Cedar Falls is an 80-foot plunge waterfall on Cedar Creek in Petit Jean State Park, Conway County, Arkansas, where the creek drops into Cedar Creek Canyon below Mather Lodge. It can be seen from an accessible overlook or reached at its base by a steep trail built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
The falls
Upstream, Lake Bailey sits behind a rock dam built by the CCC; below it, Cedar Creek drops into Cedar Creek Canyon in a single plunge. The World Waterfall Database estimates the drop at about 80 feet by interpolating lidar data from above and below the falls; earlier surveys listed 95 feet, and the drop has also been given as 90 feet.
Getting there
Admission to Petit Jean State Park is free. The Cedar Falls Trail, a National Recreation Trail, starts behind Mather Lodge. The trail is rated strenuous and is 2 miles round trip: the first half-mile descends more than 200 feet on rock steps, then the path follows the creek for another half-mile to the base.
For a view without the climb, a quarter-mile accessible stroll leads from the Cedar Falls Overlook parking area to a large wooden platform facing the falls. Park staff lead free 30-minute walks there in October and November 2026. Day-use areas are open from sunrise to one hour after sunset unless other hours are posted.
When to go
A photographer who hiked the trail in May found strong flow after rain; summer brings very little water.
On site
Swimming in Cedar Creek and the pool below the falls is prohibited, hikers must stay on the designated trail, and pets may not run loose. The overlook's wooden ramps are easy going down, with a moderate climb on the way back. In April 2012 a 16-year-old died after falling while climbing rocks off the Cedar Falls Trail.
History and name
Petit Jean was Arkansas' first state park. From 1933 the Civilian Conservation Corps built its trails, roads, bridges and Mather Lodge, including the rock steps on the Cedar Falls Trail. Cedar Creek Canyon was added to the state's register of natural areas in 1977.
Nearby
Seven Hollows Grotto Falls is about 1.8 miles away. Saussmann Falls is about 17.7 miles away and Forked Mountain Falls about 19.2 miles.
Distances are straight-line.