Cedar Falls Trail / Petit Jean SP

Petit Jean State Park, AR

    Cedar Falls is one of the most scenic spots in Arkansas. The falls is below the Mather Lodge in Petit Jean State Park. The wide falls drops
90' into a large pool at its base. The pool is surrounded by steep cliffs and large rock formations. There are several ways to enjoy the falls -
either viewing them from above, or hiking to the base and looking up.
    The trip from the lodge down to the falls, on Cedar Creek Trail, is beautiful, but very steep. The trail is only one mile (round trip of two
miles). It drops straight down from the lodge; very steep (steps cut into hill; swithcbacks); then follows the creek to the base of the falls.
The base of the falls is a wonderful spot to relax on the rocks, enjoy the sound and sights of the large waterfall, or have lunch. It is possible
to walk around the pool and go behind the falls on the rocks -- but be careful, the rocks are slippery. Return same route, but be prepared,
the climb out is VERY strenuous.
    To see the falls from above, hike east from the lodge on Boy Scout Trail about 1/2 mile, to the overlook above the falls. Continue
across the creek above the falls for a different view on the other side, and/or explore Rockhouse Cave, further down the trail. Return same
route, or continue along Boy Scout Trail to canyon and follow creek to base of falls. Climb out as above.


Planning notes:
    1:20 minutes from HSV East Gate via rtes 5, 9, and 154. About the same from West Gate via hwy 7 to 154 in Centerville.
    Consider doing this hike as an optional bonus following a hike at Seven Hollows. Have lunch at the lodge, then hike
down to falls. (Or tell folks to bring lunch and eat at base of falls).


Access Notes:
    Trailhead at Mather Lodge in Petit Jean State Park, off AR 154, about mid way between hwys AR 7 and AR 9.

For additional info:
      State park map avilable (see link on trails index page)
    Tim Ernst: "Arkansas Hiking Trails" (p.116)
    Jim Gifford; Don Baggett


Recent Hikes:
Numerous trips to the falls have been made and not recorded separately, following a hike on one of the other park trails (Seven
Hollows Trail, or the Boy Scout Trail). These often show up in the "Highlights" of these other hikes.

Mar 19, 2005     Leader: Glenn Wortham         14 Hikers     OMH Saturday
Route: From Mather Lodge via Boy Scout Trail to overlook; then down to falls and back; then side trip to Bear Cave Trail
4.0 miles     Difficulty Rating 3     Scenic Rating 5
sss: Cedar Falls Overlook ;  Bear Cave formations             Waterfall Cedar Falls
Cedar Falls was very beautiful because it was in full flow. The Cedar Falls Overlook provided a great view of the waterfall from up
above.   Bear Cave Trail was interesting because of the different and unusual rock formations.
A type of lily was in bloom and hiker took pictures.

April 17, 2004    Leader: Don Baggett         14 Hikers     OMH Saturday
Route: Hiked from Mather Lodge upstream; across creek; down Boy Scout Trail to northern overlook. Then returned
and went down Cedar Creek Trail to Falls and back.
4.0 miles     Difficulty Rating 3     Scenic Rating 5
sss: Overlook Waterfall Cedar Falls                                                    Waterfall Cedar Falls
View from overlook across from Lodge; water fall at full flow.
"A former OMH President was seen behind the falls skipping stones as if he were still a youth".

Apr 21, 2001     Leader:  None                         ??  Hikers             OMH bonus
Route: Down to waterfall and straight back up
2.0 miles         Difficulty Rating 3         Scenic Rating 5
Waterfall Cedar Falls
An absolutely spectacular trip. The waterfall is beautiful; about a 90 foot drop into a small pool at head of a box canyon.