02/13/2026
One of our favorite hikes:
Cedar Rock Trail-DuPont Forest
Kirt & Cathy Version (simple + real-life friendly)
How to Hike It
Start at Corn Mill Shoals Parking Area off Cascade Lake Road.
Cross Cascade Lake Road and hop on the trail across the street.
Take your second left, which is Big Rock Trail.
Heads up: this is a shared-use trail. You may see mountain bikers or the occasional horse—just step to the right and smile 🙂
Climb straight up Big Rock Trail.
There’s some elevation and a few switchbacks, but it’s very manageable.
When you reach the rock outcrop, go left for the view/vista
This is a great spot to chill, take photos, and have some water.
Keep following Big Rock Trail until you see signs for Cedar Rock Trail.
At the top, go right.
This section is mostly exposed rock and heads straight down.
Quick workout option: If you’re short on time, go down to where the forest starts, turn around, and hike straight back up the way you came. Efficient and humbling.
If time isn’t a factor, continue on Cedar Rock Trail.
The trail will eventually flatten out and become Little Rock Trail.
Stay on Little Rock Trail.
Pass Burnt Mountain Trail.
Eventually you’ll connect with Little River Trail, which leads into Corn Mill Shoals Trail.
Stay on Corn Mill Shoals Trail and follow it back to the parking area.
Why We Love This Hike
Easy to get to
Big views and open vistas
Solid elevation change without a long commitment
Tons of different micro-environments—forest, rock, moss, and open granite
Of course—bring a map 🙂
Happy hiking! 🥾
