Right now
Status note (Nov 8, 2026): Open, as far as we can tell (Nov 8, 2026). That day the park notice listed closures only on parts of the Boy Scout Trail and the CCC Hike and Bike Trail, between Mather Lodge and Bear Cave. It said the Seven Hollows Trail was still open. The Cedar Falls Trail was not listed as closed. What the status labels mean
Cedar Falls is a 90-foot waterfall on Cedar Creek in Petit Jean State Park, near Morrilton, Arkansas. The Cedar Falls Trail starts behind Mather Lodge and runs 2 miles round trip into Cedar Creek Canyon. The park lists it as both Moderate and Strenuous. No entry fee is listed. On Nov 8, 2026, the trail was not among the listed closures.
About Cedar Falls
Cedar Falls is a 90-foot waterfall on Cedar Creek in Petit Jean State Park, near Morrilton, Arkansas. Arkansas State Parks calls it "one of the tallest continuously flowing waterfalls in the state."
The Cedar Falls Trail, a National Recreation Trail, starts at Mather Lodge. It drops into Cedar Creek Canyon and follows the creek to the falls.
Petit Jean was Arkansas' first state park. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built its facilities starting in 1933. Mather Lodge, a CCC rustic-style lodge, was renovated in 2026.
The park lists over 20 miles of hiking trails and the 100-acre Lake Bailey, held back by a CCC dam. It also has a Trail of Tears National Historic Trail site at the Stout's Point overlook.
Our map pin is the Cedar Falls trailhead behind Mather Lodge, taken from the park's trail page. It does not mark the falls themselves.
Getting there and parking
Petit Jean State Park is at 1285 Petit Jean Mountain Road, Morrilton, AR 72110. The park phone is (501) 727-5431.
Our directions button uses the trailhead coordinate from the Cedar Falls Trail page, behind Mather Lodge.
Visitor center hours
The visitor center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., per the park page read Nov 8, 2026. It closes on New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Parking
The park pages we read give no parking details for the trailhead. Ask at the visitor center or call the park before you go.
Entry fee
No entry fee is listed on the park pages we read. Confirm any charges with the park at (501) 727-5431.
Map and nearby falls
Map loads as you scroll. Open in OpenStreetMap
OpenPartly open / seasonalUnconfirmedClosedLarger map
Cedar Falls Trail: Mather Lodge to Cedar Creek Canyon
Arkansas State Parks lists the Cedar Falls Trail as a day hike of 2 miles round trip. It estimates 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
From Mather Lodge into the canyon
The trail begins behind the breezeway at Mather Lodge and follows orange blazes. The park says it "winds down into Cedar Creek Canyon" past massive stone boulders and large trees.
Along Cedar Creek to the falls
In the canyon, the trail follows Cedar Creek to the falls. The park gives the distance as round trip, so plan on walking back to the lodge.
Difficulty and the climb back
The trail page lists the difficulty as both Moderate and Strenuous. Because the trail descends into the canyon, the walk back to the lodge is a climb out.
Allow the full 2 hours if you like to stop for photos or hike at an easy pace. Carry water and wear shoes with good grip.
Download the official trails map (PDF) before you go. The park also lists a separate Cedar Creek Trail, so check the map for its route.
Dogs
No dog rule is listed on the park pages we read. The State Park Rules & Policies page lists none either and points to separate park directives. Call the park before bringing a pet.
Accessibility
The trail page gives no access details. With a canyon descent and a Moderate / Strenuous rating, call (501) 727-5431 to ask what options exist.
When to visit
The park lists its campground and picnic area as open all year. Arkansas State Parks publishes no best season for the falls' flow, so we don't name one.
Current trail work
On Nov 8, 2026, the park notice listed two closures for trail work. Sections of the Boy Scout Trail and the CCC Hike and Bike Trail between Mather Lodge and Bear Cave were closed.
The Seven Hollows Trail was still open, though the park warned that hikers may meet maintenance crews. The Cedar Falls Trail was not listed as closed.
Holidays
The visitor center closes on New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Plan around those dates if you want to pick up maps or ask staff about the trail.
Staying overnight
The park lists 145 campsites, 34 cabins and 4 yurts. Check the Petit Jean State Park page for reservations and current details.
For a longer, harder Arkansas waterfall hike, see Hemmed-in Hollow Falls on the Buffalo National River.
| Height | 90 ftNote: 90 ft per Arkansas State Parks, which calls it "one of the tallest continuously flowing waterfalls in the state" |
|---|---|
| Trail | Cedar Falls Trail, a National Recreation Trail (Arkansas State Parks). It starts behind the breezeway at Mather Lodge, winds down into Cedar Creek Canyon and follows Cedar Creek to the falls. Orange blazes. 2 miles round trip, 1 1/2 to 2 hours |
| Difficulty | Arkansas State Parks lists the difficulty as both Moderate and Strenuous. The trail descends into Cedar Creek Canyon, so the return to Mather Lodge is a climb out |
| Entry fee | No entry fee is listed on the Petit Jean State Park or Cedar Falls Trail pages, read Nov 8, 2026. Confirm any charges with the park at (501) 727-5431 |
| Permit / reservation | No permit listed on the park pages we read (Nov 8, 2026). No entry fee is listed either |
| Parking | Not listed; trail starts at Mather Lodge |
| Dogs | No dog rule is listed on the park pages we read. The State Park Rules & Policies page (Park Directive 3000, read Nov 14, 2026) lists none either. Call the park at (501) 727-5431 before you bring a dog |
| Swimming | No swimming rule is listed on the park pages we read. The State Park Rules & Policies page (Park Directive 3000, read Nov 14, 2026) lists none either. Ask park staff before entering the water |
| Wheelchair / stroller | The trail page gives no access details. The trail descends into a canyon and is rated Moderate / Strenuous; call (501) 727-5431 to ask about options |
| Best time to visit | No official best month; the campground and picnic area are open all year |
| Crowds | No visitor figures on the park pages we read |
| Managed by | Arkansas State Parks, Petit Jean State Park |
Safety and swimming
The return climbs out of Cedar Creek Canyon. Pace yourself, and turn back early if anyone in your group is tiring.
Follow the orange blazes and stay on the trail, especially around the boulders and along the creek.
The park brochure says fences and warning signs have not been installed in some park locations, to preserve scenic beauty and ecology. It asks for caution and closer supervision of children in those areas.
The State Park Rules & Policies page lists no swimming rule. It points to separate park directives that are not posted there. Ask park staff before entering the water.
Watch for closure signs. On Nov 8, 2026, the park listed parts of two other trails near Mather Lodge as closed for trail work.
In an emergency, call 911. The park number is (501) 727-5431. Our waterfall safety guide has more general tips.
Conditions change: confirm with the official source before you go.
Where to stay near Cedar Falls
Compare hotels, cabins and rentals close to the falls around Morrilton.
See places to stay nearbyAffiliate link: we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Partners do not see or change our waterfall facts. Disclosure.
Photos
Cedar Falls FAQ
Is Cedar Falls open now?
As far as we can tell, yes. The park notice on Nov 8, 2026 listed closures only on parts of the Boy Scout and CCC Hike and Bike trails. The Cedar Falls Trail was not listed.
How tall is Cedar Falls?
90 feet, according to Arkansas State Parks. The park calls it "one of the tallest continuously flowing waterfalls in the state."
How long is the Cedar Falls Trail?
2 miles round trip, according to the park. It estimates 1 1/2 to 2 hours, starting behind the breezeway at Mather Lodge.
Is the Cedar Falls Trail hard?
The park lists it as both Moderate and Strenuous. The trail descends into Cedar Creek Canyon, so the return to the lodge is a climb out.
Does Petit Jean State Park charge an entry fee?
No entry fee is listed on the park pages we read. Confirm any charges with the park at (501) 727-5431.
Are dogs allowed on the Cedar Falls Trail?
No dog rule is posted that we could find. The Arkansas State Parks Rules & Policies page lists none and points to separate park directives. Call the park at (501) 727-5431 before bringing a dog.
Can you swim at Cedar Falls?
No swimming rule is posted that we could find. The Arkansas State Parks Rules & Policies page lists none. Ask park staff before entering the water.
Nearby waterfalls
Falling Water Falls42 mi straight-line, by our mathOpen10FT
Falls Creek Falls47 mi straight-line, by our mathOpen
Twin Falls48 mi straight-line, by our mathOpen
Glory Hole Falls55 mi straight-line, by our mathOpen
Hemmed-in Hollow Falls69 mi straight-line, by our mathOpen209FT
Little Missouri Falls74 mi straight-line, by our mathOpen
City guides: Waterfalls near Hot Springs, AR
Sources
- Arkansas State Parks: Petit Jean State Park (trail notice, history, lodge, visitor center hours, camping, address; read Nov 8, 2026)
- Arkansas State Parks: Cedar Falls Trail (National Recreation Trail) (distance, time, difficulty, route, height, trailhead; read Nov 8, 2026)
- Arkansas State Parks: Petit Jean State Park trails map (PDF)
- Arkansas State Parks: Petit Jean State Park information brochure (PDF file dated Jan 2026, cover marked 2025; read Nov 14, 2026)
- Arkansas State Parks: State Park Rules & Policies (Park Directive 3000, Feb 2, 2015; read Nov 14, 2026)
Last verified Nov 8, 2026 by The Waterfall Guide editorial team. Conditions change: confirm with Arkansas State Parks, Petit Jean State Park before you go. Spotted something out of date? Report a correction.