Very steep in the initial .7-.8 mile up which is were most of the elevation gain is; and then steep down until it levels out at about .8-.9 mile mark. Levels out after crossing the primitive road. The falls are lovely, and had a lot of water on 4/5/23. It was a chilly day, so we only saw two other groups at the falls. Yes, there is a downed tree, that blocks the trail, but someone has tied orange tape to the trees to show a work-around that leads back into the main trail. The ties are kind of spread out, so be aware, but enough people have hiked it that you can see the trail.