Cedar Falls

Pros & cons

PROS

Signature waterfall set in a dramatic sandstone gorge
Short, scenic hike with connections to bigger loop options
Trailhead has parking, restrooms, and a picnic area

CONS

Gets crowded; parking can fill by mid‑morning on weekends
Flow can drop to a trickle in dry spells

Overview

Cedar Falls delivers that classic Hocking Hills moment: a tall, ribboning waterfall plunging into a shaded pool, ringed by mossy ledges and hemlocks. It flows year‑round and looks its best after steady rain or snowmelt. The approach drops you into a cool, narrow gorge with bridges, rock steps, and plenty of photo stops.

What You'll See

Expect a short but moderately strenuous walk with stairs and uneven rock. An overlook frames the falls from above, and the base area offers different angles for photos. Trails here link into bigger routes, including the Gorge Overlook and the Grandma Gatewood/Buckeye Trail toward Old Man’s Cave and Ash Cave, so it’s easy to turn this into a longer day.

Geology & History

The cliffs and ledges are Black Hand Sandstone—ancient sediments laid down hundreds of millions of years ago and later sculpted by water into gorges, recess caves, and waterfalls. Early settlers misidentified the abundant hemlocks as “cedars,” and the name stuck. A water‑powered gristmill once operated near the falls in the 1800s; remnants are still present.

Wildlife

This cool, moist gorge is reliable for songbirds and the occasional turkey vulture overhead. Look for salamanders and small frogs near seepage and spray zones, plus lush ferns and moss communities along shaded rock walls. Please stay on trail and avoid handling amphibians.

Logistics & Amenities

There’s a main signed trailhead with parking, vault toilets, and a picnic area; additional/overflow parking may be used on busy days. Trails are open roughly from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. If you need flush restrooms or maps, the Visitor Center at Old Man’s Cave is the best stop before or after your hike. A reservable day‑use shelter sits near the area for covered picnicking. Swimming at the base is prohibited.

Best Time to Visit

After rain or spring snowmelt for the strongest flow.
Early morning or late afternoon for softer light, fewer people, and easier parking.
Weekdays beat weekends, and October leaf season is the busiest.

Pair It Up

If you’ve got half a day, connect Cedar Falls to Old Man’s Cave via the Buckeye/Grandma Gatewood and Gorge Overlook routes. You’ll add scenic rim views, Rose Lake, and classic gorge scenery without a long drive in between.