Sometimes you have to break a sweat to see the unrivaled beauty hiding in the Natural State. Whether you take the trail for yourself or just scroll through the dazzling snapshots, Indian Creek Trail is undeniably the most gorgeous hike in all of Arkansas. Let's take a look:
Today's trail begins near Kyle's Landing, which is the perfect starting point for a couple different adventures.
The primitive campground is one of the most beautiful in the entire state. Trek the nearby trails like Indian Creek, take a float trip on the Buffalo National River, or camp beneath the stars at this designated Dark Sky Park. Better yet, do all three adventures! We'll just keep to the trail today. For more information about the campground, visit this page.
Address: County Road 56, Jasper, AR 72641
The Indian Creek Trailhead is on the west side of the campground, next to the Buffalo River sign. The trail begins decently well-marked but will quickly descend into the thick of the Ozarks.
Navigating the trail isn't too difficult since it follows the creek but be warned that the difficulty of this hike is due to the elevation and terrain. The trail is a 4.7-mile out-and-back with about 700 feet of elevation gain. This is one of the most treacherous hikes in the Buffalo River area because of falls and sprained ankles due to crossing the creek bed. Because of these stats we highly recommend taking children and inexperienced hikers to a different trail, like this one.
Hiking the trail may be difficult, but the odd, beautiful, and downright stunning points of interest make it worthwhile.
There are plenty of photo opportunities along the creek, the Devil's Bathtub being one of the first. This odd sunken in pool is about the size of two secular bathtubs and is rumored to be used by dark spirits. The tub isn't a hot spring so we'll just take a picture and be one our way.
Waterfalls of all sizes will captivate you at every turn.
The recent rains are a huge factor in the abundance of falls but that's all the more reason to revisit this hike during different seasons. Most are unnamed cascades along the creek but others are designated gems to waterfall chasers. This particular one is Copperhead Falls.
Tunnel Cave Falls is a two-for-one piece of Arkansas eye candy.
The 31-ft. fall spills out of cave into another gorgeous pool along the creek. If you're prepared to climb, the mouth of the cave can be explored a bit as well.
It's difficult to choose just one main feature of the trail but Eye of the Needle would have our vote.
Thankfully you don't have to pick because all of these spectacular natural features are on the trail. Eye of the Needle is a huge geological formation that should be on any nature lover's bucket list. During rainier seasons the Eye has its own waterfall but either way its undeniable jaw dropping.
Take a break at the bluffs and take pride in accomplishing such a rugged trek.
From the bluffs you'll be able to spy Kyle's Landing and see the how far you've come. After snacking and hydrating just follow the creek back to return to the campground.
As always we highly recommend researching this hike before setting off into the forest. Using the AllTrails GPS map is extremely helpful as well!
After you've researched, prepared, and packed, we would love to see your end results! Share your trail photos with us in 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 floating the Buffalo caught your eye, read all about the state's longest lazy river in this article!
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