Trails at Glenariff Forest Park

Glenariff is blessed with a wide variety of habitats in relatively undisturbed condition. Glenariff Forest is home to many animals of conservation concern, most notably Red squirrel, Hen harrier and Irish hare. The Forest Service objectives for Glenariff Forest include the protection and enhancement of the many important habitats, flora and fauna that find refuge and sustenance here.

We provide walks and trails that highlight the spectacular landscape and natural features of the Glen.

The Glenariff River gorge contains the National Nature Reserve. It can be walked through on the Waterfall Walks Trail. The deep rocky gorge with its spectacular waterfalls and tree cover, provides ideal conditions for the growth of ferns, mosses and liverworts. Ancient forms of these plants were the forerunners of most of the modern vegetation in the world today.

From the viewpoint on the trail you can look down the Glen to the sea in the distance. The walk then takes you past the café and and back to the car park via the ornamental gardens.

This path features the waterfalls and National Nature Reserve. There are stairways, pathways cut into the near vertical sides of the gorge, and boardwalks on stilts in the river. It is a spectacular walk.

The trail takes you down the Inver River gorge, nearly to the Ess-na-Crub Waterfall. Once you cross the river, you begin a long and winding climb from about 60 metres elevation to 260 metres, over about 1.1km. Once you have done this climb there are very fine views over the Glen and across the sea as far as the Mull of Kintyre.

This is an optional detour on the Waterfall Walk. It includes crossing the Rainbow Bridge.

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