Falls Branch Trail features impressive scenery
Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-record. Today, Deary takes readers on a journey to Falls Branch Trail.
I suppose most folks would be quick to agree that we live in a state that is bountiful with scenic beauty and outdoor opportunities. I, too, share these sentiments.
I suspect that others are in the same boat as I, however, in the sense that we often take what Arkansas has to offer for granted. Those of us living in west central Arkansas are blessed with natural beauty and opportunities galore, right here in our backyards. We are close to many miles of trails, one of which literally stretches in the neighborhood of 235 miles prior to finally ending in Oklahoma.
We are privy to beautiful crystal-clear and mountain-fed rivers and streams, and are situated within minutes of scenic and bountiful reservoirs. We also live in the midst of the Ouachita National Forest, consisting of 2,794 square miles.
In a nutshell, pretty much anybody with a passion for the wonderful outdoors can find more than enough to keep them occupied. It matters not if one prefers hunting, fishing, other water sports or simply kicking around and getting better acquainted with Mother Nature — there’s something here for you. And those of us with a passion for several activities? Well, let’s just say that there aren’t enough months in a year, days in a month, and hours in a day to grow bored with what awaits.
I failed to mention that we have two state parks in our midst, as well. But that is no indication that I don’t appreciate their offerings. I find myself drawn to these facilities several times on an annual basis.
In fact, today’s article will focus on one of the trails meandering through Lake Catherine State Park. And if all goes as planned, we will be taking jaunts along other designated paths meandering within the perimeters of this particular facility again in the near future.
Today’s excursion will begin at the southern extremities of the camping area, near the amphitheater. Three of the park’s trails begin at this point. That being said, this is a pretty popular spot when the weather is conducive to a jaunt through the woods.
Those who plan to take in the Dam Mountain route will soon take a left at the first intersection. And those planning a jaunt along the Horseshoe Mountain Trail will take a right and head up the hill shortly thereafter. However, we’ll remain straight on the Falls Branch Trail, during this particular excursion.
Falls Branch Trail is the shortest of the aforementioned three, consisting of in the neighborhood of 2 miles. Unlike its sister paths, it does not make any extreme climbs during its journey. However, it is important that those with knee, ankle or foot issues recognize that the beaten path does meander around and over a few boulder formations.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not suggesting that the path should be avoided. I’m just giving folks, especially those with the aforementioned conditions, a heads up that a walking staff might prove advantageous from time to time.
The route runs rather level through a wooded flat for a short distance. However, the terrain begins to change shortly thereafter, as the trail enters the Little Canyon Creek drainage area.
This particular section, although boulder infested, is also extremely lush, as the trail runs alongside the creek for a ways. In fact, the beaten path crosses the beautiful branch several times, via well-constructed foot bridges.
A plethora of plants thrives in this area, under the canopy of native trees and the shade often produced by the jagged and steep hillside on each side of the trail. And although several of the flowering plants made their showing during the spring season, one is still apt to see their fair share of ferns taking root near the water’s edge.
The scenery is impressive during all seasons. However, the stream was swollen as a result of heavy rains, just minutes earlier, during my most recent visit. And although the creek was actually crossing the trail at a few locations, to see a number of small waterfalls deemed the potential of wet feet worthwhile.
The trail eventually makes its only significant ascent to a ridgeline, to a four-way intersection, where the Horseshoe Mountain Trail crosses. Simply remain straight and continue to follow the red blazes that are painted on the trees.
Although I suggested continuing straight, there is a bench at this little spot. And after making the slight ascent, one might consider stopping and giving their legs a rest at this point while taking in the scenery.
OK, enough rest. Let’s continue along the trail, as it heads downhill and meets back up with the creek. The trail makes its way down a set of steps and eventually ends back up alongside the creek as it follows the contour of the bottom of the draw.
The trail makes an abrupt left-hand turn soon thereafter, leaving Little Canyon Creek behind, where it dumps into yet another water source.
The Falls Branch is noticeably larger than the creek we have been following throughout a majority of the walk. In fact, it is capable, and on the verge of producing one of the most impressive waterfalls throughout the Ouachitas. And I think it would be safe to suggest that the falls are the most visited throughout our neck of the woods.
Although the waterfall occasionally reduces to hardly a trickle during the driest months of the year, it is certainly impressive during the wet season, especially following a significant rainfall.
In fact, one can hear the roar of water pouring over the sheer rock structure prior to seeing the water spectacle. One can get an interesting perspective of the falls from the intersection where the Dam Mountain Trail crosses the creek, just above the structure. But the most impressive view awaits just a few feet down the trail, as it makes a descent and runs within an eyeshot of the base of the waterfall. In fact, a number of paths run to within feet of where the water pours over the rock structure and dumps into the pool below.
The trail continues along the base of the hillside, as it also begins to parallel the lake’s shoreline on the opposing side. The beaten path continues back in the direction of the trailhead. However, there is yet one more highlight before the journey’s end.
Of course, one would expect a structure spanning the draw feeding into the lake. But who would have thought that they would have the pleasure of crossing a swinging bridge? Although I have trekked this route many times in the past, I never grow tired of crossing this particular bridge. In fact, for some reason, it brings the kid out in me.
The trail returns back to the starting point soon thereafter, deeming a jaunt along the Falls Branch Trail history. But on a good note, this path is also pretty much in our backyards. And it is a destination that we can revisit time and time again.
To get to Lake Catherine State Park from Hot Springs, take Carpenter Dam Road to the Highway 290 intersection and take a left. Remain on 290 for 3.3 miles and turn left onto Highway 171 at the intersection. Travel 4.6 miles to the state park.