The park is the largest of the nine Glens of Antrim.
Local flora includes rare species of mosses and liverworts due to the humid, shaded glen environment.
The Rainbow Trail features educational markers explaining the local geological history.
Glenariff translates from Irish as 'Glen of the Ploughman'.
The site contains remnants of Victorian-era pleasure grounds, including original pathways and viewing platforms.
The park serves as a habitat for red squirrels and Irish hares.
Glenariff Forest Park covers 1,185 hectares within the Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is most famous for the Waterfall Walk, a 3-mile trail that passes three major waterfalls along the Inver and Glenariff rivers. The park features a mix of coniferous woodland and open moorland with varying elevation changes. It is managed by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency as a multipurpose recreational site. Visitors can access a network of trails ranging from short woodland strolls to more strenuous hillside treks. The park landscape was carved by glacial activity, resulting in deep, steep-sided valleys known as glens.
The wooden footbridge overlooking the middle falls on the Waterfall Walk.
The Waterfall Walk includes steep stairs that become slippery in wet weather.
Check the official nidirect website for active trail closures due to storm damage or maintenance before departing.
Bring binoculars for bird watching in the upper forested sections.
Attempting the Waterfall Walk in standard street footwear; skipping the Scenic Trail which provides views across the valley.
Wear sturdy waterproof hiking boots and weather-appropriate layers; keep dogs on leads to protect local wildlife.
