11 Best Waterfall Hikes In Arkansas, USA

Travel Advisory

Trip101 recommends assessing the risks before hitting the hiking and trekking trails. Please be especially aware of the difficulty levels, the locations’ ground conditions, as well as the seasonal risks.

1. Hemmed-in-Hollow Falls

Hemmed-in-Hollow Falls is located in Compton, within Ponca Wilderness Area, where Buffalo National River can be found. This 209-foot-tall (64-meter) single-drop waterfalls can be accessed via various trails in the area. The most common trail often taken by visitors is Compton Trailhead. This 5-mile (8-kilometer) trail is rather difficult with lots of steep rocks and stairs. It’ll also be really slippery after rainfall. Difficult as it might be, the magnificent view of the falls will be totally worth the hike. The huge cascade of water from the top is definitely an awesome sight to see.

Hemmed-in-Hollow Falls

Address: Compton, AR

Website: Hemmed-in-Hollow Falls

2. Cedar Falls

Cedar Falls, situated within Petit Jean State Park in Morrilton, is a 95-foot (29-meter) waterfalls at Cedar Creek. In order to access the falls, visitors will first need to go on a 1.8-mile (2.9-kilometer) trail. Although this is not a long trail, there are some steeper parts and rocky terrains along the path, so visitors are advised to wear proper hiking shoes. Once you’ve reached the falls, you’ll see the stunning wonder surrounded by unique rock formations.

Cedar Falls

Address: 1285 Petit Jean Mountain Rd, Morrilton, AR

Website: Cedar Falls

Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)

3. High Bank Twin Falls

High Bank Twin Falls is located in Russellville, within the famed Ozark National Forest. The massive forest has an estimated area of about 1.2 million acres (4,856 square kilometers) and is home to 395 miles (636 kilometers) of hiking trails. To reach the 70-foot-high (21-meter) waterfalls, visitors only need to go on a 0.4-mile (0.6-kilometer) trail opposite the road from High Bank Canoe Access on Mulberry River. The best time to see the cascading whirls of water is after a huge rainfall, where you’ll get spectacular views of the whole waterfalls.

High Bank Twin Falls

Address: Russellville, AR

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

4. Cougar Falls

Cougar Falls is an 80-foot-tall (24-meter) waterfalls, also located within the huge Ozark National Forest. It is one of the four waterfalls in the area, and visitors can get access to it via a trail that can be reached through Rand Road. The hike is about 0.35 miles (0.6 kilometers) one-way. Cougar Falls is said to be the best out of the four as it offers some of the most gorgeous views.

Cougar Falls

Address: Russellville, AR

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

5. Kings Bluff Falls

Kings Bluff Falls is located in Russellville within Ozark National Forest. This is an impressive huge 114-foot-tall (35-meter) waterfalls that can be found in Pedestal Rocks Scenic Area. Visitors will need to go for a hike along the looped King’s Bluff Trail, which is about 1.9 miles (3 kilometers) long. The waterfalls can be found halfway through the trail. The best time to visit is, of course, after heavy rain. That is when visitors can enjoy a fascinating view of huge streams of water pouring down from the very top. This area is also a popular picnic spot, so it is a great idea to organize a small family trip.

Kings Bluff Falls

Address: Russellville, AR

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

6. Pam's Grotto Falls

Pam’s Grotto Falls is located in Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area within Ozark National forest. To reach the waterfall, guests will have to follow a marked trail that lasts for a short 0.5 miles (800 meters) from Haw Creek Falls Campground. You’ll know that you have reached your destination when you can hear the tranquil sounds of flowing water from the waterfalls. Like the others, Pam’s Grotto Falls also present itself at its best when you visit after heavy rain.

Pam's Grotto Falls

Address: AR-123, Hagarville, AR

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

7. Natural Dam Falls

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Natural Dam Falls is another alluring wonder of nature located within Ozark National Forest. Also known as Little Niagara Falls, it is about 8 feet (2.4 meters) tall and 187 feet (57 meters) wide. The best part about this beauty is that no hiking is required to reach it, making it easily accessible for everyone! The forest picnic site is just right beside the falls, so you can bring your own food and picnic mats—and get ready to enjoy a few hours in the splendid national forest. Visitors also love wading in the dam during the summers when the water is not in full force. Try it for yourself too!

Natural Dam Falls

Address: Natural Dam, AR

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

8. Falling Water Falls

Falling Water Falls is located in Smyrna Township, in the southern part of Richland Creek Wilderness Area. This is another beautiful spot that visitors can get easy access to since it is situated right next to a road. But remember to get down and appreciate the gorgeous mineral-rich emerald waters, falling into a waterhole right below. Visitors love to swim in it during the summer.

Falling Water Falls

Address: Smyrna Township, AR

Website: Falling Water Falls

9. Haw Creek Falls

The 8-foot-tall (2.4-meter) and 100-foot-wide (30-meter) Haw Creek Falls is located in a secluded section of Haw Creek Recreation Area within Ozark National Forest. You can easily reach the waterfalls via Ozark Highlands Trail. The place has interesting geology, and the views around the waterfalls are also really beautiful. As a side note, this spot is a popular camp and picnic site. So for those who are looking to camp or just want to spend a few hours within this scenic area, here’s your chance!

Haw Creek Falls

Address: Hagarville, AR

Website: Haw Creek Falls

10. Glory Hole Falls

Glory Hole Falls is a really unique 30-foot-tall (9-meter) waterfalls located in Ozark National Forest. Although it is neither big nor massive like a few of the other waterfalls mentioned in this article, it sure is a special one. It literally is just a small hole right on top of a cavity, where a small stream of water flows down. Glory Hole can be accessed via a 1.8-mile-long (3-kilometer) trail. It’ll be good to wear proper hiking shoes as the trail leading to the waterfalls goes downhill and the journey back to the main trail is a challenging uphill hike.

Glory Hole Falls

Address: Ozone, AR

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Explore the amazing natural attractions of Arkansas

With so many hiking trails for you to choose from, a trip to Arkansas is a great opportunity to really get out into the wild and explore the beautiful attractions brought by Mother Nature! So what are you still waiting for? Choose your favorite hiking trails and relax by the stunning beauty of the various waterfalls mentioned in this article!