Cedar Falls, Arkansas
One of Arkansas's most famous waterfalls, Cedar Falls, serves as the focal point of Petit Jean State Park. Cedar Creek plunges 95 feet into a shaded cave surrounded by extraordinarily towering, vertical rocks. Even in dry weather, the falls continue to flow. One can access the falls either by strolling down the Cedar Falls Trail to the base or take a handicap-accessible boardwalk that leads to a viewing platform of the falls.
Geography Of Cedar Falls
Cedar Falls is located in the Petit Jean State Park near Morrilton in Conway County in the US State of Arkansas. Arkansas State Parks is in charge of managing the Park. The Cedar Creek cascades over a 95-foot cliff at Cedar Falls before meandering down Cedar Creek Canyon and into the Petit Jean River to the west. The springs at Petit Jean Mountain's peak are where Cedar Creek, which is nearly nine miles long, has its source. Numerous peculiar geological structures may be spotted on the mountain surrounding the waterfall. The "turtle rocks," so called because they resemble the backs of enormous turtles, are among the most well-known. Rock House Cave is a distinctive archaeological site that looks over Cedar Falls from the west side of the canyon. There are more than 1,000-year-old Native American artwork within this extraordinarily deep rock cave. A 2-mile hiking track runs down the bottom of the canyon and leads to Cedar Falls. But the hike is pretty challenging. An attractive wooden boardwalk and viewpoint just off Highway 154 also offer a great view of the falls without all the effort of the hike.
Brief History
In the 1840s and 1850s, English-speaking Americans started colonizing the mountain surrounding the falls. The mountain was owned by a logging firm in the early 1900s. Fortunately, the firm determined that clearing the lumber would be too expensive. Dr. T.W. Hardison, the corporate doctor for the lumber industry, started a campaign to convince lawmakers to designate this region as a state park. The first piece of property that the State of Arkansas purchased for state park purposes was the area around Cedar Falls. From 1933 through 1938, the CCC performed work in Petit Jean. They built pavilions, paths, bridges, Mather Lodge, several cottages, and a dam made of local stone that created Lake Bailey. Till today, people still utilize these buildings!
Recreation
One of the most well-liked natural attractions in the state, Petit Jean State Park has long been a preferred location for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Administered by the state's Parks and Tourism Department, it covers about 3,500 acres and is tucked in between the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, allowing for a lovely setting all year long. The state park system and Arkansas's first state park were both inspired by the famed Petit Jean Mountain's natural beauty and old geology. The historic Mather Lodge, a 24-room lodge with a restaurant, meeting spaces, and a gift shop is the centerpiece of the park. In the winter, the lobby's fireplace serves as a warm meeting spot. Additionally present on the property are two swimming pools, picnic spaces, playgrounds, pavilions, a boat launch pad, tennis courts, basketball courts, and an amphitheater. There are hiking paths that go through woodlands and meadows, over valleys, beside streams, and up mountainsides.
Cedar Falls Trail
One of Arkansas's most popular locations for photos is the well-known and entrancing Cedar Falls Trail. Beginning at the Mather Lodge, the route soon descends steeply into the extensive Cedar Creek Canyon before continuing beside the creek's riffles and rapids, boulders the size of apartments, and beneath overhangs until it reaches its destination, Cedar Falls. Located 95 feet high and continually flowing, Cedar Falls creates a sizable pool at its foot. One must backtrack up the canyon side to reach the parking area. The whole excursion is rated as moderate-to-strenuous and is 2-1/4 miles round trip.
Cedar Falls is one of Arkansas' finest attractions because of its breathtaking surroundings and remarkable geological characteristics. Hiking the Cedar Falls Trail is an experience all by itself as it overlooks the scenic Petit Jean State Park. Anyone who has the chance to visit the falls should not miss it.
