Before beginning any hike or mountain outing, please check the weather forecast, trail conditions and area closures with the local U.S. Forest Service office. Be sure everyone in your party is healthy enough to meet the physical exertion that your hike or outing requires. Carry the Ten Essentials (see "Ten Essentials"), and leave details of your itinerary, party members and estimated time of return with family or friends.

This is a wonderful hike or bike ride for the entire family. The scenery is spectacular; the trail (a paved road) is as good as it gets, with restrooms and picnic tables along the trail.

If you enjoy fly-fishing, this is a designated wild trout stream with catch and release restrictions. There are several handicap-accessible fishing platforms along the trail. There are trees lining the majority of the six and a half mile trail. Be aware of possible closures due to work at Cogswell Dam.

After a rainfall, small waterfalls abound on the south side of the trail. Wildlife abounds on the hike and children can play in the shallow river at the end of a day of hiking.

Whether you travel the entire length of the trail to Cogswell Dam, or just until you have made a day of it, this makes for a pleasant day hike. The elevation gain is only 450 feet for the total length of the trail and there are no steep inclines, making for a great biking outing.

To get to the trailhead, take the Interstate 210 freeway and exit on Azusa Avenue. Head north through the city of Azusa to the U.S. Forest Service Information Station at the mouth of the canyon where you will need to purchase an Adventure Day Pass. Continue north approximately twelve miles past the East Fork Bridge. There are two parking lots on the left side of the roadway about a mile past the Rincon Ranger station. Your trail is a paved, vehicle-restricted road that runs parallel to the south side of the stream.

Bring your own water, as there is no drinking water along the trail. And remember to "Leave No Trace" — pack out your litter.