I’ve lived in Arkansas all my life and I’ve done my fair share of hiking in this beautiful state. When I started to write about the best Arkansas hiking trails with waterfalls, I figured I had this in the bag.
The truth is, I could only think of a couple trails with waterfalls in Arkansas and I knew there were more.
So, I turned to my friends Josh and Sarah who are hiking experts. They love to spend time in nature with their four kids traveling the backroads and discovering awesome things.
Here are their recommendations for the best Arkansas hiking trails with waterfalls.
Waterfalls in Arkansas
Remember to bring your camera. You’re going to need it because these are some of the BEST hiking trails in Arkansas!
1. Cedar Falls Trail in Petit Jean State Park
The most impressive waterfall in Arkansas, also a beautiful hike along cedar creek. Lots of steps going down and back up on this hike though so be careful.
The trail begins behind the breezeway at Mather Lodge, a majestic CCC rustic style mountain lodge, and winds down into Cedar Creek Canyon. Massive stone boulders and large trees adorn the trailside. The trail then follows Cedar Creek to 95-foot Cedar Falls, one of the tallest continuously flowing waterfalls in the state. This is a photographer’s paradise. –Arkansas State Parks
Personally, this is one of my favorite hiking trails in Arkansas with a waterfall! It’s gorgeous and definitely worth the trip.
You’ll find Cedar Falls here:
1285 Petit Jean Mountain Road
Morrilton, AR 72110
GPS: 35.11707398671, -92.93882131576
While you’re there, don’t miss this: 14 “Must Do” Things at Petit Jean State Park
2. Hemmed in Hollow in Compton
This is the tallest waterfall in Arkansas and the tallest between the Appalachian Mountains and Rocky Mountains. It is a fairly strenuous and steep hike that is most impressive after heavy rains.
“There are two ways to get to Hemmed-In Hollow: either from the Compton Trailhead or from the river when it’s floatable (which is far easier and much shorter).
There’s no doubting that Hemmed-In Hollow is one humdinger of a waterfall. Even when its long, billowing cascade is of modest volume, the geology of the fall alone is worth seeing.
The best time to view the waterfall is during times of recurring rainfall, such as springtime, early summer thunderstorm season and even fall. In winter, spray from the waterfall fall can form an ice dome at the fall’s base, which offers the hiker an entirely different way to appreciate the scenery.” –source
For full details and directions, visit buffaloriver.com.
3. Lost Valley Trail in Harrison
A mild yet beautiful hike that follows a creek and ends with a waterfall (Eden Falls) and a cave (Cobb Cave).
“Great Arkansas hiking trail for families and kids. Beautiful creekside scenery with wildflowers, giant rocks, bluff formations and Eden Falls. Bring a flashlight and explore Cobb Cave at the end of the trail. Part of this trail is wheelchair accessible.
The trail begins at the Lost Valley Campground and terminates in a cave 1½ miles up the valley. Features of the hiking trail include waterfalls, a cascading creek, towering cliffs, a large bluff shelter, a natural bridge, spring wildflowers and a hardwood forest containing American Beech.” –Explore Harrison
For full details and directions, visit Explore Harrison.
You will also love: MUST DO Hikes in Arkansas
4. King’s Bluff in the Ozarks
This hike has beautiful bluff lines to hike along and then King’s Bluff falls flows over the edge.
GPS: N35 43.488, W93 01.507
“One of the tallest in the Ozarks, this waterfall pours from atop the impressive Kings Bluff, which is located in the Pedestal Rocks Scenic Area. The large bluffs in the area offer many geologic formations to view.
There is a railing atop the highest bluff, near the waterfall, but caution is still advised; the top of the bluff can be very slick when wet. If you decide to bring your kids, please hold on to them at all times!” –source
For full details and directions, visit Explore the Ozarks Online.
5. Pam’s Grotto near Hagarville
This is an easy hike along a nice portion of bluff line that ends with a majestic yet simple waterfall in a small grotto. It is also located near Haw Creek campground and falls so check that out while you’re there.
Pam’s Grotto Waterfall Trail is a 0.8 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Hagarville, Arkansas. It features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and rock climbing and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
source
Pam’s Grotto is named after the wife of Tim Ernst, a wilderness photographer and author.
“Tim Ernst is Arkansas’s Wilderness Photographer. He has been hiking, driving and crawling around the wonderful Ozark Mountains for most of his life, preserving the images he sees on film for everyone to enjoy. His photographs have appeared in hundreds of national, regional and local publications.” –source
6. Triple Falls (Twin Falls) near Jasper
One of the most iconic waterfalls in the Buffalo region, a short hike from the road or can be added onto the Buffalo River Trail with a minor detour.
Triple Falls is one of the most beautiful and photographed waterfalls in the Ozarks and in Arkansas. The official name is Twin Falls, but in high water it has three distinct falls. Triple Falls is located at Camp Orr Boy Scout Camp south of Harrison, AR.
source
For directions, visit Explore Harrison.
7. Glory Hole near Huntsville
Glory Hole is one of the most unique waterfalls in Arkansas. Dismal Creek flows right through the center of the overhanging bluff. It’s a beautiful sight to see after a good Arkansas rain!
Glory Hole is also a beautiful sight in the winter after a hard freeze!
Best Arkansas Hiking Trails with Waterfalls
These are some of the best hiking trails with waterfalls in Arkansas. Pack a lunch and get started!
Be sure to check these off your EPIC Arkansas Bucket List when you get home!
Happy hiking!
For this article, I interviewed Josh and Sarah. They are an Arkansas family with four children. Both Josh and Sarah were born and raised in Arkansas. You will find them out enjoying the great outdoors via camping, hiking, canoeing or just about any other outdoor activity. You can check out their adventures on YouTube and Instagram at Trove1.
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