Hiking: Cedar Falls, Petit Jean

I have a lot to post about lately!  This is several weeks old now, but I thought I would go ahead and get this posted while I get recent photos uploaded.

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Petit Jean State Park is one of our favorite places in the state.  James grew up at the foot of the mountain and it is only a short drive for us now, but it has a way of making us feel like we're way out.  It is a perfect way to take in "The Natural State."  

This summer, we packed up a picnic and a group of friends and went for a hike on the Cedar Falls Trail. 

The trail is gorgeous in the summer.  So green!

It took me a while to get this shot, actually.  There are always lots of hikers hanging around the falls and climbing around behind them.  It's a beautiful place to take a break, so there are always at least a few other groups there when we are.

The trail is only a couple miles long, but the trip back up the mountain can be a little difficult on a hot day.  We have hiked several of the other trails as well, but this is one of our favorites.

About a month ago, we decided to head back up the mountain to take in some of the fall color.  We brought my mom with us this time and had a really nice drive.

Not much hiking on this trip, but we stopped at several overlooks and enjoyed the view.  Cedar Falls looks much different this time of year!