Uncle Tom's Trail facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Uncle Tom's Trail
Uncle Tom's Trail, circa 1906
Location	Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Yellowstone National Park
Established	1898
Use	Sightseeing
Elevation change	500 feet (150 m)

Uncle Tom's Trail is a famous path in Yellowstone National Park. It is a very steep stairway that goes down from the south rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. This trail leads to a special spot where you can see the amazing Lower Yellowstone Falls up close. It's a fantastic place for sightseeing and enjoying nature!

Discovering Uncle Tom's Trail

Uncle Tom's Trail is a well-known path in Yellowstone National Park. It offers incredible views of the Lower Yellowstone Falls. The trail is quite steep, taking visitors down into the canyon. It's a popular spot for people who want to see the falls from a different angle.

The Story of Uncle Tom

The trail was first built in 1898 by a man named H. F. Richardson. People called him "Uncle Tom." He had a special permit to run a ferry boat across the Yellowstone River. This ferry helped park visitors cross the river. After crossing, Uncle Tom would guide them down to the base of the Lower Falls.

In those early days, the trail was very different. Visitors had to use ladders and ropes to get down! After their exciting trip, Uncle Tom would provide a picnic lunch. This was a special experience for park visitors.

Changes Over Time

In 1903, a bridge called the Chittenden Bridge was built. This bridge made Uncle Tom's ferry business less popular. Then, in 1905, the government built a wooden stairway for the trail. This made it easier for people to go down. Visitors no longer wanted to pay Uncle Tom for his tours. He stopped running tours in 1906.

The National Park Service has kept the trail in good shape. The original trail had 528 steps and rope ladders. Today, the trail has 328 steps and no rope ladders. It goes about three-quarters of the way down the canyon. At the end, there is a viewing platform. From here, you can get a wonderful view of the Lower Falls.