WATERFALLS GALORE

Cascading water ranks high among Arkansas’ natural attractions

When it comes to natural beauty, it’s no secret that Arkansas has wealth beyond measure. The state’s many waterfalls, whether spilling over lofty bluffs or bubbling over rocks in woodland streams, could well be noted as sparkling jewels in the crown of The Natural State. Some waterfalls are easily accessible, even for small children and nonhikers, while others are a little more out of the way.

The following are only a few of the waterfalls within the state’s borders. While some are best viewed shortly after a rainfall or in the spring, others offer year-round appeal.

Want to compare notes with other waterfall chasers in Arkansas? Check out Waterfalls of Arkansas’ Facebook page, www.facebook.com/groups/WaterfallsOfArkansas, where members share photos and stories about their waterfall adventures.

CEDAR FALLS

Plunging more than 90 feet into Cedar Creek, this stunning waterfall — perhaps the best-known in the state — is at the heart of Petit Jean State Park. Cedar Falls may be viewed from above (the overlook is accessed via a barrierfree walkway), or adventurers may embark on a more strenuous 2-mile round-trip hike down the wall and along the bottom of the canyon. The park is on

Arkansas 154 atop Petit Jean Mountain, southwest of Morrilton.

COLLINS CREEK

A mountain stream shaded by foliage, Collins Creek offers many scenic highlights, including a series of terraced waterfalls. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers worked together to transform what was once a seasonal stream into a year-round waterway by feeding about 40,000 gallons of 50-degree water into the creek every hour. The stream, which flows into the Little Red River, is off Arkansas 25 near Heber Springs.

COSSATOT FALLS

This series of small waterfalls, which bubbles along the rugged rocks of the Cossatot River, is a popular venue for canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts. The falls can be reached from Weyerhaeuser Road 52200, which runs between Arkansas 4 and Arkansas 246 on the east side of the river. From Road 52200, turn west on Road 52600. The hike is considered moderate to strenuous.

MIRROR LAKE FALLS

Flowing from Blanchard Springs Caverns, 14 miles north of Mountain View, off Arkansas 14, Mirror Lake is a 3-acre lake known for its rainbow trout. This is a good option for people with mobility issues, as the falls at the stone-and-concrete dam built by the Civilian Conservation Corps can be viewed from the road, with ample parking nearby, or take the

0.9-mile accessible trail that leads to the springs and falls flowing from the caverns. Visitors can also check out the Blanchard Springs Caverns and recreational facilities, including camping, picnic areas, hiking trails and creek swimming holes.

CHEROKEE VILLAGE WATERFALL

Another waterfall that can be viewed from vehicles is the stair-step waterfall at Papoose Park, 249 Iroquois Drive in Cherokee Village, Arkansas’ first planned recreational community. In addition to the waterfall, there are swings and playground equipment for the kids, and across the street is the Cherokee Village Tourist Information & Welcome Center, where visitors can find options for dining, shopping and other activities in the area.

EDEN FALLS

Beautiful in any season and spectacular after a rainfall, these falls are just a moderate hike from the road. Mossy rocks and boulders form an obstacle course along which the falls pour, ending in a picturesque pool. To reach the falls, follow Arkansas 43. Between Boxley and Ponca, turn onto the road to Lost Valley (part of the Buffalo National River). Park at the end of the road, and follow the marked trail to the bluff.

FALLING WATER FALLS

Best viewed after a heavy rain, these natural falls gush over a wide rock ledge, tumbling about 10 feet to a pool below. The

peaceful, wooded site is on Falls Creek, just off Forest Service Road 1205 near Pelsor.

HAW CREEK FALLS

Hidden in a remote section of the Ozark National Forest off Arkansas 123 near Hagarville, these falls are the centerpiece of the Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area, which offers primitive campsites near the falls. While not overly tall, the falls make up for their lack of height with sheer beauty. While there, be sure to visit Pam’s Grotto Falls, just across the highway.

FALLS CREEK FALLS

One of the hidden beauties of Lake Catherine State Park, these falls tumble along a series of rugged rocks before making a 10-foot drop into a pool of beautiful blue water. The falls, located just off a 2-mile trail that winds through a wooded area of the park, are about 0.25 miles from the trailhead when walking clockwise around the loop. From Interstate 30, take exit 97 near Malvern, and follow Arkansas 171 to Lake Catherine State Park.

HEMMED-IN HOLLOW FALLS

Located in the Buffalo National River Park near Ponca, this is the highest waterfall in Mid-America. The area is for experienced hikers only; the hike varies in length from 31/2 to 5 miles (one way), depending on the hiker’s choice of trailhead. Ask any of the local outfitters at Ponca for directions.

HIGH BANK TWIN FALLS

A walk of only 0.25 miles from the parking area, these twin beauties are at the High Bank Canoe Access for the Mulberry River. To reach the falls, walk east from the parking area along Arkansas 215 across a small bridge; then look for a well-worn path (there is no sign) to the left. Follow this path across a small stream (which has several natural falls of its own) and continue to the High Bank Twin Falls.

KINGS RIVER FALLS

Tumbling from a rocky ledge into a picturesque swimming hole, these falls are located within the Kings River Falls Natural Area along County Road 3500 near Huntsville. While the 2-mile trail is moderately easy, it is not accessible for people with physical limitations. Those planning to swim will want to visit the falls in warmer weather; however, the falls are best viewed from autumn to early spring.

LITTLE MISSOURI FALLS

Hidden in the Ouachita National Forest near the Albert Pike Day-Use Recreational Area, it’s only a short, moderately easy walk along a wooded hillside to these cascading falls. From Hot Springs, follow U.S. 70 west to Glenwood; then continue to Salem. Go west on Arkansas 84 to Langley, then north on Arkansas 369, where signs direct visitors to the falls. The driving route includes several miles of gravel roads.

MARBLE FALLS

Located just south of the town of Marble Falls on Scenic Arkansas 7 Byway, these stunning falls could almost be labeled a “drive-by” attraction, perfect for those who prefer not to hike. The springfed stream, which once powered a flour mill, a cotton gin and a sawmill, provides year-round beauty.

NATURAL DAM

Located about 15 miles north of Van Buren in the Boston Mountain range of the Ozark Mountains, this rock waterfall is so perfect that many think it is manmade — but it’s just another one of Arkansas’ natural treasures. At nearly 200 feet in width, the waterfall spans the breadth of Mountain Creek Fork and is easily accessible from the picnic area. To visit, take exit 5 from Interstate 40 at Van Buren, go north on Arkansas 59, and turn left at the Natural Dam community.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, HERITAGE AND TOURISM Cedar Falls in Petit Jean State Park is one of the best-known waterfalls in the state.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, HERITAGE AND TOURISM Located north of Mountain View near Blanchard Springs, Mirror Lake Falls is an ideal option for people with mobility issues, as the falls can easily be viewed from the road.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, HERITAGE AND TOURISM Eden Falls in Lost Valley is best viewed after a rainfall and is a moderate hike from the road.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, HERITAGE AND TOURISM Kings River Falls is accessible via a moderately easy 2-mile trail and offers a picturesque swimming hole during warmer weather.