Nothing beats the plethora of waterfalls residing in the Natural State, which is why the best hikes in Arkansas lead to flowing cascades. It would take a lifetime to embark on every single one of the scenic hikes in Arkansas, but there are some that just cannot be missed.

From trekking to the largest waterfall in Arkansas to the most unique, we’ve compiled a list of waterfalls in Arkansas that everyone should hike to at least once.

1. Hemmed-In Hollow Falls - near Compton
Hemmed-In Hollow Falls, Compton, AR 72624, USA
Flickr/David Nichols
You knew it'd have to be on the list. Hemmed-In Hollow Falls is the tallest waterfall between Appalachia and the Rockies. You can either take about a 5-mile hike on land or cut off a few hours by paddling in and then hiking the remaining one-half mile. Absolutely breathtaking, the towering cascade earns a top spot on our list of waterfalls in Arkansas that everyone should visit.
2. The Three Bears - near Sand Gap
Forest Service Road 1802, Forest Service Rd 1802, Arkansas 72839, USA
Rick's Hiking Blog
Nestled within the Ozark National Forest, these back-to-back falls do have a name dispute. To waterfall chasers they're known as Mama, Papa, and Baby Bear Falls. However, you may be more familiar with the kayaker's nomenclature of Sidewinder's Falls and V-Slot Falls. Regardless of what they're called, this trio of falls is quite a treat for only 3.2 miles of hiking.
3. Fuzzybutt Falls - near Ben Hur
Six Finger Falls, Falling Water Creek, Pelsor, AR 72856, USA
Facebook/Arkansas Wanderlust
Fuzzybutt earned its name when Tim Ernst (the creator of the waterfall chaser's bible, Arkansas Waterfalls) was documenting the waterfall and, as was his normal procedure, took a picture of himself near the falls for recordkeeping. At this particular waterfall, he decided to take a full moon shot. The National Park Service tagged the photo as obscene and his rear was blurred out of the picture, which led to the waterfall being dubbed Fuzzybutt. More than just a silly name, the trek to the fall makes for one of the best scenic hikes in Arkansas.
4. Glory Hole Falls - near Deer
Glory Hole Falls Trail, Arkansas 72854, USA
Flickr/AR Nature Gal
Reaching the Glory Hole is a fairly easy, downhill 1.8-mile hike, which means the way back is all uphill. Worth the effort, Glory Hole Falls is one of the more unique waterfalls in Arkansas - and that's because it's one of the few to have water flowing through the bluff instead of over it.

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5. Haw Creek Falls - near Hagarville
Haw Creek Falls, Hagarville, AR 72839, USA
Flickr/Granger Meador
The hike around Haw Creek Falls actually takes you to two neighboring waterfalls, Pam's Grotto and Pack Rat Falls. All three are gorgeous sights and all three can be reached via short hikes, each of which is under 3 miles.  
6. Kings River Falls - near Witter
Kings River Falls Natural Area, 1543 Madison 3500, Witter, AR 72776, USA
Google/Kim McComber
Another fantastic trail that the entire family can take on is the Kings River Falls Trail. The hike is 1.8 miles, but you could easily spend the whole day swimming in the waterfall-fed pool, making it one of the best hikes in Arkansas for a summertime adventure.
7. Mirror Lake Falls - Blanchard Springs
Mirror Lake Waterfall, Fifty-Six, AR 72533, USA
Mirror Lake Waterfalls, Southland 9679, New Zealand
Rick's Hiking Blog
After exploring Blanchard Springs Caverns, (which should definitely be on everyone's cave bucket list), follow the trail outside to reach the beautiful Mirror Lake Falls, which is consistently revered as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Arkansas. The 1.7-mile loop is great for young waterfall enthusiasts.
8. Falls Creek Falls - Hot Springs
Falls Creek Falls, Fls Br Trl, Hot Springs, AR 71913, USA
Flickr/AR Nature Gal
One of the most beautiful features at Lake Catherine State Park is Falls Creek Falls. One of the top kid-friendly hikes around Arkansas, everyone can take on the 1.6-mile loop to reach the falls and it's simply gorgeous year-round.
9. Cossatot Falls - Umpire
Cossatot Falls, Umpire, AR 71971, USA
AllTrails/Matthew Bearden
Hikers, kayakers, and waterfall chasers can all agree that the Cossatot River is a must-visit. If you're not up for paddling through the rapids, the mile hike along the river is still satisfying.

So, as far as waterfalls are concerned, are these the best hikes in Arkansas? These 10 waterfalls are great trips for your bucket list, but we would love to hear which falls you would add to it! Share your must-visits with us and add your photos to our Facebook Group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why there’s nothing better than Arkansas’ stunning nature.

If you’d like to work towards visiting every waterfall in Arkansas, you should start in Newton County, which is home to over 100 Arkansas waterfalls.

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More to Explore

Best Hikes In Arkansas

Daniella DiRienzo | July 02, 2022

What are the most beautiful hikes in Arkansas?

There are so many beautiful hikes in Arkansas, and the Lost Valley Trail is definitely one of them! A top-rated hike, it’s nestled near the Boxley Valley Historic District and is part of the Buffalo National River, an area of land managed by the NPS. Rated as moderate, the trail is just over 2 miles – every inch of which boasts incredible natural beauty, including a box canyon, a natural bridge, a stone staircase, and 200-foot bluff shelter. There are also a couple of waterfalls, including Eden Falls, which tumbles over jagged cliffs more than 50 feet into a pristine pool below.

 Which hikes in Arkansas are short and sweet?

When seeking hikes in Arkansas that are short and sweet, you won’t be disappointed with the Bridal Veil Falls Trail. The loop trail, which is just four-tenths of a mile, affords close-up vistas of the trail’s namesake, Bridal Veil Falls. Perfect for a quick, scenic stroll, the short, easy trail typically takes just over 10 minutes to complete; however, you’ll likely want to spend some time admiring the serene surroundings. The Grand Promenade, which is just over one-half mile, is another trail that’s lacking in distance and not much else. Nestled within Hot Springs National Park, it’s a National Recreation Trail, which runs parallel to the park’s iconic bathhouse row. Inspired by a pedestrian walkway in Havana, Cuba, the trail is lined with benches, tables, and a table for playing chess.

Where can I hike to a cave in Arkansas?

The best hikes in Arkansas don’t end with the trails mentioned above. There are so many amazing trails in the Natural State, including the Moonshiners Cave Trail. Located in Winslow, most think it’s part of Devil’s Den State Park; however, it’s actually nestled just outside the park in the surrounding forest. Definitely one of the best easy hikes in Arkansas, the out-and-back trail is just four-fifths of a mile. It comes to an end at Moonshiners Cave, a large cave complete with a waterfall. As the name implies, the cave, according to legend, was used by bootleggers to make moonshine.

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