The trail provides stunning views of this incredibly tall waterfall.
The trail to Lower Yosemite Falls is one of the hikes that practically everyone who visits Yosemite National Park will visit. One of the trailheads for Lower Yosemite lies just next to a major Yosemite Valley shuttle bus stop. A second starts across the street from the Yosemite Valley Lodge. All of this is right next door to Yosemite Village, which houses the main visitor center and is a major hub of activity throughout the valley.
So don't expect a pure hiking experience here. The crowds can be large and the path is paved throughout. With that said, the falls can still provide awe inspiring views, particularly if visited at the right time of year (spring and early summer when water flow is highest).
At over 2,400 feet from start to finish, Yosemite Falls is said by some to be the tallest waterfall in North America. At the height of water flow in the spring and early summer visitors hundreds of feet away from the falls base should be prepared to get damp from the spray of water crashing onto the rocks below.
Starting from the trailhead opposite Yosemite Valley Lodge has the benefit of facing the falls as you walk towards it. There are some nice views of upper reaches of the falls as you get closer. A counterclockwise hike will require you to remember to look back for these views. Always look back every now and then. That goes for any trail you're on.
Near the halfway point the trail crosses over the creek on a bridge. Prepare to get a bit wet during high flow times of the year. The paved trail continues to create a stretched crescent, starting and ending on Northside Drive. The viewing area closest to the base of the falls, assuming you don't scramble over the rocks to get even closer despite warnings not to do so, can get crowded. So be prepared close quarters with your fellow hikers at this spot.
The half loop to the lower falls only runs approximately 1 mile. So if you're still game for some more hiking there are many nearby trails including the Valley Floor Loop and several adjacent trails that cross the valley and Merced River.