Shiobara Valley Trail: Yashio Trail

This 3.7-kilometer trail through Shiobara Gorge follows the Hoki River from the visitor center near Nanatsu Rock Suspension Bridge to the Hoki River Dam. The path is named for the yashio azalea, which blooms along it in mid-April. Japanese beech and oak forest lines most of the route, home to many wild bird species. Two suspension bridges cross the river, and Tengu Rock is visible from the Fukuwata Bridge. Nuno Falls, where the river squeezes through a narrow rock opening to create a curtain-like cascade, has a dedicated viewing deck along the way. Easy difficulty, around 90 minutes each way.