Rim Trail

The Rim Trail at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park provides a gentle overview of the spectacular canyon carved by Burney Creek and its famous spring-fed waterfall, following the canyon rim through mixed conifer forest with multiple overlook points above the falls and the creek below. This easy loop is an excellent option for families with young children, older visitors, or anyone seeking a less strenuous alternative to the steeper loop that descends to the base of Burney Falls. The rim perspective reveals the full scale of the waterfall and the canyon it has carved through the volcanic basalt plateau over thousands of years. Interpretive panels along the trail explain the unique geology and hydrology that produces the falls remarkable year-round flow, including the underground aquifer system in the porous lava rock that feeds the numerous springs visible in the canyon walls. Burney Creek flows through the canyon bottom far below, its turquoise color reflecting the clarity of the spring-fed water. Dense forest of ponderosa pine and white fir lines the trail, providing shade and supporting a rich bird community. The rim overlooks are particularly spectacular in early morning light when mist from the falls catches the sunlight. This trail connects easily with other park routes including the Burney Falls Loop for visitors wishing to extend their time in this extraordinary natural area.