What to Expect at Gozalandia: A Walk-Through of Your Visit

Gate, lot, five minutes of steps, the lower falls, the pool, the cave if you swim, quarter mile up to the second falls, the rope swing, back to Sha's for lunch. Two to three hours total if you skip the upper falls; add an hour if you go up to the rope swing.

Total time2–3 hours

Gate to water5 minutes on cement path

Lower fallsAbout 50–60 feet

Pool depthMore than 20 feet

Upper fallsQuarter mile upstream, 5–10 minutes

Best arrival9 a.m. on a weekday

Before you bookTwo of the eight activities sold under the Gozalandia heading actually stop at the falls. Open the listing and read the itinerary before you pay for anything.

Check availability

The gate and attendant (5 minutes)

You arrive at the gate on Route 446. An attendant collects $10 cash for parking and directs you into the lot. Park and take the path toward the water.

The cement path and steps down (5 minutes)

From the parking area to the lower falls is a five-minute walk on a cement path with steps. The difficulty is not the distance. The difficulty is the slippery rock at the water. Algae makes the surface genuinely slippery. Closed-toe shoes or water shoes are not negotiable here. Sandals and flip-flops are a bad idea.

The lower falls and pool (60 minutes, or longer if you stop)

The lower falls drop about 50 to 60 feet into a wide natural pool. The pool is roughly 20 to 30 feet across. Rock ledges at the water's edge let you sit and watch or enter the water. The water temperature depends on recent rain, but it is cold year-round. Adjust to it before you swim.

The submerged cave (15 minutes, optional)

A small cave on the right-hand side of the lower fall is accessible by swimming into it. You surface into an air pocket that holds one or two people. It is unlit and unsupervised. Strong swimmers explore it. The cave is not in your must-do list if you are not confident in the water. On the $85 guided tour, the guide swims it with you.

Path to the upper falls (10 minutes)

The same cement path continues upstream for about a quarter mile and reaches a second, smaller waterfall. Five to ten minutes of walking from the lower pool. Much quieter. Fewer people go up here. The rope swing is on the left.

The rope swing and upper pool (30 minutes, optional)

A rope swing hangs from a tree on the left side at the upper falls. This is where most photographs come from. The upper pool is smaller and shallower than the lower falls. The water is typically colder due to elevation and shade.

Back to Sha's (15 minutes)

Walk back to the parking area. Sha's restaurant and bar is there. Seating, outdoor tables, food and drinks.

Crowd timing

At 9 a.m. on a weekday the lot has roughly ten cars. After 10 a.m. it fills fast. Weekends fill by late morning. After 4 p.m. it quiets down. Come early or come late, but come knowing the timing.

Coolers are not permitted

Coolers are not allowed. Bring water in a reusable bottle and rely on Sha's for food and drinks. See the full packing list.

Check availability & book

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure on most tours — book now, decide later.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a visit to Gozalandia take?

Two to three hours if you stick to the lower falls. Add another hour if you walk up to the upper falls and the rope swing. The walk down is five minutes. The actual pool time is up to you.

What is the walk like?

Five minutes on a cement path with steps from the parking area to the lower falls. It is a walk, not a hike. The difficulty is the slippery algae-covered rock at the water, not the distance. Wear closed-toe shoes.

How tall are the falls?

The lower falls drop about 50 to 60 feet. The upper falls are smaller and thinner.

Is there an upper falls?

Yes. A quarter mile further on the same path, five to ten minutes more. Smaller, quieter, and that is where the rope swing is.

Can I bring a cooler?

No. Coolers are not permitted. Bring water in a reusable bottle. Sha's restaurant is at the parking area for food and drinks.