An off-trail area around Big Falls in the San Bernardino National Forest was closed to the public beginning July 4. Visitors are still able to hike the Big Falls Trail to a waterfall overlook, but areas beyond the railing will be closed by a forest order that is to remain in force through May 24, 2020.
“There have been too many search and rescues in this area in the past,” said Joe Rechsteiner, the district ranger for the Front Country Ranger District. “We want to make sure the public enjoys this beautiful spot while staying safe. Some of the rocks in Falls Creek are deceivingly slippery.”
Search and rescues by the San Bernardino County fire and sheriff’s departments are so frequent in this area that one rock in particular is known to locals as “Blood Rock.”