° 29.849′ W. Marker is in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, in Park County. It is in Mammoth. Marker can be reached from North Rim Drive, 0.1 miles east of Grand Loop Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Yellowstone National Park WY 82190, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Still Venting After All These Years (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Geologic Junction (approx. 0.2 miles away); Uncle Tom’s Trail (approx. ¼ mile away); Uncle Tom’s Point (approx. 0.3 miles away); Upper Falls of the Yellowstone River (approx. 0.4 miles away); Brink of Upper Falls (approx. 0.4 miles away); Waterfall Makers (approx. half a mile away); Lookout Point (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Yellowstone National Park.
More about this marker. On the top right is a photo with the caption, "A full view of Lower Falls can be seen from Lookout Point and Artist Point."
On
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, July 24, 2011
2. Brink of Lower Falls Marker
Also see . . . Yellowstone National Park. National Park Service (Submitted on July 30, 2011.)
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, July 24, 2011
3. View of Upper Falls from the trail
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, Dan Fisher
4. View of Lower Falls from Uncle Tom's Trail
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, July 24, 2011
5. View of Uncle Tom's Trail across the canyon
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 30, 2011, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 877 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 30, 2011, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 4. submitted on August 1, 2011, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 5. submitted on July 30, 2011, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.
