(Cedar City, UT) - Cascade Falls National Recreation Trail has been reengineered and opened in time for the Pioneer Day weekend, after being closed for a couple of years due to safety concerns. The US Forest Service made a major financial commitment to reroute the trail and stabilize eroding soil making the trail ready for public use.

Charlie Marsh, the Acting Cedar City District Ranger, said “Prior to it being closed, the Cascade Falls National Recreation Trail was the highest used trail in the Dixie National Forest. We are thrilled to have the trail open again to the public. It is one of the highlights for visitors to Cedar Mountain," he said.

The 0.8 mile (one-way) walking trail is reasonably flat and is a great trail for beginners and families. Hikers on the trail are treated to spectacular views of the Virgin River Rim country and Zion National Park. The trail ends at the waterfall that flows out of the side of the cliff. The water that flows over the falls is supplied by Navajo Lake through an underground lava tube or sink hole. The water flows a couple miles underground through the tube before exiting at the Virgin River Rim. (Please note, the lava tube is closed to travel due to the low levels of oxygen and high water flows.)

To reach Cascade Falls, take State Highway 14 East for 25.5 miles, turn right towards Navajo Lake on Forest Service road #30053, take the first left onto Forest Service road #30370. Follow this road until you reach the junction with Forest Service road #30054. Follow the signs to Cascade Falls and turn right onto Forest Service road #30054. This road will dead end at the Cascade Falls trailhead.

For more information on this or other great hiking opportunities in the Dixie National Forest, go to Short Hikes and Trails or call (435) 865-3700