Posted in Arkansas November 16, 2018 by

This Arkansas Scenic Drive Is Perfect For Waterfall Chasers

Arkansas’ backroads lead to the most gorgeous places in the state. One gravel road is perfectly located between some of the best waterfalls as well as a fantastic campground. It doesn’t matter if you’re just taking the drive, spending the day hiking around, or making a full weekend trip of it, this area is simply beautiful!

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Today's scenic drive only takes about 45 minutes, but you can spend the whole day chasing the nearby waterfalls.
Google Maps
To get to Upper Falling Water Road (also called FR-1205) from Sand Gap, head east on Hwy. 16. After about nine miles you'll need to take the first road to the left after leaving Ben Hur. The gravel road doesn't have any signage besides a marker for the Falling Water Horse Camp. After you’ve reached Upper Falling Water Road, usethis map for the scenic drive.
This drive closely passes two waterfalls along the way. So close, that you barely need to stroll a few hundred feet to reach them. In addition to these two fall, the drive also takes you within close hiking range of nearly a dozen waterfalls. We'll cover the two close falls first but then share our favorite nearby falls after that.
Facebook/Arkansas Nature Lovers/Debbie Marie Smith
The first waterfall along the Upper Falling Water Road is Falling Water Falls, naturally. It will be on the right side of the road at around 2.3 miles.
The other gorgeous waterfall just off the road is Six Finger Falls.
Google/Casey Crocker
Six Finger Falls will be on the left at about six miles. The falls are a few hundred feet downhill on Falling Water Creek.
Dozens of waterfalls are in the area, if you don't mind hiking some more. A few hundred yards from Six Finger Falls is Fuzzybutt Falls, which is at these coordinates.
Facebook/Arkansas Nature Lovers/Brennen Duffield
Or Intersection Falls, it’s at these coordinates.
Rick's Hiking Blog
Horsetail Falls is just on the other side of the Ozark Highlands Trail (which happens to cross Upper Falling Water Road), it's at these coordinates.
Facebook/Arkansas Nature Lovers/Debbie Moore
After you've spent the day exploring the area, you can settle down for the night at Richland Creek Rec Area.
Google/D&B Williams
Which is perfectly located towards the end of Upper Falling Water Road! The area has 11 family camping areas and vault toilets. Camping is free but donations are always encouraged.

 

If you’d like more detailed hiking directions to these falls, visit Rick’s Hiking Blog. It’s a great resource for any Arkansas waterfall chaser.

Tell us about your favorite nearby waterfall in the comments below! We would love to see your waterfall photos in our Facebook Group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. Many of the photos featured today came from our group members! You should join for your chance to be featured (like Debbie Moore, Brennen Duffield, and Debbie Marie Smith) and to discover why there’s nothing better than Arkansas’ stunning nature.

This road is just a stone’s throw away from the county with over 100 waterfalls. But, if you’ve had enough waterfalls for the day, take a relaxing drive along this other beautiful backroad.