Cedar Falls Overlook
Arkansas River Valley, Arkansas · 865 ft
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.
Typical peak
Oct 25 – Nov 2
Long range. Treat as a planning estimate only.
Best light
Best under flat overcast
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.
Color starts around Oct 8.
Light at peak
Cedar Falls Overlook on October 29, the day it typically peaks. Knowing when color arrives is one thing. Knowing where the sun will be is another.
| 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
Which way to point the camera
Sun rises ESE, sets WSW.
Aim within 45° of those and the canopy glows translucent. Turn your back to them for flat, accurate color.
Location pages name the light directly.
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.