There are multiple waterfalls accessible from the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education and the State Fish Hatchery parking lot. Cedar Rock Falls and Upper Cedar Rock Falls are two of the easiest to visit.
Pisgah Center is located on Forest Road 475. For a hiking day full of waterfalls, check out the other Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education waterfalls.
The trail starts behind the center and parking lot. To begin, walk beyond the authorized vehicles only sign to a gated road (Forest Road 475C). There is a trailhead sign which reads “Horse Cove Rd.” Go around the gate and cross the wooden bridge behind it.
Cedar Rock Falls
The first stop is a 20-foot, two-tier waterfall called Cedar Rock Falls. This trail is approximately 2 miles round-trip.
First, take the Cat Gap Loop Trail which begins almost immediately on the right beyond the bridge. Cat Gap is marked with painted orange blazes.
Cat Gap Loop Trail
The beginning of the trail follows along green fencing to your right. You’ll cross a small creek.
At about 0.3 miles into the hike, you’ll go over a footbridge and then cross a gravel service road. Cat Gap immediately picks up again across the road. Note: On my second trip, the footbridge had been washed away during a tropical storm. We made our way across the creek using stepping stones instead.
About 10 or 15 minutes later, look for an unmarked spur trail to your left and go down the ridge. It is easy to miss if you aren’t paying attention. This is an unofficial trail so it is rough and steep. The path is covered in roots so watch your step!
I had to cross 3 downed logs, one of which had been cut down to make it easier to pass. You’ll go by a large rock cove before you reach the waterfall. Be careful – The ground, rocks, and leaves near the waterfall are frozen in cold weather.
Cedar Rock Falls
The trail drops you at the side of the falls, making the viewpoint slightly angled. For a clear, unobstructed view, you can sit on the large rocks at the base of the falls.
While Cedar Rock Falls is not as grand as some nearby waterfalls, you still get a sense of its scale standing next to it.
Upper Cedar Rock Falls
Next is Upper Cedar Rock Falls, a 10-foot waterfall. Retrace your steps back to the Cat Gap Loop Trail and then turn left to continue on the trail. Upper Cedar Rock Falls is close.
Look down the left side of the trail for a primitive campsite. This spur trail is also steep but shorter than its predecessor.
Upper Cedar Rock Falls
Turn right at the campsite and the falls are nearby. You can perch on some boulders to observe the waterfall. Since it is only 10 feet, the falls is almost at ground level to the trail.
For other waterfalls in the area, check out my list of Brevard waterfalls.
I have a beautiful friend in the South-Western part of N.C. The next time I visit I’ll hike with her to see the falls as you did. Cedar Rock Falls attracted me because of the pictures, and the large rocks. Untouched beauty.
Hi Liz! It really is so beautiful and an easier hike than many others. If you do visit the area, you should definitely enjoy it 🙂