Spring Showers = Waterfall Power
Cover photo by @alittlemoreroux on Instagram
Bella Vista, AR
Tanyard Creek Falls
Let’s start closest to home. The Tanyard Creek Nature Trail (2.2-mile loop) is located in Bella Vista and is a perfect scenic hike for all ages. Follow the trail signs down and through the forest about a mile and you will arrive at the Tanyard Creek Falls. The trail is dog-friendly, but they must be leashed.
Compton, AR
Hemmed-in-Hollow Falls
At 209-feet, Hemmed-in-Hollow is the tallest waterfall between the Appalachians and the Rocky Mountains. A 5.7-mile out and back, the hike is rated as difficult but for those willing to make the trek, the views are worth the effort. For those floating the Buffalo River, the falls are an easy half-mile trek from the river trailhead.
Witter, AR
Kings River Falls
Keeping it adventurous, but less strenuous, the hike to Kings River Falls is an easy, 2-mile out-and-back adventure that comes complete with a little swimming hole—if you get the timing right. A cool fact to note, while you take a dip and cool down, is that this river flows from south to north, which is relatively unique for our region. This hike is also dog-friendly as long as they are leashed.
Newton County, AR
Glory Hole Falls
Glory Hole Falls is oft-cited as the most unique waterfall in the Ozarks, but out of these, it is also the most dependent on rain. The 2-mile, round-trip will take you downhill to a creek that eventually flows into the “Glory Hole”, the location where the water has carved out a hole in the bluff. You and the furry ones can explore both the top and bottom of this 30-foot waterfall.
Ponca, AR
Eden Falls
Located at the end of one of the most popular hiking destinations in the region, Eden Falls is located towards the end of Lost Valley Trail (2-mile, out and back) in Ponca, AR. Keep exploring and you’ll arrive at Eden Falls Cave, where if you brought a flashlight and prepared to get muddy, you can climb into and discover an underground waterfall at the back of the cave. It’s also worth noting that almost the entire first half of the trail is ADA accessible! Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed.
Kingston, AR
Sweden Creek Falls
A short 1.5-mile round trip will take you to Arkansas’ 8th tallest waterfall, Sweden Creek Falls in Kingston, AR. You’ll actually have the opportunity to explore multiple waterfalls along on this hike before arriving at the 81-feet high treat at the end. This is another adventure you’ll want to plan after a nice Spring shower. Also, it is close enough in proximity to pair with Eden Falls on a day trip.
Newton County, AR
Fern Falls
We discovered Fern Falls for the first time just prior to the eclipse! A 1.5-mile out-and-back hike with a beautiful waterfall at the end, the trailhead for Fern Falls is just behind Ozark National Forest Scenic 7 Byway sign on HWY 7 (11.3 miles south of Jasper, lat/long coordinates 35.8953496, -93.1890466). Most hikers park near the sign in the grassy area off the highway. The trail is a bit thorny and muddy in the beginning (which might be hard on pups) and there are a few small creek crossings along the way, but totally worth it.
