Unplug: Petit Jean Published April 7, 2016 By Airman Kevin Sommer Giron 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- Cedar Falls cascades into Cedar Creek March 27, 2016, in Petit Jean State Park, Ark. Cedar Falls is 95 feet tall with approximately 300,000 people visiting it each year. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Kevin E. Sommer Giron) According to the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, Petit Jean State Park is an iconic symbol in the Natural State Petit Jean is home to more than 20 miles of hiking trails leading through beautiful waterfalls, ancient rock formations and historic architecture. Since arriving at Little Rock Air Force Base, I discovered one of the highlights to this area is the popular Cedar Falls Trail. The trail was recommended to me by fellow Airmen and locals many times so I decided to go. After a short hour and a half drive from base, I arrived at Mather Lodge atop a cliff overlooking Cedar Creek Canyon. The trail begins just left of the lodge and leads down the canyon toward Cedar Creek. The initial view is incredible. I took a minute to take in the fresh air and looked around the canyon, then began my descent down the cliff side. The beginning portion of the trail is unlike the rest due to the sharp turns and rocky steps constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps nearly 70 years ago. Climbing over and onto rocks that litter this trail is what makes the terrain fun to hike. The winding descent soon led me to the bottom of the canyon where the creek begins. I soon realized it was the guiding force for the remainder of the trail. As I hiked, I noticed little streams ran along boulders and in between trees that were as tall as 4-story houses. The trail mimics the creeks' turns and curves with an occasional bridge and rock crossing directing the hiker from one side to the other. The stream is a nice complement to the routine hiking trail along the forest. The creek soon led me to what brings most people to this trail: the magnificent 95-foot waterfall. The waterfall cuts straight through the canyon and pours into a small lake. The surrounding rock face resembles a bowl around the waterfall with different shades of orange, brown and black. My favorite part of the waterfall is the surrounding rocks that have a divot which makes walking behind the water accessible. I took a moment and lost myself in the sound of the crashing water. The enormity of it gave me an appreciation for how simple and beautiful life can be sometimes. I took in every detail from the secluded falls then began heading back to the lodge. In total, the 2-mile hike only took an hour to complete. I love the Cedar Falls Trail because it's adventurous and beautiful. I recommend this trail to anyone new to Arkansas as a way to get to know the Natural State and what it has to offer. Not to mention, it's relaxing and free. For more information on trails and parks in Arkansas visit: www.arkansasstateparks.com and www.petitjeanstatepark.com.