Creek, road, and footpath all funnel into the same valley for the drive's southern finale: Route 374 runs down the Queer Creek valley to its end at Route 56, with the Ash Cave lot waiting just beyond the turn — the driven miles and the hiked miles of the Grandma Gatewood Trail finishing at the same great stone room. The segment delivers the final navigation of the southbound day, plus one honest housekeeping note: the restrooms at the Ash Cave shelter house are closed, with simple latrines available across the road from the lot. Northbound travelers get the reverse briefing — Cedar Falls next, the heaviest water in the hills, and a trailhead entrance that arrives faster than expected.
Pulling away from Ash Cave always feels a little early — that's normal, and it passes quick, because these hills are not done with you. Next up the road is Cedar Falls, and Cedar Falls is the muscle of the park: after the hush of that great stone room behind you, you're headed for the noise — all of Queer Creek gathering itself into one channel and letting go. It's a fine trade.
You'll climb the Queer Creek valley to get there, and notice the company you're keeping: the creek down in the trees is running the other way, headed south and downstream for bigger rivers while you drive north against its grain — straight toward the very spot where it makes its biggest move. Water and traveler, passing each other with a nod.
Your park-here is simple: ride Route three seventy-four north and the Cedar Falls lot opens off the right side of the road — its brown sign shows up late on these curves, so start slowing the moment you spot it; easing in beats braking hard on a road this narrow. From the lot, it's a short walk down into the gorge to the falls. Down means back up afterward, yes — but it's the kind of up you'll forgive before you reach the car.
And look at the shape of your day from here: the gentlest walk in the hills is already behind you, the loudest water is minutes ahead, and the famous gorge and the quiet north country are still stacked beyond that, each one waiting its turn. The day is still climbing. Take the bends easy and let it.