Cedar Falls
Ohio • 50 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.9 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
100 ft
About Cedar Falls
Cedar Falls is one of the most popular and scenic waterfalls in Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio. It features a stunning cascade of water flowing over a sandstone cliff into a serene pool below. The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and unique rock formations, making it a picturesque destination year-round.
The Setting
Cedar Falls sits at 840 feet within Hocking Hills State Park, fed by the Hocking River, in the foothills of Ohio. The falls drop 50 feet.
Height: 50 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 0.9-mile out-and-back trail gains 100 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Cedar Falls is a short and well-maintained path that winds through a forested area with scenic views of sandstone cliffs and unique rock formations. The trail includes a series of steps and a wooden bridge, making it accessible for most visitors. The sound of the waterfall grows louder as you approach, adding to the anticipation.
What to Expect
The falls drop 50 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Cedar Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Cedar Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit Cedar Falls, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to seasonal rainfall. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a unique view of the falls with ice formations.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
The trail can be slippery, especially after rain or during winter. Stay on marked paths and avoid climbing on rocks near the waterfall. Exercise caution around the water's edge.
Current Water Conditions
1,480 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much higher than usual for this time of year
Based on 94 years of record
4.71 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
The water is flowing much higher than usual, expect an impressive display.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Hocking River at Enterprise OH (17 km away).
Today
Low
1480 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Low
1565 cfs
6/10Sun
Low
1649 cfs
6/10Mon
Low
1734 cfs
6/10Tue
Low
1713 cfs
6/10Wed
Low
1670 cfs
6/10Thu
Moderate
1895 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — low flow, sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to late April, peaking in April.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Rockbridge hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
The bare-earth surface loses about 89 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The falls are listed at 50 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 837 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 124 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 61 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing southeast, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 837 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 89 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southeast
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Cedar Falls is located within Hocking Hills State Park, approximately 8.3 miles from Rockbridge, Ohio. Visitors can use the coordinates 39.4195, -82.5235 to navigate to the parking area near the trailhead.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
A dedicated parking lot is available near the Cedar Falls trailhead. Parking is free but can fill up quickly during peak seasons.
Elevation
840 feet above sea level
Coordinates
39.419512° N, -82.523492° W
Land Management
Managed by SDNR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early in the day to avoid crowds, especially during weekends and peak seasons. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail can be slippery, particularly after rain. Bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery, and pack water and snacks for your visit.
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For this easy 0.9 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Where to Stay
Lazy Lane
Breath of Heaven Cabin- Hot Tub, Deck, Pond, PETS
Frog Hollow at Hocking Vacations
Havenridge
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
Athens Ranger District - Athens Area
19.1 miles away · 0 sites
Located 70 miles southeast of Columbus, Ohio, the Athens Unit of the Athens Ranger District is home to the Wayne National Forest Welcome Center. From here you can learn about all that the Wayne National Forest has to offer and plan your trip.
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other attractions in Hocking Hills State Park include Old Man's Cave, Ash Cave, and Rock House. The park also offers additional hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks.
Wildlife
Visitors may encounter deer, squirrels, various bird species, and other small wildlife along the trail.
Cities near Cedar Falls
Other waterfalls named Cedar Falls
8 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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