A couple of weekends ago we had quite the adventure when we attempted to hike to John Rock only to find we underestimated our time it would take to get there. Just as we got site of John Rock we also realized it was getting dark and we had to walk back, so we had to abandon the final miles to the summit to reach our car before dark. The hike wasn’t all for naught though. On the trail there is also accessible waterfalls giving us some great sights to take in. Cedar Rock Falls is a short way on the trail, and it can easily be paired with another waterfall not far away from it.
The trail to Cedar Rock Falls is 0.7 miles one way, and it’s 1.4 miles round trip. I would say the trail is overall easy, but there are some steep inclines causing it to be moderate for some. A few footbridges also cross the various creeks running through the forest. The hike begins at the State Fish Hatchery and Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education. We walked past the fish hatchery and found the gate we were to walk past, and then cross a bridge. Immediately after this we took a right on Cat Gap Loop Trail, which is marked by orange blazes. At almost a mile Cedar Rock Falls can be heard from the trail, and since it was winter we could see the waterfall through the trees. A side trail was to our left, and we turned on it to begin a descent to Cedar Rock Falls. This side trail is steep, and it’s a little less managed, but it is short.
We had quite a few options of how we wanted to view the waterfall. The trail ends at the side of the waterfall before turning steeply left downhill to the base. Because I found the view to be enjoyable from the side of Cedar Rock Falls I stayed with this view, and I liked being able to stand with a great profile of the falls.
From the base Cedar Rock Falls seems bigger than it’s 20 feet cascade. One thing noticeable about Cedar Rock is how clear the water seems. It also gives the water a different color and texture in photos.
Near the base Cedar Rock Creek is also flowing from the waterfall. We could hear this water flowing from far off and a long way through the woods.
Once we’re done at Cedar Rock Falls we retrace the short trail back to Cat Gap Loop Trail. A short ways up the trail is an unnamed waterfall located at a campsite. In my opinion this wasn’t an easy view to reach, and I found another spot above the waterfall to view while Brandon went to the base for a photo. The campsite is down a very steep trail that leaves nothing to hold onto as you walk down it.
Cedar Rock Falls is free to visit, but donations can be made at Pisgah National Forest Visitor Center. The national forest is open daily. There are many accessible waterfalls around too such as Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock Falls, Daniel Ridge Falls, Moore Cove Falls, and Slick Rock Falls to pair with this trip.
An Innovative Pursuit 