Cedar Falls Trail

The whole park is stunning, but this trail takes the cake. It is easy enough that parents could take their kids on the hike, and difficult enough to keep big adventurers interested. The mile hike to the falls is beautiful! The first and last 20 minutes of the hike is the most difficult since there are steep rock stairs and switchbacks. ¹⁰⁄₁₀ I would recommend! I’d also say go early to beat the tourist crowd and heat, wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and finally bring a camera. It’s beautiful.

Went in July! Humid and hot! But the waterfall was worth every second! Just stunning! An overall easy hike. Wear comfy shoes & hydrate!

I’m not going to lie this hike kicked my butt. And just as strenuous as some of the difficult hikes I’ve done in Hawaii. But ohhh do I love a challenge. On your way back up the mountain be prepared for nature’s stair master. Bring lots of water especially if you intend on going during the summer months, the humidity will be a killer!
Once you get to the waterfall be ready to be memorized. This place is magically. Make sure to look up so you can admire the canyon rock formations. You’ll have to climb over the large boulders and cross over the rocks on cedar creek to get to the other side where it’s flat. That is if you desire to walk into the water to swim unless you don’t have any personable belongings that you don’t mind getting wet you could chose to swim across. Water shoes would be smart to bring too. Or you can opt to pop a squat on one of the boulders that the trail leads up to. But if you do just be wary there are tons of Daddy Longlegs «like» spiders crawling all around on the rocks. Harmless I’m sure but if you’re anything like me and have a small case of arachnophobia trust me you’ll want to be on the other side. Because these suckers were big!
If you plan on swimming I would allow at least 3 hours total for the trail. A hour each way and a hour for swimming.
Also after arriving in the parking lot at Mather Lodge it is not clear where the trail begins. Walk behind the restaurant Breezeway and you’ll see where a wooden sign (does not say that it is Cedar Falls Trail but it is) is posted informing of the trail’s cautions.
Pick up a sturdy hiking stick and have fun!