Winter is the perfect time to go exploring in the woods. With the leaves off the trees, you can see things that are often hidden. The snakes are in hibernation and there aren’t any spiders spinning webs for you to unexpectedly wander into. The crowds are gone and the temperature allows for heavy physical exertion without worrying about heat exhaustion.
With all of these benefits, we set off in search of 40 foot high Milton Bradley Falls. The trail starts directly across the river from The Green River Ranch. You can park in the gravel lot at the end of The Green River Ranch driveway or you can save a little hiking by pulling into Wilderness Tubing, making an immediate left, and driving down the gravel access road till it ends in a small parking area.
The trail begins as gravel double-track. In spring and summer this portion of the hike experiences a profusion of wildflowers. Autumn brings about a burst of red, yellow, and orange fall leaves. Not to be outdone, winter produces needle ice also referred to as ice flowers.
Above: Side View of Needle Ice
Below: Looking Down from Above
About a mile in, the road splits. The path to the right goes to Little Bradley Falls. Chances are you haven’t seen anyone, but if you have, this is likely the way they went. However, WE are after a hidden gem and therefor we will go left. As soon as you do, grab your hiking buddy and give em a great big smooch because way up above you is an oversize ball of mistletoe.
In about another ½ mile, the gravel road drops right down into the creek. There is no way to cross without getting wet. I recommend taking off your shoes and socks, rolling up your paint legs, taking a deep breath (because the water is sure to take your breath away), and crossing here where the water isn’t even calf deep. About 20 feet upstream the river is significantly narrower, but be forewarned, it is also thigh deep. Once on the other side, have a seat, dry off your feet (you did bring a small towel didn’t you), and then continue.
Almost immediately you will enter a series of fields. During this time of year they are mostly planted with clover as a cover crop. Continue through the fields until you reach the far right corner, which is the entrance to the forest. Up until now, it has been pretty easy going. For the final 3/4ths of a mile it’s still not too hard, but there is no “best” path. Most of the time you should be able to pick out a faint trail, but it comes and it goes. This is your opportunity to get creative and literally take the path less followed. Do you prefer to scramble through a little brush, rock hop along the river’s edge, step over downed trees? As long as you stay bounded by the mountainside your right, and Little Cove Creek on your left, you will reach your destination. And what a destination it is!
A Word of Caution. Dress wisely. You will spend about half your time in broad daylight and the other half in the shade of the mountains and trees. The waterfall viewing area receives very little sun. We strongly recommend a wicking layer tight against your skin, followed by an insulating layer such as a nice fleece, and a windproof, water resistant, breathable shell over the top. Be to sure to also bring a hat, gloves, and a small hand towel for drying your feet. Finally, wear something orange (and put an orange vest on your dog if you have one). You will be hiking through the Green River Gamelands and this hike goes through an area popular with hunters.
This hike is about 5 miles round trip. With only 300’ of elevation change, it is fairly level. The last 1,000’, however, does require a little scrambling and it will likely be covered with wet leaves and tree roots. Expect all rocks (boulders) to be slick.