Forked Mountain Falls easy to find, worth return visits
Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-Record. Today, Deary writes about Forked Mountain Falls.
Two of my most recent articles have covered driving destinations, and for good reason. I suspect there are those, while eager to get out of the house, are somewhat reluctant to share airspace with others in light of the ongoing pandemic.
Well, this week’s article will contain an enjoyable and scenic drive, as well. However, the destination is nestled seven-tenths of a mile from usable roads. Fortunately, the path leading to this beautiful spot is wide. In fact, the route we will walk is a gated road. In turn, those who embark upon this excursion can strike out with confidence that they can easily maintain safe social distancing from anybody they might happen upon along the way.
The Ouachita Mountain range differs from the Ozarks in the sense that it is not noted for producing a plethora of waterfalls that flow year-round. However, that’s no indication that there aren’t a few lurking within its perimeters. In fact, we will visit one of these magnificent water spectacles today.
Although in the heart of the Flatside Wilderness area and nearly three-quarters of a mile from where one must park, Forked Mountain Falls is fairly easy to find. From Hot Springs, travel north on Park Avenue and turn left onto Highway
7 just past Fountain Lake School. Remain on the scenic byway for about
26 miles and take a right onto Trail 86 Road, beside the Hollis Volunteer Fire Department. Remain on the dirt road for about 4.7 miles and take a right onto Forest Road 793. Remain right on the forest road at the intersection and follow the route for nine-tenths of a mile as it makes its way across two low-water bridges and eventually ends at a gate, which is the property line for the Flatside Wilderness Area.
One might consider checking out the huge rock structure to the left prior to striking out in the direction of the falls. The sheer formation is a popular spot. In fact, it’s not uncommon to find folks camping at its base.
Anyway, back to the route leading to the waterfall. I noticed that people had been driving around the gate during my most recent visit. However, those who chose to ignore the barrier were breaking the law, as no vehicles are allowed within the perimeters of the designated acreage. In fact, no wheeled device, including bicycles, are allowed to enter the designated area.
But I suppose there will always be those who either think they are beyond the law, or simply are not willing to take steps to ensure specified tracts of the forest go unblemished by man. Regardless of the reason, their actions are both selfish and irresponsible.
So after parking, follow the path around the gate and continue along the road as it meanders deeper into the forest. The first section of the road makes a slight ascent prior to heading down the hill at a slow pace and eventually making its way into a low-lying area.
The aforementioned hill is not overly drastic, nor is the descent leading into the drainage area. In turn, one does not have to be in tiptop physical condition to tackle this particular walk. Simply, stop periodically and enjoy the scenery along the way, while catching their breath.
In fact, one can peer down the steep hillside on the right during a portion of the journey and see the creek below. And it’s not uncommon to hear water cascading through the distant, boulder-laden creekbed during times when the water level has been swollen as a result of precipitation.
And although there are a couple of trails leading down the hillside and to the creek, just remain on the road, as we will have the option of bushwhacking alongside the mountain-fed stream during our journey back to the rig.
The road continues through the low-lying area for a short distance prior to veering to the right and leading within feet of the destination. There was actually a time when one must pay attention to an intersection to find the falls. But as a result of the illegal vehicle traffic, it is easy to follow the beaten path directly to the falls.
One is likely to hear the water pouring probably 5 or 6 feet over the sheer formation and dumping into the pool below. I’ll be the first to agree that the sound of the falls is impressive, especially following a significant rain. But the view of the water spectacle is even more exciting.
The pool below the waterfall is rather small in comparison to some. However, I can say, from experience, that it exceeds 6 feet in the deepest spot. And there is ample room to swim, as well.
And how might I know this? OK, I’ll go ahead and admit that I have cooled myself in its waters from time to time to time throughout the previous summers. And I suspect I’ll continue to take advantage the mountain-fed pool on future sultry summer days.
One word of warning, though. I have happened upon a few cottonmouths lurking around the pool throughout the years. So one might scan the grounds closely while meandering toward the water’s edge.
Although the falls will likely prove the highlight of the excursion, one might also consider spending a little time focusing on the huge boulder formation that is situated just feet upstream.
A dim path leads to atop the formation, from where one can get a nice perspective of the surroundings. But they should bear in mind that a fall from stop the boulder could prove fatal.
Even those who remain at creek level might find the boulder somewhat entertaining, as those who use a little imagination are apt to notice the side profile of a fella’s face on the overhang. I have always heard that it resembles a Native American. However, I am convinced it shows a greater resemblance to George Washington.
I suspect the inquisitive outdoorsman should not have any issues spending the portion of a morning or afternoon exploring in the vicinity of the waterfall. However, the time will eventually arise when it is time to ease back in the direction of the vehicle.
One can simply backtrack to the starting point. But one also has the option of bushwhacking upstream. I, personally, will choose the latter of the two choices, There is actually a trail leading back to the vehicle. And if one happens to miss the spur leading to the gate, they can simply continue along the creek to one of the aforementioned low-water bridges, where they can turn right and follow the road for a short distance back to their vehicle.
I noticed several interesting wildflowers during my recent trek back to my rig. But be aware that I also picked up a few ticks along the way. That being said, I would strongly suggest using insect repellent prior to making the walk. And I feel compelled to remind those who choose to bushwhack along the creek’s edge back to the starting point, that they will be treading in a habitat that is conducive to snakes.
Yep, the Forked Mountain Falls are a real jewel nestled in the heart of the Ouachitas. And those who visit this destination are apt to find themselves longing for yet another excursion to this particular destination again in the near future.