How far is the hike back to the area?

Yes there is about 11 or 12 creaks to cross and it is up hill but not that bad me and my 12 yr old just hiked this trail Saturday. It was well worth it! Considering we drove almost 3 hours to do the trail i highly recommend it

1.5 miles if you follow the sign to the left about 4.5 /5 to the right but it is up hill for most of the hike

I hiked around noon on the second Saturday of July. The trail had plenty of shade although it was a bit humid. A lot of people coming and going. At the actual bathtub and the swimming hole, there were about 30 people enjoying their day. A tad crowded for me. The water was cool and refreshing though.

When is the best time to go down there

There are two trails. The right trail is less strenuous and is 3.5 miles back to the falls. The left trail is much shorter about 1.5 miles but you have to climb over rocks and go through creeks.