This One Destination Has The Absolute Bluest Water In Arkansas
Falls Creek Falls in Lake Catherine State Park offers some of the bluest and clearest water in Arkansas, making it a prime spot for recreation and cooling off in the summer.
To find some of the clearest water in Arkansas, you’ll need to travel through the scenic Ouachita Mountains and visit Lake Catherine State Park. The drive is excellent, the mountains are lovely, and Lake Catherine is an incredibly scenic spot for recreation, but your real destination is Falls Creek Falls. That’s because today we’re looking for the bluest water in Arkansas, and the water beneath Falls Creek Falls is some of the bluest water anywhere.
This spot is incredibly easy to hike to, as it’s only a few minutes from the shores of Lake Catherine.
If I were to ask you, what are your favorite waterfalls in Arkansas? Would you answer Hemmed-in-Hollow, Cedar Falls, or Pam’s Grotto? While those are some of the most spectacular cascades in the state, there’s one that is guaranteed to leave you awestruck. Short Grotto Falls is one of the loveliest natural wonders in Arkansas and it’s one of the most magnificent waterfalls that you can imagine. And there’s no doubt that you’ll want to explore this unexpected, hidden gem in Oark, AR for yourself. So, grab your hiking gear, and let's go!
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Even if you’re a wanderlust explorer of the Natural State, chances are, you’ve never heard of Short Grotto Falls. This pretty little grotto waterfall is nestled inside the Ozarks near the tiny town of Oark, Arkansas.
If you would like to make this a weekend adventure, Short Grotto Falls is only 7 miles from Wolf Pen Recreation Area. Here you’ll have access to the Mulberry River where you can camp, hike, kayak, and so much more.
The falls are located in an area known as Engagement Hollow. The drive is along unpaved and unmaintained roads. So, it’s best to use a Jeep or 4-wheel drive vehicle.
In the area, you’ll find a flowing creek as well as lots of other waterfalls to explore. In fact, there are over 7 waterfalls that you will encounter and many of them are unnamed cascades. But you'll agree that they’re worth the adventure.
Follow alongside the creek, and you’ll eventually get to Short Grotto Falls, and be prepared to be amazed. Not only is it a cool waterfall, but it is an unexpected natural wonder in Arkansas.
Between the carved-out grotto, the majestic trees, the pool as well as the falls flowing over the bluff, chances are, you’ll be captivated by the enchantment of it all.
Have your camera ready because naturally, you’ll want to experience this hidden gem from different perspectives.
Here’s a quick video by explorer Dave Outdoors showing you more of the falls as well as the gorgeous area.
https://youtu.be/I2OBwa0Wrjc
So, have you ever heard of Short Grotto Falls in the Arkansas Ozarks? If so, tell us in the comments about your experience exploring one of the best waterfalls in Arkansas. If you'd like to explore more wonderful waterfalls in Arkansas, check out this hiking trail that leads to another beautiful waterfall in the Ozarks:
What are your favorite things about hiking in Arkansas? Is it chasing waterfalls, creek crossings, lake views, footbridges, or wildflowers? Well, if you answered yes to any of these, you’ll love the Huckleberry Nature Trail in Greenbrier. At 3.5-miles long, this trail has a lot to offer including a unique cascade, where you could sit and admire it for hours. Come with us on our next adventure to explore this scenic area offering one of the best waterfall trails in Arkansas.
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Tucked inside Woolly Hollow State Park, just 50 miles north of Little Rock, is one of the prettiest waterfalls in Arkansas.
But to be on the safe side, we encourage you to download AllTrails+ in case you decide to venture off on side quests.
The trail will take you through wooded areas with a couple of creek crossings and footbridges. This is a great trek for the little ones as well as your furry pals.
Spilling over the rocks, the water gushes with tremendous force, and listening to the sound of the flowing water will soothe your soul. You’re going to want to explore the waterfall from different angles, too.
