WATCH OUT FOR FALLING ROCKS AND WATER

The most popular hiking spot at Petit Jean State Park is Cedar Creek Falls Trail, a half-mile down a rocky pathway laid out by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934, then another half-mile following the creek to the 90-foot falls. Big Bore and I decided to ignore the health warning sign and forge ahead, and we were glad we did. We had soooooo much fun!!

Geologists guess-timate the canyon was carved out about 300 million years ago. I' m not sure how these geniuses take such measures of time, but the stone behind Big Bore in the next two pictures did have a Rock of Ages appearance.

The trail ends at a pool of water below the falls. Do not enter!! We were the earliest birds of the day, so we didn't have to share the area with anyone and could act as stupidly as we pleased. Which we did--mainly with our interpretation of what singing shouldn't sound like. The little gray ground squirrels were appalled at the noise and ran for peace and quiet.


We figured the trip back up to the trail head would consist of heavy breathing and achy legs, but it didn't. In fact, going up was easier than going down. Of course, that may have been because we stopped to talk to just about everyone we encountered, taking their pictures, giving them tips, etc. We also have to give credit to our trusty hiking sticks, which bring a new meaning to the song, "Lean on Me."

Cedar Creek Falls Trail is one of eight trails at Petit Jean State Park. Next up: scenes from some of the others.