There was a large section of the overall trail that was this root-bound to traverse. Safety caused you to pretty much have to watch each step taken instead watching the scenery along the way. I'm glad Dave and I had bought hiking boots for both of us during this trip and wore them this day because in tennis shoes, this type terrain would NOT have been comfortable underfoot for that long (having to traverse a long stretch of this both on the way TO the falls and BACK).