Scenic Views · Fishing · Alberta
Crescent Falls
A two-tier waterfall on the Bighorn River west of Nordegg, with new viewing platforms, a small campground and a canyon trail. Expect a walk from the upper parking lot and no cell service.
What visitors say
Crescent Falls is a pair of waterfalls on the Bighorn River, one pouring into the next, in Crescent Falls Provincial Recreation Area west of Nordegg. Visitors call it one of the more impressive falls in Alberta, and several were surprised by its size. After rain or during runoff the water can run brown.
Alberta Parks has rebuilt the viewing area, and reviewers notice the new platforms, railings and stairs. The stairs are optional but give a closer look at the falls. There are picnic tables at the day-use area. General parking is up top, so most people walk about a kilometre down through mossy forest, which means an uphill walk back. There's a drop-off loop near the platforms, and accessible parking close to them.
Past the platforms, the Bighorn Canyon trail runs about 3 km along the cliff edge to a canyon viewpoint with views back over both falls. The campground has 30 sites along the river, and one camper noted a 25-foot unit limit. The Bighorn River is open to angling in season under Alberta's regulations, with a bait ban.
There's no cell service, so download directions before you go. The canyon trail runs close to steep drops, so keep children close.
Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 441 Google reviews. Conditions and rules change — check current park, access and fishing regulations before you go.