01
Best waterfall hike close to town
Carlon Falls Trail
Near Big Oak Flat Entrance • Shaded Riverside Canyon Hike • Great Warm-Weather Pick
A pretty creekside trail that builds to a lively waterfall and swimming holes in a granite-lined gorge.
Carlon Falls is a favorite for Groveland locals when the weather heats up, thanks to steady shade and access to cold, clear water. The trail follows the South Fork of the Tuolumne River, with side pools and small cascades before you reach the main falls. Go early on summer weekends if you want quieter time on the rocks and easier parking near the informal trailhead just off Highway 120.
02
Classic Yosemite reservoir hike
Hetch Hetchy to Wapama Falls
Hetch Hetchy Side Of Yosemite • Granite Reservoir Rim Trail • Iconic Day Hike From Groveland
A dramatic lakeshore route along Hetch Hetchy Reservoir to the foot of thundering Wapama Falls.
If you want big Yosemite scenery without the Valley crowds, Hetch Hetchy is the direction Groveland locals point visitors. The trail to Wapama Falls hugs the reservoir with steady views of domes and cliffs, crossing short bridges and cut granite sections along the way. In spring and early summer, expect plenty of spray near the falls and pack a light shell; in late season, it becomes more of a sunny, scenic walk above the water.
03
Best summit-style workout
Smith Peak Lookout Trail
Above Hetch Hetchy • Steep Forest And Ridgeline Climb • Best For Panoramic Views
A stout climb to a historic fire lookout site with sweeping views over Hetch Hetchy and the surrounding high country.
Smith Peak is the go-to choice when you want a real workout with a big payoff at the top. The trail climbs steadily through forest and open slopes, gaining enough elevation that you feel like you have earned the wide-angle views into Hetch Hetchy and across the Sierra foothills. Start early on warm days, bring extra water, and be ready for a quieter, more backcountry feel than the better-known Yosemite routes.
04
Easiest in-town option
Pine Mountain Lake Hiking Trails
Pine Mountain Lake Community • Gentle Lakeside And Forest Paths • Best Casual Stroll Near Lodging
A web of mellow dirt paths and old rail grades that loop through pines and along coves around Pine Mountain Lake.
If you want a leg-stretcher without committing to a long drive or big elevation, the Pine Mountain Lake trails are an easy win. Short loops follow the old Hetch Hetchy railroad grade and trace the lake’s shoreline, giving you quiet stretches of pine forest, occasional deer sightings, and peek-a-boo water views. These paths are ideal for an evening walk after dinner or a relaxed morning outing before heading into Yosemite proper.
05
Most peaceful sequoia walk
Merced Grove of Giant Sequoias
Tioga Road Corridor • Quiet Giant Sequoia Forest Walk • Best For A Mellow Half-Day
A gentle descent into a small, less-visited grove of giant sequoias tucked off Highway 120.
Merced Grove offers big-tree magic without the crowds of the larger sequoia areas deeper in the park. The trail gradually drops from the roadside into a sheltered basin where massive trunks tower over a soft, needle-covered forest floor. It is a solid choice when you want an unhurried outing from Groveland that still feels distinctly Yosemite, especially in the shoulder seasons when the grove is often hushed and cool.