Large fanning drop between the snowy banks

Cedar Falls

protected land holds a small, wild waterfall

Located in protected land within the Huron Mountains, Cedar Falls is surrounded by mossy outcroppings and huge cedars seemingly untouched by humans. The main falls are just within Huron Mountain Club property, a short chain of sliding drops ending in a deep, sandy pool. An upper drop sits on public land, smaller yet similar in beauty and formation. Getting to this area is an adventure in itself, as the Northwestern Road is poorly maintained and often blocked by washouts or downed trees.

Directions

From Big Erick’s Bridge head east down Erick’s Road for 4 miles, turning left onto the Northwestern Road. Take this for 3 miles and turn left at the hubcap is, sticking to the Northwestern Road. Cedar Creek flows under (or over, depending on the time of year) the road 2.2 miles from the hubcap. A small, wildly muddy drive follows Cedar Creek downstream just past the crossing for parking if you get this far, otherwise just park along the road and walk to the creek. Head downstream to the waterfalls. Turkey Neck Falls lies further downstream, about a mile within the Club’s property.

Photographs

Visits

Seen in April and July.

April 18, 2009 snow still pretty deep in the creek valley
Sticking close to the creek made sense; the track had been hard to walk on and, if I remembered correctly, had a few signs posted along its length. When we reached the proper Cedar Falls, less than a half hour after leaving the Northwestern behind, no one had seen a single Club sign. The snow was still pretty deep in Cedar Creek's little valley, sheltered by the shallow dip and huge cedars and pines.
July 19, 2008
The falls were small and quaint, a long cascade over dark rock, but the forest was enchanting. Huge cedars, layers of moss, soft, spongy ground underfoot, and giant rocks protruding from the cliff banks like a giant had just tossed them randomly around gave the entire area an old, familiar feeling. It sits on Huron Mountain Club property and we were both wary here, feeling like we didn't belong in such a pristine location, so after a few photos we headed back to the road.