Arkansas Waterfalls
Arkansas is home to many waterfalls, and as of yet, I've only been to a few of them, and mostly easy ones at that. Arkansas has a rather undeveloped trail network, so many of the waterfalls here require bushwacking to get to. Due to this, many of these waterfalls are not very easy to get to (once again, I have yet to have been to many of these yet). Regardless, there are still some easy ones, and Arkansas in general is a nice place to travel through. A great resource for waterfall exploration in Arkansas is the book "Arkansas Waterfalls" by Tim Ernst.
Ozarks
Alum Cove Waterfall
Description: Alum Cove is known for it's natural bridge, but during wet weather, a waterfall actually forms under the bridge. Very interesting indeed. Another wet weather waterfall can be found further along the trail, which I have been to a long, long time ago, but have no pictures of now.
Hiking Description: From the trailhead at Alum Cove, head out on the trail and you will reach the bridge after 5-10 minutes of walking. The trail goes over the bridge. From atop the bridge, you can look over to the right and see the narrow falls falling over the rock. What you probably did not see is the trail splitting off to the left just before the bridge. This will take you down to the base of the falls and under the bridge where the best views are. There are some rock stairs to make this easier.
Total Mileage: 0.6 total
Difficulty: 3/10 (Easy)
Date First Visited: Summer, 2019
Date Last Visited: April 25, 2022
Rank: A-
Devil's Den
Description: Devil’s Den State Park is a very scenic park, and the Devil’s Den Loop Trail (which we will be using) is very nice. Visit after lots of rain for the best experience. There is more to see here than just this falls, so enjoy the place. Be sure to check out the dam located at (35.779536, -94.253269). Both pictures attached require scrambling to view.
Hiking Description: You could hike the whole loop, but the easiest way is to start from the north trailhead at (35.781291, -94.249510). From here, begin walking east on the trail (do not take the trail going south). You will cross a bridge over a tributary at about halfway in. The walking is pretty easy to the base of the falls. Stairs will take you up higher to a bridge over the left stream and then behind the right falls. Note that to get photos as seen here, some scrambling and bushwacking will be required.
Total Mileage: 0.9 total
Difficulty: 4/10 (Moderate)
Date First Visited: Fall, 2019
Date Last Visited: March 17, 2020
Rank: A
The right falls
The left falls (part of it)
Eagle's Nest Falls
Description: Eagle's Nest Falls is a scenic falls to see during high water periods that takes some effort to reach. Access to the base of the falls in the immediate vicinity looked dangerous, and I had limited time, so only shot this falls from the "eagle's nest" view from above. Be sure to also visit nearby Road 299 Falls and Glory B Falls if the water levels are high.
Hiking Description: From the Kings River Overlook Trailhead, head out on the trail. If the water levels are up, you will quickly cross a small stream (no bridge). Continue on, and you will cross a second stream shortly. After this second stream, you should see a bootpath heading down on the right. Follow this path as it steepens and takes you to the eagles nest. Safely enjoy the view from here, as this is a dangerous area. I tried to descend to get a better view and nearly got ledged out, which frightened me enough to pack out with just this one photo. Take care.
Total Mileage: 0.3 total
Difficulty: 5/10 (Moderate)
Date First Visited: April 29, 2021
Date Last Visited: April 29, 2021
Rank: A-
Eden Falls and Lost Valley
Description: Get ready for a long one here, as this is one fantastic area. The crown jewel of Lost Valley is Eden Falls, but there is so much more to it than that. I'll keep this description brief, as it will make more sense to describe these wonders in the hiking description.
Hiking Description: Start at the large parking area for the Lost Valley Trailhead. Hop on the wide trail and after just a minute or two you'll reach the old parking area, with bathrooms and picnic tables. Here's where it gets interesting-the trail will come to Clark Creek, and you will have to ford this creek. If you visit during high(ish) water, as when I did, this is a rather tricky ford (not to mention the water was cold as it was December). Providing you make it across, the hiking is very easy for the next while. Eventually, you will reach a trail split. You could go either way, but I would recommend going right, and coming back from the left. Presuming you head right, the trail will get more rugged here, but stay moderately easy. After about five minutes, you will come to the natural bridge, which has a waterfall coming out of it. This is Clark Creek here. This is a very scenic area here, so be sure to enjoy it. Moving further down the trail, you will ascend some stairs and continue along the rugged and wild Clark Creek gorge. After a while you will reconvene with the split off trail, keep right. Shortly after this, you will see a massive undercut cave on the right called Cobb Cave, and see a massively tall, but not very powerful waterfall falling off the cliff. This weak falls must be over 100 feet tall, and was very impressive even with the weak flow. Just beyond this area a hundred feet or so is the magical Eden Falls. Wow! What a falls! Once you've thoroughly enjoyed Eden Falls, head back on the trail and when you get back to the split, you came from the left, and you could go either way, but I would recommend going right for one more surprise. The trail stays relatively flat for a bit, then begins going down a series of switchbacks. It was at the first switchback where I heard the sound of falling water off to the right. I followed a bootpath a hundred feet or so, and was greeted with a great waterfall with a twist-after it falls down, instead of moving further downstream, the water turns 180 degrees and goes behind the falls and falls into a cave! WOW! For this reason, I dubbed this waterfall "Labyrinth Falls". Anyways, if you continue down the trail, you'll go through some switchbacks, and eventually meet back up with the main trail. Keep right and you'll be trailhead bound.
Total Mileage: 2.3 total
Difficulty: 4/10 (Moderate)
Date First Visited: June 8, 2020
Date Last Visited: December 10, 2022
Rank: A+
Natural Bridge (top left)
Eden Falls (top right)
Labyrinth Falls (center left)
Map of the area (bottom)
(Map credit to NPS; I edited in the location of Labyrinth Falls)
Labyrinth Falls
Falling Water Falls
Description: Falling Water Falls is a great waterfall that is within eyesight of the road. Recent improvements have created some stairs down to the falls, eliminating the short scramble path. This is the only waterfall I have ever swam in, as there is an excellent swimming hole below the falls. I’ve been here many times, and I still need to get back here to get pictures during high water, as the falls take on a new look during different water levels. There really is a lot to love here, so plan a trip.
Hiking Description: No hike to view the falls, but there are two short staircases with one leading to the top of the falls, and the other to the base.
Total Mileage: N/A
Difficulty: 0/10 (Roadside)
Date First Visited: August 24, 2019
Date Last Visited: September 3, 2022
Rank: A
Glory B Falls
Description: Glory B Falls is an impressive roadside falls during high water. Very near to Eagle's Nest Falls and Road 299 Falls, which are also worth checking out in wet weather.
Hiking Description: The waterfall is within sight of the road and is easy to get down close to. Here are the coordinates of the falls: 36.196948, -93.690155
Total Mileage: N/A
Difficulty: 0/10 (Roadside)
Date First Visited: April 29, 2021
Date Last Visited: April 29, 2021
Rank: A
Highway 123 Falls
Description: Highway 123 Falls is a low volume waterfall that is close to a state highway (123 no doubt) and moderately easy to get to. Some light bushwacking and boulder scrambling is required to get close to the falls, but a faint trail may have emerged since my visit back in 2020 (Revised 2023). Be warned however, as I have had two cases of bad luck while at this falls. For one, I dropped my camera on a boulder in a very cringe-worthy scene AND I managed to lose one of my filters I put on my lens. Note that to date I have never done EITHER of these things anywhere else, and I managed to do both here. What do I mean by all of this? Be careful is basically all I’m saying, as even easy waterfalls can be hazardous.
Hiking Description: From the large dirt parking area located here (35.619674, -93.291701), head across the street and pick up a boot path following a stream headed east. You’ll be on the left or north side of the stream, and you’ll just want to pick your way upstream the best way you can. You should come to the falls shortly. They can be seen from the road in leaf-out.
Total Mileage: 0.2 total
Difficulty: 5/10 (Moderate)
Date First Visited: September 2, 2020
Date Last Visited: September 2, 2020
Rank: B
Kings River Falls
Description: Kings River Falls is a beautiful waterfall at the end of a great hike in pristine Ozark territory. Furthermore, this is one of the largest volume waterfalls in Arkansas, and will be flowing when many other falls in the area are dry.
Hiking Description: From the trailhead here (35.894553, -93.584981), head out on the trail going east. It's a very straightforward trail from here. There are no splits and no questionable areas, so just follow the trail for 3/4 mile and you'll be at the falls. Mere feet before you get below the falls, you'll have to cross a feeder stream that may require you to get your feet wet.
Total Mileage: 1.5 total
Difficulty: 4/10 (Moderate)
Date First Visited: April 28, 2022
Date Last Visited: April 28, 2022
Rank: A
Little Natural Dam
Description: This is a small waterfall visible from the road a short distance away from the more impressive Natural Dam. Worth a visit during high water.
Hiking Description: Viewable from the road. Coordinates for the falls: 35.647893, -94.394063
Total Mileage: N/A
Difficulty: 0/10 (Roadside)
Date First Visited: Fall, 2019
Date Last Visited: April 29, 2021
Rank: B-
Mammoth Spring
Description: Mammoth Spring is a massive spring just 500 feet from the Missouri border. This is not a waterfall, but it is still worth seeing. This entry is actually for the Mammoth Spring Dam, which is a large dam that has a constant, large flow of the water from the spring. So no, there is no natural waterfall here, but it is still a cool place, so visit if you wish.
Hiking Description: From the main parking area here (36.496104, -91.535298), the dam is to the right (south) of the visitor center, and the spring is to the right (north). Both are just a few minutes away and accessible via paved paths.
Total Mileage: 0.3 total to visit the spring and dam
Difficulty: 1/10 (Easy)
Date First Visited: Fall, 2018
Date Last Visited: June 10, 2020
Rank: B+
Natural Dam
Description: Natural Dam is a massively wide, but not particularly tall waterfall in extreme western Arkansas. You can see it from inside your car, and it’s a paved road all the way there (rare in Arkansas). If you're here after lots of rain, be sure to visit the nearby unnamed waterfall I've named "Little Natural Dam" at (35.647899, -94.394061). It is viewable from the highway. The photo below was taken after quite a lot of rain.
Hike Description: N/A
Total Mileage: N/A
Difficulty: 0/10 (Roadside)
Date First Visited: Fall, 2019
Date Last Visited: April 29, 2021
Rank: B
Pig Trail Falls
Description: Pig Trail Falls is a lovely roadside waterfall that only flows after heavy rain. The picture provided was taken after more than four inches had fallen.
Hike Description: View from road at these coordinates: 35.646125, -93.839692
Total Mileage: N/A
Difficulty: 0/10 (Roadside)
Date First Visited: April 29, 2021
Date Last Visited: April 25, 2022
Rank: A-
Pinion Creek Falls
Description: Pinion Creek Falls is a nice spillway falls located nearby to the more popular Tanyard Creek Falls. Unlike Tanyard however, this falls is right next to the road.
Hike Description: It's within eyesight of the road at these coordinates (36.472802, -94.235250)
Total Mileage: <0.1 total
Difficulty: 1/10 (Easy)
Date First Visited: July 15, 2023
Date Last Visited: July 15, 2023
Rank: B-
Road 299 Falls
#9
Description: Road 299 Falls is one of my favorite waterfalls in Arkansas. It's not very tall, and it takes a lot of rain to get it flowing, but I just found the setting to be perfect. It's far, far away from civilization in a maze of dirt roads, yet still easy to access. Nearby to glory B Falls and Eagle's Nest Falls.
Hike Description: Alright you've got two options here: for one, you could drive down Road 299 to within just a few hundred feet of the falls, or, you could park at the start of Road 299 and walk the road in. I say this because Road 299 is narrow and rutted, and it was a pleasant walk for me, so you make the choice. Even if you walk the road, it's only half a mile. Anyways, once you make it to here (36.256136, -93.656993) (estimate), you'll leave the road to the left on a series of bootpaths that lead down to the falls. If you've come after rain, you can hear the falls from the road, and a bit of quick exploration will show you how to get to the falls. It's not hard, but be prepared to ford the stream for the best views.
Total Mileage: 0.1-1.0 total (depending on where you park)
Difficulty: 3/10 (Easy)
Date First Visited: April 29, 2021
Date Last Visited: April 29, 2021
Rank: A
Six Finger Falls
Description: Six Finger Falls is the distant relative of Falling Water Falls. They are on the same stream, yet are a few miles apart, and the road leading to Six Finger is a little rougher than the one to Falling Water. This falls is very close to the road, yet a bit of scrambling is still required.
Hiking Description: From the road near here (35.761558, -92.937123), head west through the trees on a boot path. They will lead down the hill to the falls. It’s a bit steep, but not too bad.
Total Mileage: <0.1 total
Difficulty: 4/10 (Moderate)
Date First Visited: June 8, 2020
Date Last Visited: June 8, 2020
Rank: B+
Sweden Creek Falls
Description: Sweden Creek Falls is a tall and narrow waterfall with a massive alcove behind it that you can walk behind. It goes back 30 feet or more. The hike there is very rocky, but not all that difficult all things considered. You can get to the top and bottom of the falls, but I'm dumb and missed the trail split to the top. I found it on my way back to the truck, but it was getting late, so we decided to skip it. Many photos exist online of the view from the top.
Hiking Description: Park in the marked parking area here (35.969531, -93.452773), after a bumpy drive down a gravel road. Head out on the trail, which heads west away from the parking lot. It is marked in light blue blazes. It is a slow and steady descent for the first half a mile, which I didn't even notice on the way down. I sure noticed it on the way out! Around 0.5 miles, the trail will get a bit steeper, and you should hear the sound of water. This is not Sweden Creek Falls, but rather a tributary which falls over a cliff you have neared. Things get a bit confusing here, as I was under the impression that you crossed this small stream. INCORRECT! The trail turns hard left, and then splits. The trail to the left/straight stays above the bluff and goes to the top of the falls, continuing the light blue blazes. The trail to the right leads steeply down below the bluff in a cut in the rock, now marked in dark blue blazes. This area is pretty confusing, so consult the map below (it is simplified, but should be sufficient in getting you there). We went on the route to the base only, but if you have time, you should do both. Continuing down, the trail is quite steep and sloppy for about 50 feet cutting down throught the bluff. Once below the bluffline, the trail turns left, following the bluffline. From here, the hiking is very rocky, but is overall not too bad save for a few technical spots. You will pass by some fantastic rock formations in this bluff, including some caves. The sound of Sweden Creek can be heard far below on your right, but I couldn't see it. At around 0.8 miles, the falls will come into view as the bluff you've been following wraps around the spine of the falls. The alcove behind the falls is massive, probably the second largest I've ever seen, only after Yahoo Falls in Kentucky. A strange occurance of karst topograpy occurs here, as the creek dissapeared underground just after the pool below the falls. I'm not sure if this always happens, but it was when I was there.
Total Mileage: 1.6 total
Difficulty: 6/10 (Moderate)
Date First Visited: February 4, 2024
Date Last Visited: February 4, 2024
Rank: A
Tanyard Creek Falls
Description: Tanyard Creek Falls is a nice spillway falls at the end of an easy hike. Much has changed between my first and most recent visit to this place. When I first went in 2019, the trail led to a fenced off viewpoint near the falls. I was here during high water, and the overlook was being pounded by mist. Years went by, and by my next trip in 2023, this viewing platform had disappeared, and you could now get down to the water's edge. Sounds great, right? Well, the hoards of people swimming in the falls made me reconsider. I had to wait a while for these people to move, and even then I could only get tight shots. Of the pros however, you can walk behind the falls now which is pretty amazing.
Hiking Description: From the trailhead here (36.471768, -94.261427), head out on the paved trail headed south. Follow this trail for .2 miles and after you cross a bridge, the pavement ends and you come to an intersection. Go left here. From here, it won't be long until you reach another bridge, this time over Tanyard Creek proper. Immediately before this bridge, you'll want to turn right and follow this trail alongside the creek. You will come to the falls within five minutes.
Total Mileage: 0.8 total
Difficulty: 3/10 (Easy)
Date First Visited: October, 2019
Date Last Visited: July 15, 2023
Rank: B+
Triple Falls
Description: My first visit to Triple Falls was in the summer of 2019, but this was before I got my camera, and was during low water conditions. I'd always wanted to return, so what took me almost five years? Answer: the road. The road down to Triple Falls might be the most notorious dirt road in all of Arkansas. In just over 2 miles, it descends over 1000 vertical feet of elevation, and most anyone that's been here would tell you to bring a truck or other 4x4. I've heard horror stories of people driving sedans down here, just to have to be towed out because they got stuck. So that's why it took me so long to get back: I had to wait for the perfect oppurtunity to get down here in the truck, which was not always avaliable for my use. But I made it! And it was awesome, let me tell you. The hike itself is only a few hundred feet, and is really easy. During leaf-out, you can actually see the falls from the parking lot. The road isn't actually that bad in a truck, just cool your brakes on the way down, and use the 4WD on the way out. I did it at 17!
Hiking Description: Park here (36.056610, -93.257609). The trail starts on the other side of the road, heading south. It stays right next to the creek, and you will come to the falls after 0.1 miles. The view is fantastic from trail's end, but I wanted to get a front on view, and waded out into the creek (photo below was taken in the middle of the creek). It was just 45 degrees outside when I did this, and my feet were numb, but it was awesome. I was able to wade very near to the falls, and what a view it was.
Total Mileage: 0.2 total
Difficulty: 2/10 (Easy)
Date First Visited: August 25, 2019
Date Last Visited: February 4, 2024
Rank: A+
Turner Bend Falls
Description: Turner Bend Falls is a nice falls really close to Pig Trail Falls that is worth seeing if the water is high. This photo was shot the same day as the picture of Pig Trail Falls, so you can see how these falls compare after the same amount of rainfall. It should be noted that the parking lot here (35.667499, -93.828222) is private property owned by the Turner Bend Store, and this parking is reserved for customers. Both times I've been here, I just went in and bought some snacks and then photographed the falls.
Hiking Description: From the parking lot, the falls is on the south side of the building. You should be able to see it from the road. Some bootpaths lead up for a closer look.
Total Mileage: <0.1 total
Difficulty: 2/10 (Easy)
Date First Visited: April 29, 2021
Date Last Visited: April 25, 2022
Rank: B+
Central Arkansas
Cedar Falls
Description: Cedar Falls is one of Arkansas's most famous waterfalls, and looks more like it belongs in Tennessee's Cumberland region than anywhere in Arkansas. It really is quite the sight. Many people talk of the difficult hike to the base of the falls, but it's really not that bad if you just take it easy. If you come when it's flowing, which is much of the year save for summer and early fall, it's worth the effort.
Hiking Description: Start your hike at the Mather Lodge. Walk into the building and then out onto the patio-this is where the hike starts. You can ask someone working there if you can't find the trailhead. Once outside, you will see how high up you are, as you can see for miles. Once you're done with that, start descending into the gorge. It's a solid half mile of relentless downhill from the top until you meet Cedar Creek at a large footbridge. Cross the bridge and turn right. From here it's another half mile of hiking to the falls, but much easier than the first half. Once you arrive, you'll be glad you came-this thing is massive! Someday, I hope to return here during high water, so I can have a comparison of moderate to high flow. You can also view this falls from the Cedar Falls Overlook, located a short distance east of the Mather Lodge (at a separate parking area). This trail has disabled access and is short.
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Total Mileage: 2.0 total
Difficulty: 6/10 (Moderate)
Date First Visited: April 24, 2022
Date Last Visited: April 24, 2022
Rank: A
View from base (left)
View from overlook (right)
Hardy Falls Complex
Description: Ok, this is a confusing one. Most sources online will show you one falls when you search for Hardy Falls. I quickly found six waterfalls in the immediate area, and there are likely more down the mountain. This will get confusing real fast, so be sure to take a look at the map I provided. I will list these falls in the order I visited them. Also note that the only officially named falls here is the main Hardy Falls, and all the others are just basic names I gave them for simplicity. Visit after lots of rain!
Hiking Description: You'll want to park on the side of the road in the hairpin turn here (35.151425, -93.562859). Side Falls will be right here, and is clearly visible from the road. This is the only falls here that is not on the main creek. Moving a hundred feet or so to the west, you'll see Hardy Falls down on the right. Getting down to the falls is pretty easy. The classic view is from under the arch bridge, which will require some wading. Next up is Turn Falls and Woods Falls, which some may consider just one falls. These are found a short distance upstream of Hardy Falls, and requires some light bushwacking. This is as far as I went upstream, and the next falls I saw is downstream of Hardy Falls. I went under the road following the culvert and picked my way down the side of the stream. This next falls I named Bridge Falls, and you can see that we're just downstream of the falls. The terrain is getting rough at this point, and the hardest falls to get to is next downstream, which I named Rocky Falls. Notice you can still see the bridge in the background. Judging on the nature of this stream, there are probably more waterfalls below this, but this is as far as I went.
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Total Mileage: Varies
Difficulty: Varies (Roadside/Easy/Moderate)
Date First Visited: September 2, 2020
Date Last Visited: September 2, 2020
Rank: Unranked
Side Falls
Hardy Falls
Turn Falls (front) and Woods Falls (back)
Bridge Falls
Rocky Falls
Mount Nebo Falls
Description: Alright, here’s the most shocking image I have to show on this entire website. I visited Mount Nebo Falls in September, when it would usually be a mere trickle, but I was here after a mind-boggling 8+ inches of rain. Yes, EIGHT inches of rain. Good luck finding an image anywhere on the internet of this falls with more water. I’m telling you this for two reasons: for one, it’s kind of an accomplishment for myself, and two, if you choose to visit these falls yourself, it is unlikely to look anywhere near the photos shown here. Nevertheless, it is still a nice falls, and Mount Nebo State Park is a nice park too.
Hiking Description: From the Gum Springs Trailhead at Mount Nebo State Park, head out on the trail going west. You will be near the stream almost immediately, and will begin going down many stairs and will see the falls on the left. The further you follow the trail down, the more waterfalls you will see. When I was here, not only was the 8 inches of rain still falling, but it was flooding the trail, and a stream had formed ON the stairs we were walking down. It was quite surreal in the pounding rain.
Total Mileage: 0.3 total
Difficulty: 4/10 (Moderate)
Date First Visited: September 2, 2020
Date Last Visited: September 2, 2020
Rank: A-
Ouachitas
Crooked Creek Falls
Description: Crooked Creek Falls is a nice waterfall very near to Little Missouri Falls, and is visible from the road. Bootpaths lead closer to the falls.
Hiking Description: The falls are located here (34.427061, -93.885630), and there is room to park along the road.
Total Mileage: <0.1 total
Difficulty: 3/10 (Easy)
Date First Visited: April 23, 2023
Date Last Visited: April 23, 2023
Rank: A-
Falls Branch Falls
Description: Falls Branch Falls is a classic in Arkansas, and while not very large, it is scenic, and you can get right up next to it. Furthermore, the hike is easy, and there are great wading opportunities at the falls.
Hiking Description: Start at the Falls Branch Trailhead here (34.431405,-92.913513), head out on the trail going south. Follow the signs for the waterfall, and you will stay near to Lake Catherine most of the way. After about 10 minutes of walking, the trail will start heading up a cove in the lake, and this becomes Falls Branch. The falls will come into view shortly.
Total Mileage: 1.4 total
Difficulty: 3/10 (Easy)
Date First Visited: April 23, 2023
Date Last Visited: April 23, 2023
Rank: A-
Little Missouri Falls
Description: Little Missouri Falls is a nice waterfall that has a short, easy hike, after a long, bumpy journey down gravel roads. Great wading opportunities too.
Hiking Description: Start at the Little Missouri Trailhead here (34.422706, -93.919568). Head out on the concrete trail, and shortly come to a bridge. After crossing the bridge the trail gets a bit rougher, but quickly you will come to the the first of two staircases which lead to viewpoints of the falls.
Total Mileage: 0.2 total
Difficulty: 3/10 (Easy)
Date First Visited: April 23, 2023
Date Last Visited: April 23, 2023
Rank: B
