Nothing beats the plethora of waterfalls residing in the Natural State, which is why the best hikes in Arkansas lead to flowing cascades. It would take a lifetime to embark on every single one of the scenic hikes in Arkansas, but there are some that just cannot be missed.

From trekking to the largest waterfall in Arkansas to the most unique, we’ve compiled a list of waterfalls in Arkansas that everyone should hike to at least once.

1. Hemmed-In Hollow Falls - near Compton

You knew it'd have to be on the list. Hemmed-In Hollow Falls is the tallest waterfall between Appalachia and the Rockies. You can either take about a 5-mile hike on land or cut off a few hours by paddling in and then hiking the remaining one-half mile. Absolutely breathtaking, the towering cascade earns a top spot on our list of waterfalls in Arkansas that everyone should visit.

2. The Three Bears - near Sand Gap

Nestled within the Ozark National Forest, 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 for only 3.2 miles of hiking.

3. Fuzzybutt Falls - near Ben Hur

Fuzzybutt earned its name when Tim Ernst (the creator of the waterfall chaser's bible, Arkansas Waterfalls) was documenting the waterfall and, as was his normal procedure, took a picture of himself near the falls for recordkeeping. At this particular waterfall, 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 led to the waterfall being dubbed Fuzzybutt. More than just a silly name, the trek to the fall makes for one of the best scenic hikes in Arkansas.

4. Glory Hole Falls - near Deer

Reaching the Glory Hole is a fairly easy, downhill 1.8-mile hike, which means the way back is all uphill. Worth the effort, Glory Hole Falls is one of the more unique waterfalls in Arkansas - and that's because it's one of the few to have water flowing through the bluff instead of over it.

5. Haw Creek Falls - near Hagarville

The hike around Haw Creek Falls actually takes you to two neighboring waterfalls, Pam's Grotto and Pack Rat Falls. All three are gorgeous sights and all three can be reached via short hikes, each of which is under 3 miles.

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6. Kings River Falls - near Witter

Another fantastic trail that the entire family can take on is the Kings River Falls Trail. The hike is 1.8 miles, but you could easily spend the whole day swimming in the waterfall-fed pool, making it one of the best hikes in Arkansas for a summertime adventure.

7. Mirror Lake Falls - Blanchard Springs

After exploring Blanchard Springs Caverns, (which should definitely be on everyone's cave bucket list), follow the trail outside to reach the beautiful Mirror Lake Falls, which is consistently revered as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Arkansas. The 1.7-mile loop is great for young waterfall enthusiasts.

8. Falls Creek Falls - Hot Springs

One of the most beautiful features at Lake Catherine State Park is Falls Creek Falls. One of the top kid-friendly hikes around Arkansas, everyone can take on the 1.6-mile loop to reach the falls and it's simply gorgeous year-round.

9. Cossatot Falls - Umpire

Hikers, kayakers, and waterfall chasers can all agree that the Cossatot River is a must-visit. If you're not up for paddling through the rapids, the mile hike along the river is still satisfying.

So, as far as waterfalls are concerned, are these the best hikes in Arkansas? These 10 waterfalls are great trips for your bucket list, but we would love to hear which falls you would add to it! Share your must-visits with us and add your photos to 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.

If you’d like to work towards visiting every waterfall in Arkansas, you should start in Newton County, which is home to over 100 Arkansas waterfalls.