Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
600.00 ft (182.88 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
4.00 mi (6.44 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Access to the Contour Trail is located roughly where the Waterfall Loop Trail switches back toward the parking lot. A picnic area called "Myrtle Flats" can be found just past this point, and it is the starting point for this adventure. From here, you have the option to take a 0.3-mile detour down the Black Rock Falls Trail. This waterfall may or may not be flowing depending on the time of year and rainfall this area has received. 

If you're in the mood to get your heart pumping, take the half-mile trek to Knobcone Point. This 500-foot climb can be found just past the Black Rock Falls access and has a great view along the way. Once you reach the top of Knobcone Point, a flat, shaded picnic area with one table can be found. 

Contour Trail heads up the ravine and then switches back as it hugs the side of the canyon. A quarter mile up this trail (or 1.5 miles from Alec Canyon Trail) is where Swanton Creek crosses the trail. This crossing may not be accessible during high water flow. This section is a moderate hike with some steep climbing involved. Contour Trail connects to Alec Canyon Trail to continue the loop back to the park. This last leg of the journey is fairly steep with a few switchbacks that descend nearly 400 feet in less than a half mile. 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

General Day Use Fee

Pros

Beautiful hike. Great view.

Cons

Some waterfalls may not be flowing.

Trailhead Elevation

1,100.00 ft (335.28 m)

Features

Bird watching
Wildlife
Big vistas
Wildflowers

Location

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

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