Located between Ponca & Boxley – the Lost Valley trail is a popular retreat for hikers. This is the most crowded trail we have hiked to date. Somewhere between ten and fifteen other hikers were seen on the trail.

Although we tend to enjoy quiet hikes and adventures where we feel like the only person for miles, this beautiful hike was more than worth interacting with others, despite the embarrassment of them watching me huff and puff making my way up the stairs.

There are a lot of stairs. Just when I was sure we had crested the hill to reach the Lost Valley Trail – another staircase. Which is still the safer option for me because I can trip over my own feet on solid ground, so you can imagine what what I look like on steep slippery slopes.

We were here way past waterfall season, and though still flowing, Eden Falls was little more than a trickle. The Cob Cave Shelter was incredible. Looking upward at the sheer bluffs was mind boggling. But the best of the trail was after the devil’s staircase, Eden Falls Cave. The cave had a 30 degree temperature change instantly. There is so much to see on this trail that I am going to break it up into a few separate points.

The Overall Trail

The trail itself is wide and graveled over halfway. The latter half, though clearly visible, becomes increasingly followed by the staircase leading to the final cave.

The Natural Bridge

The first wonder that you will stumble upon is the natural bridge. The path will split here going both left and right. Being the adventurous type my husband drug me up over the small rock embankment into the bridge, where you can wander through the beautiful water carved cavern and come out back on the path.

Cob Cave & Eden Falls

Cob cave is a massive bluff shelter, named by early explorers who discovered numerous corn cobs left behind by Native Americans. You can walk into the bluff shelter, and follow the worn trail up into the top half. It’s beautiful rock patterns make it well worth your time.

Just down the path from Cob Cave you will find Eden Falls. Since we were here in the drier part of summer, the falls weren’t particularly impressive but they were still a beautiful oasis and worth the extra steps.

Eden Falls Cave

This is where the stairs come in. Following the signs, you will back track a little bit from The Falls, and follow the staircase forever. Eventually you will end up at the opening to Eden Falls Cave. The temperature will immediately drop drastically when you entre the cave. The cave will split into three directions once you enter, and since the left side leads no-where, we will focus on the other two. If you walk straight back into the second room you will find a magnificent high-ceiling and column. The right side is a hands & knees crawl for about 150 feet, but if you’re brave enough to make it, you will step out into a beautiful open room with a waterfall. It was too dark to get a good, clear photograph with my camera, but I did my best, and I hope you enjoy it.

Over all, I would recommend this trail to anyone who can handle 200+ stairs. If you feel that’s a bit much for you, you can still enjoy the gravel path and walk along the buffalo. There is a clear sign stating that you are entering the more rugged end of the trail, so you’ll know if it’s time to turn back.