Arkansas’ Scenic Waterfall Loop Will Take You To 13 Different Waterfalls
For those of us who often dream about Arkansas 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! Ready to chase down some waterfalls in Arkansas? Let’s go!
This is just a small look into the multitude of waterfalls nestled within the Ozark National Forest.
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. View the interactive Google Map to plan your road trip.
We'll travel clockwise around the map and begin with Spainhour Falls.
Spainhour is a gorgeous stair step cascade along Spadra Creek. Hiking and creek crossing will be necessary to reach the falls but it's well worth the effort!
Spainhour Falls, Arkansas 72854, USA
The next stop is one of the most well-known waterfalls in the state: Glory Hole Falls.
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. Glory Hole Falls is one of the more unique waterfalls in the state since it's one of the few to have water flowing through the bluff instead of over it. The effect is a swirling, circular cascade that's truly spectacular. 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!
Glory Hole Falls Trail, Arkansas 72854, USA
Continuing north, we'll reach Magnolia Falls and a few others.
Arkansas is filled with beautiful waterfalls hikes but this particular one is something special.
It's not every day you find a trail that lets you walk behind not one, but four gorgeous falls. What's even better, this trail is only two miles long. The trail's main feature is Magnolia Falls. This glorious waterfall in Arkansas 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.
Magnolia Falls, Deer, AR 72628, USA
The eastern crook of our journey will take us to Big Creek Cave.
If you're up for a hunt, Big Creek Cave Falls is tucked away in the Ozark National Forest, along Big Creek. The trail isn’t clearly marked and the terrain is rocky and wet, making this 3.1-mile hike quite challenging. But for intrepid explorers, the 29-foot Big Creek Cave Falls is well-worth the effort. 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.
Big Creek Cave Falls, Co Rd 59, Jasper, AR 72641, USA
You can spend a whole afternoon at Pedestal Rocks & Kings Bluff Trail (what a dream day!), but we'll just take a peek at the falls for now.
Kings Bluff Falls is a towering 114-foot 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. Before you visit, be sure to read more about this wondrous waterfall in Arkansas.
Pedestal Rocks & Kings Bluff Trailhead, AR-16, Sand Gap, AR 72856, USA
You could continue your waterfall chasing further east (hello Richland Creek Wilderness) but for this loop we'll head south to Long Pool Falls.
We’re lucky enough to have an abundance of waterfalls in the Natural State, and all of them are their own special kind of wonderful. Some of our waterfalls are more popular than others, however, so there are plenty of waterfalls around that are overlooked. One of those waterfalls is Long Pool Falls, and it’s just as pretty as a picture. 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!
Long Pool Falls Trailhead, Nfr 1804, Dover, AR 72837, USA
We'll admit these next couple rather mess up a perfect loop around the forest, however! It would be a shame to miss these stunners, like Highway 123 Falls.
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. We love this no-hike waterfall in Arkansas!
No waterfall hike around the Ozarks would be complete without a stop at Haw Creek Falls. After taking in the wide cascade of Haw Creek, take a hike to Pack Rat Falls and Pam's Grotto. All three falls are showstoppers! For more detailed directions, click here. 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.
Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area, Hagarville, AR 72839, USA
Our loop will come to a close with Car Wash Falls - just what you need after a day of driving through the forest!
This accurately named waterfall is one you can drive under during the wetter seasons. The waterfall cascades from a 21-foot-tall ledge above Highway 123. Enjoy the falls but just be sure to have your sunroof closed!
Car Wash Falls, Co Rd 5881, Hagarville, AR 72839, USA
Which waterfalls in Arkansas are your favorites? Are there any nearby ones you would add to the loop? Share your thoughts with us in the comments! 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: Magnolia Falls, Deer, AR 72628, USA
Address: Big Creek Cave Falls, Co Rd 59, Jasper, AR 72641, USA
Address: Pedestal Rocks & Kings Bluff Trailhead, AR-16, Sand Gap, AR 72856, USA
Address: Long Pool Falls Trailhead, Nfr 1804, Dover, AR 72837, USA
Address: Arkansas 123, AR-123, Lamar, AR, USA
Address: Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area, Hagarville, AR 72839, USA
Address: Car Wash Falls, Co Rd 5881, Hagarville, AR 72839, USA
Address: Glory Hole Falls Trail, Arkansas 72854, USA
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfalls in Arkansas
July 03, 2022
Sarah M.
What are some of the best waterfall hikes in Arkansas?
When you’re ready to escape the confines of your car and hit the trails for a waterfall chasing excursion in the Natural State, you’ll want to check out some of the best waterfall hikes in Arkansas. Some bucket-list musts include the hike to Hemmed-In Hollow Falls, the Three Bears Trail, the Glory Hole Falls hike, the Kings River Falls Trail, and the trek to Mirror Lake Falls. Looking for a short-and-sweet waterfall hike in Arkansas? Hands down, the Magnolia Falls Trail is a must. Babbling creeks, moss-covered rocks, wildflowers, and a canopy of greenery all create a dreamy setting to Magnolia Falls, which is one of the most scenic and accessible waterfall hikes in Arkansas. The trail isn’t paved but is decently well-worn and easy to follow. In fact, this 2.1-mile hike is rated “easy” for most; the one spot you’ll need directions for is at the second stream – be sure to turn left, and you’ll be good to go!
Address: Spainhour Falls, Arkansas 72854, USA
Address: Magnolia Falls, Deer, AR 72628, USA
Address: Big Creek Cave Falls, Co Rd 59, Jasper, AR 72641, USA
Address: Pedestal Rocks & Kings Bluff Trailhead, AR-16, Sand Gap, AR 72856, USA
Address: Long Pool Falls Trailhead, Nfr 1804, Dover, AR 72837, USA
Address: Arkansas 123, AR-123, Lamar, AR, USA
Address: Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area, Hagarville, AR 72839, USA
Address: Car Wash Falls, Co Rd 5881, Hagarville, AR 72839, USA
Address: Glory Hole Falls Trail, Arkansas 72854, USA
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
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Arkansas native, Carol Ann Carson, has written for OnlyInYourState for three 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.
