Posted in Arkansas
March 25, 2018
8 Arkansas Waterfalls That Stand Out From The Rest
We all love taking a hike to a beautifully flowing waterfall here in the Natural State. Some attract us because they’re record-setting, like Hemmed-In Hollow. Others, like Haw Creek Falls, are within walking distance to even more falls. Today’s waterfalls stand out either because of their unique formation or their eye-catching name. Let’s get out and go explore these one-of-a-kind falls. These may not all be iconic Arkansas waterfalls but they’re worth the hike.
Some of these captures came from the members of 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.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
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.
Here's Mama Bear Falls.
Here's Mama Bear Falls.
This is V-Slot or Papa Bear Falls.
And here's Baby Bear Falls.
To reach this area from Sand Gap, head west on Hwy. 123 then turn left on Meadows Knob Road. Look for the Jeep road on the left. For directions to the falls, use these coordinates.
To reach this area from Sand Gap, head west on Hwy. 123 then turn left on Meadows Knob Road. Look for the Jeep road on the left. For directions to the falls, use these coordinates.
We just love the not-so-clever naming of this particular falls. You'll find the waterfall on Falling Water Creek off of Falling Water Road. The falls are so close to the road that you don't need to leave your vehicle, but we do prefer wandering the beautiful banks.
Not too far from Falling Water is the Hidden Falls. There will be some mild bushwhacking involved but you'll just need to hike upstream a quarter mile.
For directions to the falls, use thesecoordinates.
For directions to the falls, use thesecoordinates.
Also in the neighborhood to Falling Water Creek is the delightfully named Fuzzybutt Falls. This origin story is simply fantastic. Tim Ernst (the creator of the waterfall chaser's bible, Arkansas Waterfalls) was documenting the waterfall and typically takes a picture of himself near the falls for record keeping. At this particular falls 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 lead to the waterfall being dubbed Fuzzybutt.
Save the $5 on an automated car wash and instead take the backroads to reach the naturally cleansing Car Wash Falls. The falls are near quite a few well known waterfalls like Haw Creek Falls, Pack Rat Falls, and Cincinnati Freedom Falls.
For directions to the falls, use these coordinates.
For directions to the falls, use these coordinates.
Bridal Veil Falls is well known but Arkansas has another dainty-named falls. Maidenhair is just outside of Tag, near Sand Gap. The area has numerous falls along the creek but this one and Cabin Falls are the only named ones.
For directions to the falls, use this map.
For directions to the falls, use this map.
The front face of Tea Kettle Falls is a gorgeous scene, much like any other Arkansas waterfall. However, what makes this waterfall stand out is it's unusual formation. The near 50-ft. falls has eroded a vertical hole in the rock bluff above the pool. It's not the only waterfall in the state that has this quirk.
For directions to the falls, use this map.
For directions to the falls, use this map.
As far as names go, Glory Hole Falls probably the stands out the most. Just like Tea Kettle Falls, the water has eroded through the bluff instead of flowing over it. Everyone should visit the Glory Hole, but be aware that it's fairly crowded on weekends.
For directions to the falls, use this map.
For directions to the falls, use this map.
What’s your favorite Arkansas waterfall to frequent? Share with us in the comments below!
Don’t forget to join our Arkansas Nature Lovers Facebook Group!
