McLean Falls Walk

The McLean Falls Walk is a short hike located in Catlins Forest Park. This trail brings you to multiple waterfalls. These falls are named after Alexander McLean who was a farmer from Invercargill. The trail is mostly dirt but has a few sections of boardwalk and wooden stairs. This out and back hike is 1 mile long and gains 200 feet of elevation. 

This hike starts from the McLean Falls car park. There are bathrooms at the trailhead. Begin hiking north on McLean Falls Walk. After 0.1 miles, you come to a junction with Tautuku Hut Track. Head right to stay in McLean Falls Walk. You will be hiking through a lush rainforest near the Tautuku River. Another 0.2 miles will bring you to a bridge over the river. 

Continue hiking gradually uphill through the forest. After 0.2 miles you will come to the first waterfall. This is the shortest waterfall. Shortly after, you will reach another waterfall. From here, head up a set of stairs to reach McLean Falls. This is the final set of waterfalls. This waterfall is 22 meters tall and continues to drop down many short steps. After you have taken in the beauty of this spectacular cascading waterfall, turn around and retrace your steps to return to the car park. 

Catlins Forest Park is open for hiking year round. There are no associated fees to hike here. Dogs are allowed on this trail as long as they are on a leash. The McLean Falls Walk is a top notch hike for all adventurers who find themselves in the area of the Catlins Forest Park.