Sycamore Falls may not be the tallest waterfall along the Fiery Gizzard Trail, but it definitely has one of the sweetest swimming holes below it!  Nearby you'll see the Sycamore Falls Cascade (usually dry in summer), and "The Chimneys", an unusual ancient rock formation.

Sycamore Falls is approximately 2 miles from the Fiery Gizzard North trailhead, near the north end of the Fiery Gizzard Trail, which is reached via the Grundy Forest Loop trail. 

Starting from the Fiery Gizzard North trailhead, take the Grundy Forest Loop Trail and turn left at the loop trail's "split". Follow the trail downhill, past the site of a former Native American campsite at the rock overhang; and then past several 400 year-old hemlock trees -- some of the oldest in the park.  About 3/4 of a mile in, you'll come to the large metal bridge across Little Fiery Gizzard Creek.  Turn left, and cross the bridge.  This is the official starting point for the famed Fiery Gizzard Trail, a 12-mile wilderness hike.

However, to reach Sycamore Falls, you don't need to hike the whole trail!  About one-half mile past the bridge, you'll come to a short spur trail and an interpretive sign, where you can see and learn about "The Chimneys", an unusual rock formation resulting from the continental collision of Africa with North America, millions of years ago.

After checking out The Chimneys, continue about 1/10 mile to the spur trail for Sycamore Falls, on your right.  At the falls, multiple smaller and informal paths provide access to both to the top and bottom of Sycamore Falls.  In very wet weather, just upstream from Sycamore Falls, check out the impressive rock bluff, which will be covered with a steady but beautiful trickle of water.  On a sunny day, the effect is quite spectacular!

After enjoying your time at Sycamore Falls, return the way you came, taking the Fiery Gizzard trail (bear left [uphill] when rejoining the trail) back to the metal bridge, then across the bridge, and turn right at the end of the bridge to join the Grundy Forest Loop trail for the final leg, back to the Fiery Gizzard North trailhead.  (Because it is a loop, you can also take the Grundy Forest Loop trail to the left and see Blue Hole and Hanes Hole Falls, as well as a short side-loop "tour" of a 1930s-era Civilian Conservation Corps camp, before returning to the trailhead.

Please Note: While walking on portions of the Grundy Forest Loop trail, please keep your head out of your phone, and walk carefully; any stumble or trip could send you down the steep embankment and into the rocky creek below.