Cedar Falls Overlook
Arkansas River Valley, Arkansas · 865 ft
Typical peak
Oct 25 – Nov 2
high confidence in typical timing.
Best light
Best under flat overcast
A railed rim platform looks across the canyon at a 95-foot fall dropping into Cedar Creek, with oak and red maple on both walls. Overcast holds detail in the white water and keeps the wet sandstone from going flat.
Seasonal model estimate. Timing remains uncertain; check recent reports before traveling. Source: seasonal timing model. Calculated .
Crowds
high
Busy through peak. Be parked before sunrise or expect to walk in.
Getting there
Park at Mather Lodge off AR-154 in Petit Jean State Park and walk the paved quarter-mile Overlook Trail to the rail.
What turns here
- red maple
- white oak
- sweetgum
Color progression
Typical peak Oct 29Typical color progression for Cedar Falls Overlook. No change from Sep 21 to Oct 8. First color from Oct 8 to Oct 17. Approaching peak from Oct 17 to Oct 25. Peak from Oct 25 to Nov 2. Past peak from Nov 2 to Nov 12. Bare from Nov 12 to Nov 26.
Cedar Falls Overlook is typically at peak on Nov 1, 2026.
This season so far
First frost
None yet
No night at or below 32°F since Aug 1.
Last 14 days
77°F / 50°F
Average daily high and low.
Modeled weather for these coordinates from the Open-Meteo historical archive, Aug 1 – Oct 31; not a station record. Reported peak is the median date of approved peak-color reports.
Plan the light
Cedar Falls Overlook on October 29, 2026, the center of its typical peak window.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 7:04 AM |
| Sunrise Rises ESE · 106° | 7:30 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 35 min of low, warm light | 8:05 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 12:55 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 35 min before sunset | 5:45 PM |
| Sunset Sets WSW · 254° | 6:20 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:47 PM |
Times in America/Chicago · day length 10h 51m · computed from NOAA solar equations.
Local terrain can hide the sun; allow extra time to reach your viewpoint.
Which way to point the camera
Sun rises ESE, sets WSW.
Aim within 45° of the sun for translucent leaves. Turn your back to it for flat, accurate color.
Shooting conditions
Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.
Recent reports
What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.
Nearby locations
Within 100 miles in a straight line; road distances can be longer.