Meagen SetterI simply cannot resist a great hiking trail. The allure of towering trees, cascading waterfalls, and endless crunching of leaves draws me in every time. So, whenever I hear about a stunning nature spot, it’s like my boots start walking on their own.
Sadly, not every trail lives up to the hype. Some are not well-maintained, overcrowded, or there’s not a lot of views. But, my friends, the Big Cedar and Kennedy Falls hike is not one of those disappointments.
If you’re as enchanted by nature as I am, join me on my journey to Big Cedar and Kennedy Falls!
Best Time to Go
The best time to go to Big Cedar and Kennedy Falls is all-year round as the trail rarely has snow. However, from November to March, be ready for some icy patches or a bit of snow.
Things to Know
Hiking Directions
The Big Cedar and Kennedy Falls trail starts just past the Mount Fromme parking lot on Mountain Highway, near a gate, info kiosk, and outhouses. Walk up the gravel road for 500m, then look for the “Cedar Tree Trail” sign on the right.
Follow the Cedar Tree Trail north, sharing it with mountain bikers. After another 500m, take the right path at the junction with Kirkford trail. Cross a broad bridge shortly after.
Continue on the old logging road, navigating steep banks and creek crossings. Be careful to follow trail markers and avoid faint trails near the creek. Expect some wet and muddy sections.
About 1.5km from the gravel road, pass a large tree burl on your left. From there, the trail descends for 1km to the Big Cedar, a massive 600-year-old tree.
To reach Kennedy Falls, take the trail behind and to the left of the Big Cedar. Climb a steep path before rejoining the old logging road. Follow it uphill and around rocks and roots until it curves left into Kennedy Creek valley.
Stay on the trail above a landslide, then descend towards the creek. Carefully navigate the steep, slippery social trails to the creek. Walk upstream for the best view of the falls.
Parking
You have three parking option to start the hike to the Big Cedar and Kennedy Falls:
Mount Fromme Parking Lot: ideal choice as it’s near the Big Cedar and Kennedy Falls. However, this parking lot is quite crowded.
Street Parking: Head north on Mountain Highway for about 4 km. For legal street parking, try Mill Street, which is closest to the trailhead. Evelyn Street and Dempsey Road are also good options for parking.
Lynn Headwaters Parking: gravel parking lots which are 400m away to the trailhead. Head to the Baden Powell trail until you reach Mountain Highway and follow up the hill.
Trail Overview
Difficulty: Intermediate
Elevation Gain: 150 meters
Time: 5-6 hours
Round-Trip: 10km
Season: Year-round
How hard is the Kennedy Falls hike?
The Big Cedar and Kennedy Falls trail in Vancouver offers a unique blend of natural beauty and history, showcasing a 600-year-old cedar tree and stunning waterfall.
It’s a beloved spot for locals and tourists alike, providing a challenging hike and a glimpse into the region’s ancient forest landscape.
The Kennedy Falls hike is generally considered moderately challenging due to numerous creek crossings. While there’s not much elevation gain, the slippery roots add difficulty. The round trip is 10 km and typically takes about four hours to complete.
How to Get to Big Cedar and Kennedy Falls
By public transit: Take bus #210 to the stop on Mountain Highway at Coleman St. Continue walking up Mountain Highway another kilometer to the trailhead. You can catch bus #210 in downtown Vancouver at Burrard Station or in North Vancouver at Phibbs Exchange.
By car: head to Lions Gate Bridge and exit onto Marine Drive toward Capilano Road. Turn left onto Capilano Road, then turn right. Head to BC-1 E and take exit 19. Merge onto Boulevard Crescent, continue onto Lynn Valley Road, and finally turn left onto Mountain Highway.
What to Do in Big Cedar and Kennedy Falls
Walk the Roadside Attraction Trail
Media credit: fhjbx
Address: North Vancouver, BC V7K 3B2, Canada
This hike through the forest along the base of Mount Fromme is lovely and approachable, with a mild and gradual elevation gain.
It’s a short trail, perfect for new riders, featuring a mix of boardwalks and rooty sections, providing a great introduction to North Shore riding.
The trail can be ridden in both directions, but watch for new riders, dog walkers, and kids on push bikes if you’re heading up.
Check out the Cedar Tree Trail
Media credit: adventuregurl_94
Address: North Vancouver, BC V7K 3B2, Canada
Cedar Tree Trail is a 4 km scenic wilderness trail near North Vancouver, British Columbia. This moderately challenging trail can be hiked in both directions and typically takes about 1 hour and 35 minutes to complete.
The trunk forks into several smaller stalks just above the ground. This deformity likely made it undesirable for lumber, sparing it from being cut down, which is why it still stands today.
Marvel at the Big Cedar tree
Media credit: joel.pennings.photography
Address: North Vancouver, BC V7K 3B2, Canada
After roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes, you’ll arrive at the impressive Big Cedar Tree. This enormous, 600-year-old tree is one of the few in the area that wasn’t logged, offering a glimpse into what the forest would have looked like in its untouched state.
The trunk forks into several smaller stalks just above the ground. This deformity likely made it undesirable for lumber, sparing it from being cut down, which is why it still stands today.
Walking on the Old Logging Road
Media credit: evelynkouromichelakis
Address: North Vancouver, BC V7K 3B2, Canada
Beneath your feet, the remnants of an old logging road, reinforced with cedar planks, are slowly dissolving back into the forest floor. Nature has begun to reclaim this once well-traveled path, with moss and ferns covering the decaying wood.
For a modest 4-hour investment, you get a beautiful hike through impressive old-growth forest with minimal effort. The sounds of birds and rustling leaves provide a peaceful soundtrack as you meander through the lush greenery.
Admire the Falls
Media credit: blakerandall81
Address: North Vancouver, BC V7K 3B2, Canada
As you approach the falls, the faint sound of water grows louder, guiding you to Kennedy Creek. Here, there’s ample space to spread out.
Carefully hike up the creek’s edge to the viewing platform at the base of the falls, marking the hike’s end. After enjoying the views and a snack, retrace your steps back to the trailhead.
Apps to Download for a Trip to Big Cedar and Kennedy Falls
Vancouver Transit Live: provides real-time bus schedules as well as live updates on buses approaching stops near you.
Maps.me: detailed, offline maps with turn-by-turn navigation for driving, hiking, or biking to a selected location.
GPSmyCity: offline tour guide with built-in GPS navigation functions that guide you from one tour stop to the next.
AllTrails: custom route planning app with fitness activity tracker and reviews from fellow hikers to help you plan your outdoor adventures.
