Arkansas’ Scenic Waterfall Loop Will Take You To 13 Different Waterfalls
The Ozark National Forest contains a lifetime’s worth of waterfalls, creeks, and cascades to discover but this loop can help narrow your quest to see the Natural State’s spoils. The route loops around Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area and hits must-sees like Kings Bluff and Long Pool as well as some two-for-one waterfalls. By no means are these the only ones to chase, nor must you stick strictly to the route but this loop should inspire a nature-loving trip or two!
Feel free to adapt this route to best suit your needs! Not including hiking time (though most of these are park-and-you're-there falls) the tour will take less than five hours. The route has nine distinct stops but some of these include one or two extra waterfalls to see in the area making it a 13-stop waterfall tour. To see the GPS-friendly map, head here.
Spainhour is a gorgeous stairstep cascade along Spadra Creek. Hiking and creek crossing will be necessary to reach the falls but it's well worth the effort! For a helpful video tour to the waterfall watch this video.
This is one waterfall that needs to be on your Natural State bucket list! The oddly formed fall cascades through an eroded hole in the bluff instead of over it. The out-and-back trail is fairly easy 1.9-mile trek but do keep in the mind it'll be uphill on your way back! For the trail map of this one visit this page.
Magnolia Falls flows over a sheer bluff and into a dreamy pool. This gorgeous scene would be enough to reason to take this stop but wait! Not only will you find Magnolia Falls, you'll also be near Woods Boys Falls and the Hadlock Cascades. For a more in-depth look at the trail and its falls, read our full article right here.
It is worth noting before you reach the cave you'll be close to the Alum Cove Natural Bridge which isn't a waterfall but is still quite the sight to see! Big Creek Cave features, naturally, Big creek Cave Falls as well as a couple of other cascades. Explore the mouth of the caves and see the falls before continuing along our loop. For more details on the area read our full article.
Kings Bluff Falls is a towering 114-ft. tall cascade, making it one of the tallest in the state! The trail is a little under two miles and includes a fascinating maze of rock formations, which you can read about right here.
This recreation area is perfect for a picnic and has ample photo opportunities. The waterfall is part of Big Piney Creek just outside of Dover. This area has camping and summertime swimming, too! For more info on reaching the trail read this article.
You won't believe it but Highway 123 Falls is right along Highway 123. You can spy this one from the road, though a little bit of hiking will get you into the best view of the falls for photos. The waterfall is a neck-craning 47 feet high and perfect after a decent rain.
Haw Creek Falls is there for your viewing pleasure as soon as you park but it's not the only cascade to conquer! Nearby here is Pack Rat Falls as well as Pam's Grotto. You can learn all about this three-for-one hike in this article.
This accurately named waterfall is one you can drive under during the wetter seasons. The waterfall cascades from a 21-ft. tall ledge above Highway 123. Enjoy the falls but just be sure to have your sunroof closed!
From here you can complete the loop by heading back to Spainhour Falls or head to your next Arkansas adventure!
From here you can complete the loop by heading back to Spainhour Falls or head to your next Arkansas adventure!
Which waterfall is your favorite on the list? Are there nearby ones you would add to the loop? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! If you’ve traveled to any of these falls we’d love to see your photos 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.
Address: Spainhour Falls, Arkansas 72854, USA
Address: Deer, AR 72628, USA
Address: Big Creek Cave Falls, Co Rd 59, Jasper, AR 72641, USA
Address: AR-16, Sand Gap, AR 72856, USA
Address: Long Pool Falls Trailhead, Nfr 1804, Dover, AR 72837, USA
Address: Highway 123 Waterfall, Hagarville, AR 72839, USA
Address: Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area, Hagarville, AR 72839, USA
Address: Co Rd 5881, Hagarville, AR 72839, USA
