The Crescent Falls of the Bighorn River cascade down a tall rockface and into a whirling pool before the water plummets yet again over a shorter cliff and down into the deep Bighorn Canyon.
A trip to the day use area and picnic sites will offer incredible views of both sets of waterfalls. Plus, even closer views, especially of the second falls, are available from a scenic and moderate hiking trail. No matter how you choose to view the Crescent Falls, Alberta Parks has made recent updates to all viewing areas to make each more accessible and safer for all visitors.
Here are the top ways to make the most of your trip to Crescent Falls Provincial Recreation Area:
The Best Views of Crescent Falls
Recently, the Crescent Falls day use area has received several improvements to enhance the best and safest views of both sets of falls. The first viewing area from the day use parking lot involves a quick walk to the first viewing platform, which is set out a bit from the cliff to offer an eagle-eye view over both waterfalls. The first viewing area is wheelchair accessible.
The second viewing area for Crescent Falls will require a hike along part of the Bighorn Canyon Trail. This part of the trail follows a fence that lines the steep cliffs and leads to another platform, which gets you better views of the second waterfall. This area also offers a look up to the first waterfall, and the large pool in which it empties.
A 6km out-and-back trail follows the Bighorn Canyon from a small parking lot to the Crescent Falls PRA day use area. The trail is considered moderate due to its elevation changes and a few sections with steep drop-offs. There are incredible views looking down over the Bighorn Canyon for about half of the trail, while other sections wind through the forests. There is also a stunning view of Crescent Falls from about halfway through the trail, which gets both waterfalls in the view, as well as the river, and the surrounding mountains or hills.
Picnics at Crescent Falls
The Recreation Area has two main parking lots, with the first parking lot about 1km from the waterfall and day use area. Both the first parking lot, and the day use area near the falls have space for picnics. This includes access to picnic tables, outhouses, and the trails around Crescent Falls. Those travelling in from the east will have several options for picnic snacks and foods from places in Rocky Mountain House or the handful of takeout spots in Nordegg.
More Trails near Crescent Falls
David Thompson County is a hiker’s paradise with numerous trails that lead in all directions from the main Highway 11. This includes trails to the south near Abraham Lake, as well as more excellent trails between Nordegg and Crescent Falls.
- The Tershishner Creek and Falls trail is a short drive south of Crescent Falls from the David Thompson Highway. From the trailhead, it is about 1.7km to the Tershishner Falls, which empties into a small and shallow pool on Tershishner Creek. Head a bit further south along the Lake shores for a second waterfall hike along the Allstones Creek. Reaching the waterfall is a moderate 2.4km out-and-back, while a hike to Allstones Lake will create a tougher 10.4km trek. The Allstones Lake trail will provide sweeping and unbeatable views of Abraham Lake.
- Both the Goldeye and Shunda Lake (near Highway 11) between Nordegg and Crescent Falls offer a range of hiking opportunities with simple and gentle trails, to the more challenging trails of up to 10.5km. Both lakes are also excellent picnic spots!
- Any one of these trails or parks will offer great wildlife viewing opportunities with bighorn sheep commonly spotted right on Highway AB-11.
Camping near the Falls
The small campground at Crescent Falls Provincial Recreation Area is a short walk from views over the top of the first set of falls. A second camping area is located upriver from the falls in a slightly quieter area. And with the Alberta Parks 3-month booking window, these campsites are now available to book for summer camping dates. The campground offers nine sites for tents only, and 21 sites for RVs and trailers. A trip here offers a bit more of a rustic camping experience with basic facilities like picnic tables, firepits, and outhouses.
Planning Your Trip – Crescent Falls Provincial Recreation Area
What: The 27m tall Crescent Falls are at the heart of the Provincial Recreation Area. The two-tiered waterfall is part of the Bighorn River, where a large canyon has been carved out over time. Crescent Falls Provincial Recreation Area is also a few kilometres upriver from the Bighorn River’s confluence with the North Saskatchewan River and the expansive Abraham Lake.
The Recreation Area has picnic areas, hiking trails, and winter trails open year-round, while the campground is open from spring to fall.
Summer Adventures in David Thompson Country, Nordegg & Rocky Mountain House
Location and how to get there: 6.5km west of David Thompson Highway/AB-11 at the Crescent Falls PRA sign/Bighorn Service
27km southwest of Nordegg; 78km northeast of Saskatchewan River Crossing
Cost: day use free; camping $28 per night
Best time to go: camping open May 2 – October 4, 2025
For more information:
Crescent Falls Provincial Recreation Area