💧 Cedar Falls

Overview

Cedar Falls produces the greatest volume of water of any waterfall in Hocking County — a 50-foot cascade over blackened sandstone that's arguably the most photographed waterfall in Ohio. The one-way loop trail covers 0.5 to 0.9 miles with roughly 200 feet of elevation change via steep staircases.

The name is a misnomer: early settlers misidentified the eastern hemlocks surrounding the falls as cedars. The hemlocks remain, though they're now threatened by the hemlock woolly adelgid — an invasive insect that Ohio's Division of Forestry has been actively treating since 2017.

What You'll See

The trail descends through hemlock forest via the "Democracy Steps" — a staircase designed using the Fibonacci Sequence by Japanese architect Akio Hizume. The falls themselves are best viewed from the base, where the water fans across a wide sandstone face. The gorge is noticeably cooler than the surrounding ridgetops, often 10–15°F cooler due to the hemlock canopy and sandstone microclimate.

Trail Details

The trail is steep, with significant stair sections. Not wheelchair accessible. The small trailhead lot holds only about 7 cars; a larger main lot is nearby. This trail is often cited as the best in the park for hiking with dogs.

Parking & Crowds

The trailhead lot is tiny (~7 spaces) and fills quickly. Use the main lot nearby. Cedar Falls is a stop on the free weekend shuttle route. It's also accessible via the Grandma Gatewood Trail from Old Man's Cave (roughly 2.5 miles one way).

Insider Tips

• Visit in spring for maximum water volume — the falls are most impressive March through May
• The Fibonacci staircase is a fascinating detail worth pausing to appreciate
• This is the midpoint of the Grandma Gatewood Trail between Old Man's Cave and Ash Cave
• Frozen Cedar Falls in winter is spectacular — the wide cascade creates elaborate ice formations
• Dogs do well on this trail despite the difficulty — plenty of shade and water access