It's easier to find the origin of real doughnuts than it is to find who discovered Donut Falls.
The doughnut was first introduced into the English language by Washington Irving's classic story, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" (1820).". . .the simple charms of a genuine Dutch country tea table . . ." is described as having ". . . an enormous dish of balls of sweetened dough, fried in hog's fat, and called doughnuts, or oly koeks . . ."
And, according to the World Book Encyclopedia, legend has it the first doughnut made in the United States was suggested by a cook's apprentice named Hanson Crockett Gregory, who lived in Camden, Maine, in 1847. He knocked out the center of a fried cake because he was tired of uncooked centers.
As for Donut Falls . . . well, that's anybody's guess.
"The waterfall was discovered sometime in the 19th century," according to forest ranger Greg Underwood. "After the Mormon pioneers settled into the valley, they did a lot of exploring. By 1860, Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons and the surrounding areas, namely Park City and Heber, were full of mining projects."
Prospectors discovered silver, zinc and lead deposits in the region. Miners settled the area soon afterward, he said.
"In fact, by 1872, there were about 5,000 people living in nearby Alta," said Underwood. "But as to who it was that discovered the falls, well, that's a good question."
In fact, the few bits of information about Donut Falls even disagree on the spelling. Some call it " 'Doughnut' Falls." Others, " 'Donut' Falls." The sign at the turnoff in Big Cottonwood Canyon uses the latter spelling.
If parents are looking for an inexpensive half-day family getaway, the hike to Donut Falls is a wonderful way to spend some good, solid quality time.
Mark Myers recently hiked to the falls with his wife, Nancy, their three children -- Lucy, 6; Emma, 4; and Will, 8.
"It's a good walk for the kids," said Myers, a Utah native now living in Chicago, Ill. "It's wonderful this time of year, with the fresh air and the rushing water."
Donut Falls is located in Big Cottonwood Canyon. About 91/2 miles up, the aforementioned sign is on the south side of the road. The pavement turns to dust about a half-mile into the drive. And visitors actually have to traverse a mountainous residential area to get to the Donut Falls trailhead, which is about a mile off the main road at Cardiff Fork.
The trail is due south of the first parking lot. The falls are located only 3/4 of a mile up the trail.
The steepest area is near the beginning, but it winds through some nice woods and meadows. Nancy Myers said she would recommend the Donut Falls trail to anyone with children.
"It's a vigorous hike," she said. "And the younger children will get a little tired. But it's a great way to spend time with them. And the wildflowers are in full bloom." Pine and aspen trees mark the path as do blue mountain bell blossoms. It gets bumpy at parts because of the imbedded rocks under the dirt and there are a couple of spring creeks that run across the path.
Near the falls, the trail leads to a seven-foot jagged granite wall that ascends to the river below. The rock has been buffed smooth in some areas after years of accommodating visitors.
"A busy weekend at the trailhead can easily mount up to 70 or more vehicles in the parking area," said Underwood. "And that's at one time."
South of the rock wall, the path continues through some shallow run-off pools. Stepping stones have been strategically placed, but the pools are shallow enough that children over 5 can wade safely through.
Past the second run-off pool, the falls are a headlift away.
White water cascades through a U-shaped rock, eaten away by centuries of erosion.
Older children may want to wade through knee-high water pools to get a closer look. And teens and young adults may want to climb to the actual U or wade in the reservoir below.
And keeping reservoirs in mind, there are no pets allowed at the falls.
"The river flows directly into the Big Cottonwood Canyon watershed," said Underwood. "So the water is part of the valley's drinking water supply. People continually ask us why dogs and horses are forbidden at the falls. Well, that's why. As for the water source, itself, it comes from a spring at the top of the basin."
However, as with any hiking excursion, a climb directly to the falls can be dangerous. But when caution is used, it can be vigorous and very nice for children.
Lucy, Emma and Will Myers all liked to see the water falling through the "donut" hole.
"It was cool," said Will. "I wanted to climb up there, but my dad wouldn't let me."