The waterfall was closed on my Maple Creek hike and I'm still annoyed

I planned this whole trip to Maple Creek Loop just to see the waterfall at the end. Got there early, packed a lunch, everything was set. But right before the waterfall view, there's this big fence and a tiny paper sign saying 'Area Closed.' No warning online or anything. Had to turn around and hike back the same way I came, which felt pointless. All that effort for nothing, and my feet were sore from the extra miles. Why even list the trail if the main attraction is blocked off? Next time I'm calling the ranger station first, but it still bugs me. Just a waste of a good morning if you ask me.

3 comments

3 Comments

brooket434d agoMost Upvoted

Maple Creek finally made me check trail reports first.

barbara_butler805d ago

How come stuff like this always happens when you're really looking forward to it? I once drove two hours to a state park and forgot my hiking boots, so I hiked in sandals like a total goof. My feet were blistered for days, and I felt so silly. At least you were prepared, but that tiny sign after all that effort is just rude. Why don't they warn people online? Makes me want to double-check everything now, but it's still a letdown.

matthew8784d ago

Exactly! @barbara_butler80, that's the worst kind of surprise. You do everything right, check the weather, pack your gear, and then some little thing they didn't bother to post online wrecks the whole trip. It feels like a slap in the face after all that excitement and driving. Those small letdowns can ruin a whole day you were looking forward to for weeks. Managers of these places really need to update their websites with basic info, it's not that hard. Stuff like this just makes people not want to go back.