Introduction
Falling Foss is a beautiful waterfall tucked away in the woodland of the North York Moors, around five miles from Whitby. The waterfall is on May Beck, where the water drops over a rocky ledge into the gorge below.
The combination of the waterfall, woodland and rocky gorge makes Falling Foss a lovely spot to visit if you are exploring this part of North Yorkshire. There is something particularly atmospheric about the setting, with the waterfall surrounded by dense woodland and the sound of May Beck running through the valley.
In this guide, I’ll show you what to expect when visiting Falling Foss, including where to park, how to get to the waterfall, what the area is like and the best time to visit.
Quick Verdict of Falling Foss Waterfall
Falling Foss is definitely worth visiting if you are looking for an impressive waterfall in a beautiful woodland setting. The walk from the car park to the established viewpoint is short and straightforward, making it an easy waterfall to include in a day exploring the North York Moors or Whitby.
The surrounding woodland and rocky gorge add just as much to the experience as the waterfall itself. However, the established viewpoint is above the waterfall, and the routes towards the bottom are steep and precarious, so I would recommend enjoying the view from the designated area.
Key Information
- Waterfall Height: 20 metres/66 feet
- Waterfall Type: Plunge
- Starting Point: Car park detailed below
- Parking: £3.50-£6 at the Forestry England Car Park | what3words conned.heckler.rivers
- Public Transport: Unfortunately there is no public transport to Falling Foss
- Walk: 0.4 miles/0.6 km return
- Time: 5 minutes to the waterfall. Allow 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchairs
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Dogs: Yes
- Swimming: Yes
- Toilets: Yes, when the Tea Garden is open
Where to Park for Falling Foss Waterfall
We parked at the Falling Foss car park, which is the closest place to park for the waterfall and makes the visit really easy as it is only a short walk from here.
The car park isn’t free. At the time of writing, it costs £3.50 for up to two hours or £6 if you are staying longer. As we were only making a quick stop, the shorter stay was more than enough for us.
Tip: Save the parking location and route directions on your phone, or take a printed copy with you, as phone signal can be spotty.
Falling Foss Waterfall Walk
The walk to Falling Foss is very straightforward and only takes a few minutes from the car park.
Leave the Falling Foss car park and follow the wide track downhill towards the tea garden. You will pass a sign stating that there are no unauthorised vehicles beyond this point. You can continue along this track towards the tea garden, where you can access the waterfall viewpoint, or you can take the path into the woodland and follow it downhill to the left. Both options lead to the waterfall viewpoint.
There are routes down to the bottom of the waterfall. However, they are extremely precarious, and I would not recommend attempting them. Although our view of the waterfall was through some trees, the autumnal colours made it a special enough view that we didn’t feel the need to try to get to the bottom.
There are longer walks that you can do around the surrounding woodland and Little beck, but we were visiting Falling Foss as a quick stop on the way to see some other waterfalls, so we only did the short walk to the waterfall and back.
Keep an eye out as you make your way through the woodland and you may spot a tree with a naturally formed heart shape in the trunk. We spotted it during our visit and thought it was a lovely little feature to look out for.
Accessibility: Unfortunately, this route is not suitable for wheelchairs. The woodland paths are rough and uneven, with some steep and unsurfaced sections, and the Falling Foss Tea Garden also advises that the terrain is unsuitable for wheelchair users and people with walking difficulties.
Falling Foss Waterfall
Falling Foss is a gorgeous waterfall, dropping around 20 feet through the woodland on May Beck. The waterfall is surrounded by trees and thick greenery, giving it a wonderfully secluded feel and making the setting just as impressive as the waterfall itself.
The woodland frames the waterfall beautifully, with the rocky gorge and flowing beck adding to the natural atmosphere. When you reach the viewpoint, the waterfall appears through the trees rather than being completely exposed, which makes it feel like you’ve stumbled across something hidden in the woods.
The amount of water flowing over Falling Foss can vary depending on recent rainfall, but when the beck is running well, the water pours over the rock face and into the plunge pool below. It is a particularly peaceful spot to simply stand and take in the scenery, with the sound of the water echoing through the woodland around you.
Falling Foss is one of those waterfalls where the setting really is part of what makes the visit special. The combination of the waterfall, rocky gorge, woodland and May Beck creates an atmospheric setting that makes it well worth seeking out.
Swimming at Falling Foss Waterfall
Although Falling Foss has a deep plunge pool at the bottom of the waterfall, I wouldn’t recommend attempting to reach it simply for a swim. The descent to the base is steep, slippery and not straightforward, with no maintained path directly down to the waterfall.
If you do make your way to the bottom, the plunge pool is deep enough to swim in, but you need to take great care. The rocks around the waterfall can be extremely slippery and May Beck can develop a much stronger current after rainfall. Conditions can also change quickly, so what looks calm from above may be very different once you reach the water.
I would avoid entering the water if the beck is flowing strongly or after heavy rainfall, and never swim directly beneath the waterfall itself. If you do decide to swim, make sure you are confident in the conditions, know how you will get back out and never swim alone.
For us, the view from above was more than enough, and I would recommend enjoying Falling Foss from the established viewing areas rather than attempting the difficult descent to the water.
If you’re considering swimming here, please read my Wild Swimming at Waterfalls guide before getting in. It covers some of the risks to consider and practical advice for staying safe around natural swimming spots.
Interesting Facts and Wildlife
Falling Foss has a few interesting features that make it more than just a waterfall. The name “Foss” comes from the Old Norse word fors, meaning waterfall, which reflects the area’s Viking history.
The waterfall is formed where May Beck drops over a sandstone ledge. The surrounding woodland is part of a rich landscape of ancient woodland and streams, creating an ideal habitat for wildlife.
Keep an eye out for birds and woodland wildlife as you make your way through the area. The woodland around Falling Foss is home to a variety of birds, while the river and rocky stream provide suitable habitat for species such as dippers and grey wagtails. You may also spot squirrels, deer and a range of smaller woodland animals if you’re lucky.
The woodland is particularly beautiful throughout the changing seasons, and the dense trees around the waterfall give Falling Foss its secluded feel. After periods of heavy rain, May Beck can also become much more powerful, changing the appearance of the waterfall considerably.
Facilities and Nearby Attractions
Falling Foss is fairly secluded, so there aren’t lots of facilities immediately around the waterfall. The Falling Foss Tea Garden at Midge Hall is right beside the waterfall and has traditionally been a popular place to stop for tea and cake, although it is seasonal, so check that it is open before you visit. It was closed when we went.
There are toilets available at the Falling Foss Tea Garden when it is open, but I wouldn’t rely on this as your only option, particularly if you are visiting outside the tea garden’s opening season. It is worth planning ahead before setting off.
The nearby Little Beck Wood Nature Reserve is well worth exploring if you have time, with its beautiful woodland and the beck running through the valley. The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife and is particularly attractive in autumn.
Whitby is also only a short drive away, so Falling Foss can easily be combined with a visit to the coast. You could spend some time exploring Whitby Abbey, the harbour and the famous 199 Steps, or simply enjoy the town before heading home.
Best Time to Visit Falling Foss Waterfall
I visited Falling Foss in October and think autumn is one of the best times to see it. The woodland surrounding the waterfall was full of autumn colour when we went, which really added to the atmosphere and made the setting particularly beautiful. The North York Moors National Park also describes Little Beck Wood as being at its best in autumn, when the woodland takes on its golden and russet colours.
Spring would also be a lovely time to visit, when the woodland floor comes to life and the trees begin to turn green. The area has a very different feel at this time of year, with fresh foliage and spring flowers adding colour around the beck.
The waterfall is also particularly impressive after periods of heavy rainfall, when May Beck has a stronger flow. However, wetter conditions can also make the paths around Falling Foss slippery and muddy, so good footwear is important.
Summer can be a pleasant time to visit, particularly if you want to spend longer exploring the surrounding woodland, although it is likely to be a busier time of year. Winter can be atmospheric too, but shorter daylight hours and wetter, muddier conditions are worth considering.
For me, though, October was a fantastic time to visit, and if you want to see Falling Foss surrounded by autumn colours, I’d definitely recommend visiting during this season.
Responsible Waterfall Visiting and Safety
Please visit waterfalls responsibly.
Waterfalls can be beautiful places to explore, but they can also be unpredictable. Rocks, paths and viewing areas can become extremely slippery, especially after wet weather. Water levels and river conditions can change quickly, so always use common sense and take extra care around fast flowing water, steep drops and uneven ground.
Please follow the Countryside Code, leave no trace of your visit and take all litter home with you. Respect local communities, livestock, wildlife and any access restrictions that may be in place.
Before visiting, check local conditions and remember that you are responsible for your own safety.
I’ve put together a collection of practical resources to help you plan and enjoy your waterfall trips. From what to pack and how to find new waterfalls to wild swimming safety, you can browse all of my waterfall resources here.
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