Glenariffe Road, Ballymena, County Antrim BT44 0QX, Northern Ireland
Glenariff Forest Park
Forest recreation landscape
Place photograph
7.8
Wildland
Half day
Time
Check
Cost
Wild
Feel
Why it's Wildland
7.8A wooded Antrim glen where riverside paths lead into a steep gorge and a series of waterfalls.
The appeal here is unusually concentrated: a forest landscape, gorge-side walking and multiple waterfalls, with a designated nature reserve adding ecological interest. It offers more than a simple woodland stroll, though trail conditions and current facilities should be checked before setting out.
Wild · Dramatic
Find your way
Open mapGlenariffe Road, Ballymena, County Antrim BT44 0QX, Northern Ireland
Opening map…
Know this place a little better?
The experience
Come for the forest-and-waterfall landscape. The supplied sources describe riverside trails, a gorge boardwalk and waymarked walks, including the Waterfall Walk. Confirm route conditions and facilities before visiting.
Things to do
Follow the Waterfall Walk
Explore a waymarked walk associated with the park’s series of waterfalls. Confirm the current route, conditions and duration before setting off.
Walk beside the river and through the gorge
The supplied source describes riverside trails and a timber boardwalk through a steep gorge. Check which sections are currently open and suitable for your ability.
Look for mosses and ferns
The supplied source identifies mosses and ferns among the nature reserve’s notable wildlife and habitat interests.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Check current route duration before setting out
Quick Escape: Waterfall Walk
- 01
Start from the forest park access point and follow the signed Waterfall Walk if open.
- 02
Take in the gorge and waterfall scenery from the designated route.
- 03
Return by the signed route; check its length, surface and current conditions before starting.
Half day · Half day; confirm walking time against current route information
Make a Half Day of It: Forest, Gorge and Waterfalls
- 01
Choose a waymarked walk suited to your time and ability.
- 02
Follow the riverside sections and take in the gorge and waterfalls where the route allows.
- 03
Pause to notice the reserve’s mosses and ferns.
- 04
Check current facilities and route conditions before travelling.
Hidden details
Notice the gorge’s plant life — Mosses and ferns are specifically noted in the supplied description of the designated nature reserve; look for them along the route without leaving marked paths.
When to go
· Not established by the supplied sources.
The supplied sources do not identify seasonal highlights or a best visiting period for the forest walks.
Check current weather and trail conditions before travelling; the supplied sources do not specify route conditions in particular weather.
The route
- waymarking
- Waymarked walks are reported; check current signage and route details.
- start point
- Glenariff Forest Park; confirm the current route start point before visiting.
- parking start
- The source row reports a wheelchair-accessible car park. Confirm current parking arrangements and the relevant trail start.
- Riverside trails
- A steep gorge and timber boardwalk, as described by the supplied source
- A series of waterfalls
- A designated nature reserve noted for mosses and ferns
What to look for
The sequence of waterfalls and the change from riverside forest paths to the steep gorge setting. The supplied source also identifies mosses and ferns as notable features of the nature reserve.
Best time to go
Check locally for current trail conditions and seasonal facilities; no specific best season is confirmed by the supplied sources.
No specific time of day is established by the supplied sources. Check current conditions before travelling.
How long to spend
Half day
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers · Wildlife lovers · Families
Before you go
Address
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
A forest park open to the public. Check current access, conditions and charges before travelling.
Check before visiting
Parking
The source row reports a wheelchair-accessible car park. Check current parking arrangements before visiting.
Check before visiting
Toilets
The source row reports a wheelchair-accessible toilet. Check availability before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Dogs
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The source row reports a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance and toilet. It does not establish that the trails or waterfall routes are wheelchair accessible; check current route details before setting out.
Check before visiting
Cost
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Water
River, Waterfall
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Glenariff Forest Park
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
Place photograph7.2Glenariff Waterfalls & Forest Park
Ballymena, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
1.1 km away
Place photograph7.8Murlough Bay
Murlough Bay, near Ballycastle, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
21.6 km away
