Louisiana’s Tallest Waterfall is Located in Catahoula Parish
A waterfall in Louisiana? Yes! Rock Falls is the tallest of three waterfalls in the state. Rock Falls is a 17-foot waterfall located in Catahoula Parish.
Rock Falls is located in J.C. “Sonny” Gilbert Wildlife Management Area (WMA) on a tributary of Big Creek. You’ll need to dress appropriately to hike to the falls as the path is of moderate difficulty. The total red-blazed hike is approximately one mile. The falls are to the right of the trail in the valley of the gorge.
Hunting and fishing are allowed at the falls but the WMA reminds visitors that you will need a Wild Louisiana Stamp if you don’t have a fishing or hunting license. “You must complete a self-cleaning permit to hike here”, states the WMA website.
J.C. “Sonny” Gilbert Wildlife Management Area Directions to Rock Falls
The WMA is located about 6 miles west of Sicily Island in Catahoula Parish. The south entrance, with access to Rock Falls Trail, is 6.9 miles west of Sicily Island on LA-8. The turn is not marked on most maps or navigation systems, but the GPS of the turn is 31.79640,-91.75260. Follow the gravel road about a mile to the self-clearing permit station and camping area. Rock Falls Trailhead is about another mile and a half.
J.C. “Sonny” Gilbert Wildlife Management Area Directions to St. Mary’s Falls and Big Creek (Near Rock Falls)
The north entrance of the WMA provides access to the St. Mary’s Falls and Big Creek hiking trails. From Sicily Island, go west on LA-8 for 1.2 miles and turn right on LA-916. Drive 2.6 miles and turn left on LA-915. Go just under a mile and turn left and then immediately right to stay on LA-915. From this last turn, go 0.9 miles and turn left into the WMA at a brown sign. In a short ways, there is a split, go right. It’s 2 miles to the St. Mary’s Falls Trailhead and 2.5 miles to Big Creek Trailhead.
Rock Falls is a beautiful area with mature trees and a small watershed.
Map of J.C. “Sonny” Gilbert Wildlife Management Area.
Rock Falls is worth the trip (comments).
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