Keila-Joa Park and Waterfall Loop

The Keila-Joa Park and Waterfall Loop is a short, easy circuit around the historic manor park at Keila-Joa in Lääne-Harju Parish, Harju County, Estonia, about 30 kilometres west of Tallinn. Visitors usually arrive by car, with parking near the manor grounds, or by regional bus to Keila-Joa; no permit is required to walk the park. The loop is about three kilometres long and takes one to one and a half hours at a relaxed pace, with only gentle gradients. The main effort comes from the steps and uneven paths that descend into the Keila River gorge, where the river drops over the limestone shelf of the Baltic Klint. The Keila waterfall is one of the best-known in northern Estonia, a broad cascade that is several metres high and wide enough to be impressive after rain or snowmelt. The surfaces are a mix of gravel park paths, packed dirt, stone steps and some wooden stairs and viewing platforms; some sections can be slippery in wet weather, especially near the spray zone. Much of the route is shaded by old trees, while the open lawns near the manor are exposed. Landmarks include the neo-Gothic Keila-Joa manor ensemble, built in the nineteenth century for the Benckendorff family, the ornamental park with old trees and ponds, the river bridge and the main waterfall viewpoints at the foot of the falls. The natural turn-around point is the lower viewpoint at the base of the waterfall, after which walkers can climb back up to the park or continue along the river bank. There are no mountain huts, but the manor area has facilities such as a cafe and restaurant, which provide shelter and refreshment in poor weather; opening hours vary by season and should be checked. Drinking water should be brought along, as river water is not suitable. The gorge is cool and damp even in summer, so a light rain jacket is useful. The loop is a popular half-day outing from Tallinn and combines easily with a visit to the nearby coast.