Nestled in the heart of County Antrim, Glenariff Forest Park - the “Queen of the Glens” - is one of the nine Antrim Glens and a genuine hidden gem, with rivers, forests, and waterfalls set along the Causeway Coastal Route.
About Glenariff
Glenariff Forest Park covers over 1,186 hectares and is managed by Forest Service NI, part of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, which oversees the park’s conservation areas and recreational facilities. The Glenariff River cascades through rocky gorges before reaching the sea, setting the stage for the park’s network of trails.
Essential Visitor Information
Glenariff Forest Park is around 24km north-east of Ballymena, reachable by car via the A43 Glenariff Road, on foot, or by bicycle; Ulsterbus service 150 stops at the front entrance gate. The park itself is open to walkers at all times, though the main car park has set opening hours (from around 8am until dusk) and vehicle access can occasionally be restricted during forestry operations.
Entry pricing has historically included a per-vehicle charge with pedestrian access free or low-cost - but the pricing details weren’t independently re-confirmed this pass and should be checked against the Forest Service NI website before publishing, since sources online disagree on the exact current figures. Inside, you’ll find a visitor centre, a tea house, picnic and barbecue areas, and several waymarked trails.
The National Nature Reserve
Glenariff’s National Nature Reserve protects extensive planted woodland and river gorge habitat, supporting oak trees, wildflowers, mosses, liverworts, and ferns, along with wildlife including red squirrels and hen harriers. A timber walkway boardwalk traverses the glen alongside the river gorge, offering close-up views of the cascading waterfalls.
The Scenic Trail
The park’s most challenging route, the Scenic Trail, runs through Glenariff Glen for roughly 5.5 miles (8.9 km), reaching an altitude of around 300 metres and typically taking 2–3 hours. It’s a moderately challenging hike over varied terrain - rocky gorges, lush woodland, and a steep climb near the upper waterfall viewpoint - rewarding walkers with views over the valley and out to sea. A shorter version is possible by walking from the visitor centre to the Upper Waterfall and retracing your steps. Along the way, a fork offers a choice between the Laragh Lodge restaurant/café or the trail’s three waterfalls.
The Waterfall Walk Trail
A gentler, roughly 3km riverside route, the Waterfall Walk follows a well-maintained boardwalk through the river gorge, taking in the Glenariff waterfalls including the striking double-drop Ess-na-Larach. The route is sometimes known as “Little Switzerland,” a name said to trace back to the Victorian author William Makepeace Thackeray, who compared the glen to the Swiss Alps after visiting in the 1840s. The trail includes a steep descent with steps, so sturdy footwear is recommended, and it’s most pleasant in spring or autumn, when the park is quieter.
Family-Friendly Trails
The Rainbow Trail, a shorter detour along the Waterfall Walk through woodland scenery, and the Viewpoint Trail, a roughly 0.6-mile (0.9km) route with panoramic views over the glen and sea, offer more accessible options for families, with picnic areas and restrooms nearby.
Outdoor Recreation
Beyond the trails, the park offers picnic and barbecue areas, ornamental gardens, and designated horse riding trails, making it a popular spot for a full day out.
Nearby Attractions and Dining
Torr Head Scenic Route, the Dark Hedges, the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Bushmills Distillery, and Dunluce Castle are all within reach along the Causeway Coastal Route. For food, options include the Glenariff Beach Café, the villages of Waterfoot and Cargan, and - within the park itself - the Glenariff Forest Park Teahouse or Laragh Lodge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed in Glenariff Forest Park? Yes, on leads, with waste bins provided along the trails.
What’s the best time of year to visit? Spring or autumn, for milder weather and smaller crowds.
