The Bighorn River and the waterfalls are extremely dangerous with fast flowing, cold water and a strong undertow. Drowning and severe injury have occurred. Stay behind fences and barricades for your safety.
Advisories and Closures ()
Effective Date: October 7, 2025 - Until Further Notice
Where: Crescent Falls Day Use , Crescent Falls Campground , Crescent Falls PRA , Information & Facilities
Details: Due to hazardous seasonal road conditions, the vehicle gates to the day use area are now closed for the season. The upper parking lot will remain open, the access road and upper parking lot are routinely plowed for vehicle access. Crescent Falls Day Use Area remains open but is limited to foot traffic only. The campground is closed for the season.
Come enjoy the magnificent waterfalls at Crescent Falls Provincial Recreation Area, located 22 km west of Nordegg on Highway 11 and 6 km north on a gravel access road. This park includes newly renovated viewing platforms at the Day Use Area to safely view the waterfalls and a small, well-treed campground with 9 walk-in tent sites and 21 RV campsites.
The Day Use Area has a new staircase that leads to several newly renovated platforms for visitors to safely enjoy the views of the falls.
In order to maintain public safety, the area above and below the waterfalls are managed as a special protective zone and access is prohibited. Stay in the day use areas, designated trails and behind fences and barricades at all times for your safety.
Visitors must park at the upper parking lot, where a new trail leads to the day use area. The trail is 800 metres in length and has an elevation gain of 66 metres and is rated moderate to expert skill level due to the incline.
There is no general parking near the waterfalls or within the campground. A drop off zone is available near the platform, along with designated parking stalls for those with an accessible parking placard. This area is inaccessible in the winter.
Camping
Fishing
Hiking - Front Country
Equestrian
Geocaching
Hiking: The Bighorn Canyon Trail rewards hikers with elevated views of both sets of waterfalls along the trail. It begins at the day use area near the viewing platforms. The trail is approximately 3 kilometres long (one-way) and rated to be a moderate hike due to the steep cliff edge. The end of the trail overlooks Bighorn Canyon at a viewpoint. Return the way you came. Please be cautious when hiking and ensure you have proper footwear.
Equestrian: The Bighorn Meadows Equestrian Access Trail is a 1 kilometre trail that provides access through the Park to the Bighorn Canyon and Meadows backcountry equestrian trail. The trail starts on the west side of the road below the upper parking lot. Equestrian use is not permitted outside of this access trail.