BLR Hikes
First light over the fern gullies
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Upcoming hike

Fern Gully Sunrise Hike

Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 5:00 am Emerald Hills, south-west

13 of 20 spots left

We’re going here:

The lower falls on the Emerald Falls Circuit 4.6
Easy South-west Emerald Hills

Emerald Falls Circuit

A gentle forest loop to a two-tier waterfall, with pools safe enough to swim at the base. Shade most of the way, which is what makes it work as a sunrise hike that runs into the morning.

Length
6.2 km
Gain
+240 m
Drive
1 h 15
WaterfallBirdlifeCamp spotKid-friendlyPet-friendly

Catch first light over the fern gullies, then cool off at the waterfall pools before breakfast. An easy, beginner-friendly morning out — our most popular first hike.

The plan

3:30 AM
Carpools leave the city (see the transport plan once you register)
4:45 AM
Regroup at the blue gate, quick briefing + headcount
5:00 AM
Gentle climb to the ridge for sunrise
6:15 AM
Down to the lower falls for a swim and chai
8:00 AM
Breakfast on the way back; in the city by ~10 AM

Meeting point & carpools

We sort everyone into carpools the evening before — drivers and riders both fill the travel form after registering. If you're driving, tell us how many spare seats you can offer; if you need a pickup, tell us where you'll start from.

Highlights

  • Two-tier waterfall with safe pools for a dip
  • Gentle, first-timer-friendly forest trail
  • Local breakfast stop on the drive out

What's included

  • Experienced crew and sweep, first-aid kit, and swim-safety gear
  • Breakfast on the way back
  • Carpool coordination

Not included

  • Your share of transport — settle fuel with your driver
  • Personal gear
  • Anything you buy en route

What to bring

  • Headlamp or torch — we start in the dark
  • 2L water and light snacks
  • Shoes with grip — a couple of rocky steps
  • A warm layer for the ridge, plus swimwear and a towel for the pools
  • Cap, sunscreen, and a bag to carry your trash back out

Full gear checklist — grab shared items

Difficulty & safety

Easy — about 6 km with gentle ups and downs, fine for first-timers, kids (8+), and dogs on a lead.

The water is the one real caution. Swim only with others around, never near the lip of the falls, and follow the crew's call on the day. We move the date if the forecast turns.

Before you ask

Is it beginner-friendly?

Yes — this is the one we recommend for a first hike.

Can I come without swimming?

Absolutely; the pools are optional.

What if it rains?

Light rain is fine and makes the falls better. We postpone for a heavy forecast and let the WhatsApp group know.

Refund & cancellation

Full refund up to 7 days before the event, 50% up to 48 hours before, none after. Spot transfers are always free — hand your seat to a friend instead.