Balanced Rock Falls offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and geological wonder.
This secluded waterfall, characterized by a massive boulder suspended in a crevice above a cascading stream, provides hikers with a unique experience.
Finding the Trailhead for Balanced Rock Falls
This trail is located in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas near the mountain towns of Jasper and Ponca.
To access the trail, head to the Ponca Low-Water Bridge. You will want to park at the parking area here by the bridge.
After parking walk across the bridge and look for a brown sign indicating the Buffalo River Trail. Don’t take that. Instead, just a few paces from the Buffalo River Trail sign, an unmarked path leads to the left —this is the trail to Balanced Rock Falls.
All About the Trail to Balanced Rock Falls
The journey to Balanced Rock Falls is a moderately challenging 1.1-mile out-and-back trail. The trail is not very well marked and it can sometimes be overgrown or hidden in leaves.
The path meanders alongside Leatherwood Creek and I would suggest using a trail app to make sure that you stay on track. As you walk upstream the trail will first be on the right side of Leatherwood Creek.
Eventually you will need to cross the creek in order to get to the falls.
Your landmark will be a pretty bluff line on the opposite side of the creek with a cascade that pours off of that into the creek. It is a really beautiful spot!
Just past this area you will cross the creek. I would guess that it is about 15 yards on upstream but just keep an eye out.
The day we visited we were able to find the trail again easily after we crossed the main creek and started heading uphill towards the falls.
The initial segment of this trail is relatively flat, but hikers should be prepared for a steep, muddy and sometimes slick incline as they approach Balanced Rock Falls.
In my opinion this is the section that takes this from an easy to a moderate hike.
The entire walk is very lush and pretty with the sound of the creek. It is usually not terribly crowded but it has become popular in recent years so you will probably encounter other hikers especially on the weekends.
Balanced Rock Falls
Upon reaching the destination, you will be greeted by a striking natural formation: a V-shaped gorge with a large boulder perched atop, under and behind which the waterfall flows.
This unique setup creates an image that reminded me of that famous scene in the Indian Jones movie with the rock.
This is definitely a hike that you will only want to do when there has been ample rainfall. Balanced Rock Falls dries up during periods of low precipitation.
You can also continue up the trail above the falls to see where the water flows behind the balanced rock.
Additional Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Anytime that there has been plenty of rainfall. Late fall or winter offers the clearest trails. There are lots of colorful hardwood trees in this forest so fall is very colorful. Spring is also beautiful. If you go in the summer we recommend using bug spray!
- Footwear: Waterproof hiking shoes or boots are recommended for this one. The trail can be muddy and slippery and you will be crossing the creek.
- Dogs: Dogs are not allowed on this trail.
- Navigation: Since the trail lacks official markers having a trail app of some kind can be helpful.
- Leave No Trace: Please always practice leave no trace principles when hiking the trails of our beautiful state!
Nearby Attractions
We hiked the trail to Balanced Rock Falls as part of a gorgeous road trip called the Jasper Disaster. I highly recommend it!
For those looking to extend their adventure, the Upper Buffalo River area boasts several other notable trails, including Lost Valley Trail, Big Bluff/Centerpoint Trail (also known as the Goat Trail), Triple Falls, and Whitaker Point.
You might want to head into Boxley Valley to see if you can spot some elk.
We also recommend exploring the charming mountain town of Jasper!
Balanced Rock Falls is a treasure for hikers seeking a touch of geological intrigue.
Thanks so much for stopping by! We hope that you enjoy the Arkansas hiking trails as much as we do!
