We’ve got no shortage of adventures in Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area. This place has plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained! One of our favorite things to enjoy here is the hike to Cedar Creek swimming hole. This five-mile portion of the Ozark Highlands Trail leads to a picture-perfect swimming hole. It’s one of the best waterfall swimming holes in Arkansas. If you’re ready to get out there and explore, this is one dreamy oasis you’ll want to check out!

Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area is pretty incredible. This amazing area has a campground, plenty of waterfalls, and miles of wonderful hiking trails.
Flickr/Granger Meador
This area is one of the best for chasing waterfalls in Arkansas. The preserve is tucked away in Hagarville.
The Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area even has a campground, so this is one trail you can expand into an entire weekend event if you'd like to spend the night. There's no better way to immerse yourself in nature.
Google/Nikolas Wright
If you do opt to spend the weekend here, go ahead and set up camp first. Look for the hidden swimming hole after spending the day chasing waterfalls and swimming in the lovely Haw Creek.
Once you've pitched your tent and applied bug screen (it is Arkansas, after all!), it's time to start this five-mile trek into the woods.
Google/Jason Wakefield
This hike is a portion of the Ozark Highlands Trail. Thankfully, you don't need to traverse the entire 156-mile trail to reach this spot today.
If you start at the Haw Creek Recreation Area, you'll first cross the road to head towards Gee Creek Valley.
Google/Jason Wakefield
After about a mile trail along the creek bottom, you'll pass mile marker 103. Continue onward, you'll pass Children's Hollow (another great clearing for camping). You'll then go back over Gee Creek until mile marker 101. Just after that marker, you'll find a 450-foot ascent to FR-1003.
After passing the road, you'll descend down to Cedar Creek. From here, follow along the creek until you've reached your destination.
Google/Jason Wakefield
Don't worry if you and your friends need a break along the way: there are plenty of spots to chill out along the creek and dip your toes to cool off a little!
Google/Steven Wyatt
Finally, you'll reach this magical hidden oasis that's one of the best waterfall swimming holes in Arkansas!
Facebook/Hiking The Ozarks
Looking at the pictures just makes you want to jump right in and cool off.
Google/Steven Wyatt
This is definitely a natural swimming spot that is absolutely irresistible and like nowhere else in the state.
Google/Chris Clokey

Have you ever enjoyed the magical Ozark Forest swimming hole in Arkansas? Share your experiences in the comments! We’d love to hear about your adventures. There’s nothing better than the Natural State’s stunning natural scenery.

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More to Explore

Cedar Creek Swimming Hole

Lisa Sammons | July 05, 2022

Are there any waterfall swimming holes in Arkansas?

Below you'll find a list of some waterfall swimming holes in Arkansas:

  • Steel Creek Campground
  • Richland Creek
  • River Bluff Float Camp
  • Big Spring Park

 

We're lucky enough to have several waterfalls you can swim in in Arkansas. The number of natural swimming holes in the Natural State is absolutely astounding. Is there anywhere better to cool off on a hot summer's day? Trigger Gap along the King River is a great spot for kiddos - it's got a few small falls that are perfect for wading.

What are some of the best hikes with waterfalls in Arkansas?

For some of the best waterfall hikes in Arkansas, check out the Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area.

As far as bucket list waterfall hikes in Arkansas go, it doesn't get any better than the Ozark National Forest's Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area. One loop trail within this amazing preserve will take you to not one, but 13 stunning cascades! One of the prettiest along the loop trail is the Spainhour Falls. They're wide and tend to have a pretty heavy flow throughout the year.

Are there any water parks in Arkansas?

Diamond Springs Waterpark is a popular water park in Arkansas.

If you're looking for a unique summer outing in Arkansas, check out Diamond Springs Water Park. This gem of an aquatic park in Murfreesboro is the only mining-themed water park in the state. It's inside the Crater of Diamonds State Park, so you can even make an all-day trip of exploring the beautiful park that surrounds it, then cool off with a dip in the water at the water park.

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Haw Creek Falls, Hagarville, AR 72839, USA