Cathedral Falls

Current conditions

Leatherwood Wilderness, Ozark National Forest — near Big Flat

The tallest of the three Leatherwood pouroffs and the most dramatic finish to a long day in the wilderness. At 87 feet, Cathedral Falls drops into a canyon lined with towering bluffs, giant old-growth pines, and a silence that genuinely feels cathedral-like — which is exactly where the name comes from. The bluffline on the approach offers sweeping views down into the Leatherwood Creek Valley that rival the falls themselves, and the giant pines standing at the base have clearly been growing undisturbed for centuries. Cathedral Falls is the grand finale of a 7.3-mile hike through the Leatherwood Wilderness that also visits Helen's Pouroff and Woodsman Pouroff — three waterfalls totaling 224 feet in a single backcountry day. See nearby: Helen's Pouroff and Woodsman Pouroff.

Best time to go

February through May after significant rainfall.

The trail

Cathedral Falls is the third and final stop on the Leatherwood route, reached after visiting Helen's Pouroff and Woodsman Pouroff. Getting to the base requires crossing the creek above the falls and following the bluffline approximately a quarter mile until a route down presents itself — one of the more adventurous approaches of any waterfall in the region. Medium-difficult hike/bushwhack; GPS required. Quad: Big Flat. Check US Forest Service wilderness rules for dogs.

Getting there

From Big Flat, head east on Hwy 14 for 3.8 miles then turn left on Hwy 341. Continue 6.9 miles and park near the base of Push Mountain Tower. Cathedral Falls is reached after first visiting Helen's Pouroff and Woodsman Pouroff. Coordinates: 36.10332°N, 92.40360°W.