You Can See 3 Waterfalls In Just One Day Of Hiking In Arkansas
Every waterfall hike is worthwhile in Arkansas, there’s no doubt about that. However, anytime there’s a chance to see multiple falls in one trip, we’re more than ready to hit the road and explore. Some of these multi-fall excursions require some driving between stops but today’s trip is easily done in one hiking trip. So let’s lace up those boots and travel to not one but three gorgeous waterfalls.
Deep in the heart of the Ozark National Forest resides a perfectly peaceful place that happens to be filled with waterfalls.
Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area should be on the bucket list of every Arkansan since it's a well-balanced blend of all the good things to come out of the Natural State. Hiking, swimming, fishing, camping, animal spotting, and taking in the breathtaking scenery are just some of the highlights of this area. For an interactive map of the area, use this one.
Address: AR-123, Hagarville, AR 72839
The first waterfalls doesn't require hiking at all.
Just pick a parking spot and you've reached your first destination. The Haw Creek Falls aren't tall (about 6 feet) but they do stretch out about 100 feet across the creek. If you're just wanting a quick waterfall getaway feel free to stop your trip here to enjoy a picnic and splash. Otherwise let's take the short hike to reach our second waterfall.
Towards the southeast part of the rec area you'll follow the creek to see another beautiful waterfall.
Pack Rat Falls is off of the Ozark Highlands Trail that passes through the rec area. Follow the creek upstream to the right of the Ozark Highlands Trail for about a 1/4-mile. Technically this path is a bushwhack so be prepared for some dense forest along the creek. Pack Rat Falls is a gorgeous waterfall with a 24-ft. high cascade. We'll have to head back to Haw Creek Falls to get to our last waterfall but it's well worth the backtrack.
On the other side of AR-123 is the short trail to the last of the three falls.
Directly on the opposite side of the highway from the Haw Creek Falls Rec Area parking lot is the creek that leads to one more waterfall. Follow along the right side of the creek for about 1/4-mile until you run into the bluffs. From there it's another 1/4-mile to the left of the bluffs. Pam's Grotto may be the favorite of the three waterfalls. It's a towering 37-feet surrounded by massive boulders and moss-covered rocks. After you've taken plenty of pictures you just need to head back the way you came.
This area is especially popular during summer so plan your trip accordingly.
If you're just wanting to go enjoy the hike, try to take the trip during the week in the morning. Most of the rush comes from weekend campers taking advantage of Haw Creek's refreshing wade pool.
Whenever you decide to visit, this waterfall-filled area will supply your family with plenty of treasured memories (and great photos!)
For more information about camping in this area, visit the U.S. Forest Service website right here.
Which of the three waterfalls is your favorite? Share with us in the comments below! You can also share your hiking 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.
Here are some refreshing water wonderlands to add to your summer checklist.
Arkansas native, Carol Ann Carson, has written for OnlyInYourState for two years now. She resides in Western Arkansas' Mountain Frontier but calls NWA home as well. The graduate of University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, Carol Ann earned her B.A. in English and will soon be pursing her M.A. in Library Science. She loves exploring the trails around the Buffalo National River and has yet to find a waterfall that wasn't her favorite.
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