If you’re really an adventure seeker, then you’ll love the Fall Creek Falls Cable Trail. It’s not for the faint at heart and you’ll soon see why.
The Challenging Cable Trail
The Cable Trail can be found a little ways down the Lower Loop/Paw Paw Trail. We accessed the trail from the Nature Center. From the parking lot, head back towards the main road to the left. The combined trails start near here where they follow between the road and Rockhouse Creek. Soon after crossing the small creek, you’ll come across a sign pointing you down the adjacent Cable Trail. After a short hike deeper into the woods, you’ll arrive at the top of the cable and the true challenge begins.
As you can see from the photos above and below, the Cable Trail is not to be taken lightly. I had heard that it was a challenging trail, so steep it requires a cable. But I did not realize that meant it was a rocky climb down. Some compare this to rock climbing, although the bulk of it is near the top. The trail goes down about half a mile before reaching the base of Cane Creek and Rockhouse Falls. I’ve always wanted to enjoy the view from the bottom, but I’m sad to report, I have yet to complete this trail.
My friend and I started the rocky climb down, until we reached a point where she would go no further. There was a large rock step down from here. I estimate it to be about five feet of literal rock climbing the face of this bluff to properly make it down. The crazy thing is, she loves bouldering and does rock climbing a lot. But she said she did not feel comfortable doing this one without a spotter. I don’t blame her either. I was considering attempting it by myself, but with her not joining me the rest of the way, I decided it would be wiser not to. My main concern was the part just below this bluff where the cable continues far overhead and you have to scramble over smaller rocks without the cable’s aid. Needless to say, we turned around and went back up here.
The Less Challenging Rocky Point Overlook
If you’re like me and the Cable Trail is a bit too daunting, then maybe you’re up for a slightly less scary challenge. The Rocky Point Overlook. This overlook is easiest to access from the Nature Center as well. Cross the suspension bridge behind the center and head down the Gorge Overlook Trail. On this trail are three overlooks. Keep hiking until you reach the Rocky Point Overlook which will be the third and final overlook.
Again, this is a challenging climb to the overlook. My friend did not join me on this one either. But I felt it was close enough and short enough to attempt on my own. Indeed, it was a challenge for me. I witnessed (and slowed down) quite a few people who did not have any trouble with this climb down to the overlook. However, I am sure I’m not the only one who would struggle with this one.
Initially, there’s a rocky descent similar to that of the cable trail but without the cable to assist. The hardest spot is the final rock bluff going down. It’s about four feet tall but appears taller from above. It took me a long time to finally hop down from here. Once down, there’s a short flat walk to the Rocky Point Overlook. Hiking up the overlook from here is a steep but easier trail with no rock climbing necessary. Views from this point will allow you to see far and wide. You can even see the Fall Creek Falls Overlook that we visited the day before (see the blog post about that HERE).
The hardest part of this challenge was getting back up that four foot bluff. A stranger offered to give me a boost but I said “no thanks.” Soon after I realized I probably should have taken him up on the offer. I pondered for a while how to get back up without injuring myself. I’m not flexible by any means so this was quite the challenge. I finally decided to use the anchor in the tree that holds up the chain to the right of it. See the photo above to see what I’m talking about. I was able to get back up using this foothold method, but I did get a small scrape on my knee in doing so. If you attempt this overlook, be sure you’re prepared for this challenging step!
Other Overlooks on Gorge Trail
If neither of these challenges seem doable for you, there are still other overlooks on the Gorge Trail. Well, sort of. The Cane Creek Gorge Overlook, that is the middle overlook of the three on this trail, is hardly an overlook at all. Trees block the view and the hike to the point is very short and easy. Even in the winter when the tree leaves have fallen, there’s really nothing to see here.
My favorite overlook on this trail is the Cane Creek Overlook. But I don’t want to spoil my post next week all about this one. Be sure to come back and see what this overlook is all about.
Final Thoughts
If you’re up for the Cable Trail challenge, be sure you’re prepared. I would suggest not going alone and only if you’re confident to make the trek down. Also, don’t be afraid to start and then turn around if you feel too unsafe with it. Hopefully one day I will be able to do the trail completely with the right people.
If you’re confident with getting up and down a four foot step, be sure to check out the Rocky Point Overlook. And if you have to get help, don’t be afraid to ask (or take it if it’s offered).
Click HERE to watch the video of these adventures where you’ll see more details from these hikes. Would you dare to try these adventurous trails? Let me know in the comments below. Until next time, enjoy Exploring Chatt!
For more Fall Creek Falls info check out my other Fall Creek Falls blog posts below:
