Waterfall season in the Natural State is something truly special. Arkansas has more stunning waterfalls than most people realize! This guide covers the best waterfalls in Arkansas.
We’re Karen and Emily, a mother-daughter team who have spent years exploring our home state together. Now that Emily’s daughter Lyla is in the picture, we’ve become experts in finding trails that are beautiful and manageable for little legs (and grandmas!)…
This list is special because all of these waterfall hikes are easy! In fact, some of these waterfalls don’t require a hike at all!
What Do We Mean by “Easy”?
For the purposes of this post, these are hikes that are:
- Mostly flat
- Less than 1.5 miles round trip
Whether you’re visiting the Ozarks, the Ouachita Mountains, or somewhere else, there’s a gorgeous waterfall waiting for you.
Things to know about waterfalls in Arkansas
Before we share our list here are a few things that you need to know about the waterfalls in Arkansas. Check out even more of our Arkansas waterfall chasing tips in this post.
- Most waterfalls in Arkansas are rain dependent. They will be prettiest during times of rainy weather (usually spring) and will tend to dry up during drier times (usually summer.)
- Arkansas is hot in the summer. If you are hiking in the summer time bring plenty of water.
- Use bug spray unless you are hiking in winter!
- Consider doing some cold-weather hiking. Not only are there no bugs, but there is almost nothing prettier than a frozen waterfall!
- Arkansas hiking trails tend to be very rocky. Wear proper footwear and you might even want to carry a hiking stick.
- Waterproof hiking shoes are a good idea. To get the best views of some of the falls you might need to cross a creek. We like to wear waterproof shoes when hiking. Currently we are loving our Hokas!
Best Waterfalls in Arkansas: Easy Hikes
Arkansas is a state of distinct regions, each with its own landscape and character.
We’ve grouped these waterfalls by region to make it easier to plan your trip.
Learn more about the regions of Arkansas here.
It’s worth noting that the vast majority of Arkansas waterfalls are found in the Northwest part of the state. The Ozark Mountains’ layered, dissected plateau landscape creates countless rocky ledges, creek drainages, and bluffs that naturally produce dramatic waterfalls.
The Ouachita Mountains to the south simply don’t lend themselves to as many drops, so while there are fewer falls in the Ouachitas, the ones that exist are truly special.
If you want to explore more waterfalls in Arkansas I HIGHLY suggest that you purchase the book Waterfalls of Arkansas by Tim Ernst. He is the guru of hiking in our wonderful state!
These are all popular waterfalls and specific directions to all of them can be found in that book or online!
Northwest Arkansas
Northwest Arkansas is home to the Ozark Mountain which has some of the most dramatic topography in the state. There are deep, craggy valleys, towering bulges, and clear cold streams that feed some truly magical waterfalls.
Blanchard Springs and Spillway Falls (Fifty-Six)
In our opinion this area is not to be missed. It is simply gorgeous.
A short walk down a paved path (stroller friendly) takes you to the spot where Blanchard Springs rushes out from the cavern. It is a gorgeous, cool spot to linger.
In our opinion…Mirror Lake is magical!
Yes the “waterfall” is officially a spillway but the lake and spillway are absolutely stunning. You will also find the remains of an old mill that makes for some gorgeous photos. The old window openings of the mill frame the spillway perfectly.
Of course if you visit this area you are probably going to want to visit Blanchard Springs Caverns as well. This is an Arkansas site that is not to be missed.
Falling Water Falls (Sand Gap)
Falling Water Falls is definitely one of the best waterfalls in arkansas as well as one of the easiest to access!
In fact, there is not really a hike at all. You drive down a dirt and gravel road, but when you get to the waterfall you will find a parking area right next to it as well as extra parking alongside the creek.
This is also a local’s favorite swimming hole in the summer and a beautiful spot year round.
Haw Creek Falls and Pack Rat Falls (Pelsor – Haw Creek Campground)
This is a two for one as both of these waterfalls are accessed from the same location in the Ozark National Forest.
Haw Creek Falls is not tall, but it is beautiful. Not only that, but you can drive to within feet of the waterfall and camp very close by.
To get there you will follow the signs to Haw Creek Falls Campground.
Do be aware that you will drive across Haw Creek on a low water bridge so the way might be impassable if the water is high.
In addition to Haw Creek Falls there is a gorgeous canyon towards the back of the campground area. Just follow the creek and you will find Pack Rat Falls. It is only about 1/4 mile one way!
The hike to Pack Rat Falls does involve scrambling over rocks and possibly walking in water but it is worth it!
Pack Rat is one of my favorite little waterfalls in the state!
Highway 123 Falls (Hagarville)
As the name indicates this waterfall is just off of highway 123 in the Ozark National Forest. There is a parking area just across the street from the waterfall.
Be careful crossing the highway! However, once you are across it is just a short walk – a bit of an uphill scramble – to the base of the waterfall.
You can even see it from the road in the winter when the leaves aren’t on the trees!
If you are getting hungry when you visit this roadside waterfall you will be near one of our favorite sandwich shops in the state, the Hagarville Grocery and Deli. It’s worth a stop!
Kings River Falls (Boston)
Kings River Falls is a long time favorite. The hike is about 1.5 miles round trip and although the distance is a little longer than some on this list it is an easy, flat walk.
The waterfall is only 10 feet tall, but it is so pretty.
This is a wonderful place and the area below the falls is a popular swimming hole!
Paige Falls and Broadwater Hollow Falls
Paige Falls may not be the highest or the most grand of the waterfalls in Arkansas, but in my opinion it is one of the most beautiful.
It is only an 8 foot waterfall, but it tumbles off a ledge into the most gorgeous green pool of water before heading downhill to a bonus waterfall, Broadwater Hollow Falls.
You can see both of these waterfalls within a 1/3 mile walk. There will be a 2 mile drive down a rough and fairly steep dirt and gravel road just near the Ozark Mountain town of Compton.
But once you get to the parking area you are almost there!
Tanyard Creek Falls (Bella Vista)
Tanyard Creek Falls is technically a spillway, but we are absolutely calling it a waterfall.
It is not only gorgeous but easy to get to. In fact, all of the Tanyard Creek nature area is worth a visit in our opinion!
Triple Falls (Camp Orr)
Triple Falls is one of the most magical spots in the Ozark Mountains!
This is officially a twin waterfall and the original name was twin falls. However, when there has been plenty of rain it becomes a triple waterfall.
The hike is super easy and flat – less than 1/4 mile.
However the drive to the trailhead is a steep downhill on a dirt road. So, you need to seriously consider whether or not your vehicle will make it back up the hill!
North Central Arkansas
The Ozark Mountains also stretch into the The North Central Arkansas region. This area is anchored by the stunning Greers Ferry Lake and the Little Red River.
This is a gorgeous region that, in our opinion, doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves.
Bridal Veil Falls and Cornelius Falls (Heber Springs)
A short walk from a parking area will take you to a wooden viewing platform up above Bridal Veil Falls!
If you want to see the falls from the bottom you will have to walk/scramble down a very steep slope. This was not something that we were able to do with Lyla at age 2 but older children would be able to take the trail down.
The falls are even more beautiful from below.
There is a bonus in this area! Cornelius Falls is another waterfall just a short walk away.
You can reach it by following the signs from the parking lot or if you go to the bottom of the trail at Bridal Veil Falls you can follow the creek downstream and take a left to see Cornelius Falls.
Here are some more things that you might want to do in Heber Springs!
Collins Creek Cascade (Heber Springs)
Collins Creek Cascade is also located near the town of Heber Springs.
From the parking lot you will take a short walk through the woods to a beautiful cascade.
One of the things that is especially great about this area is that the water comes from the bottom of Greer’s Ferry Lake. This means that it is both cold and flowing year round which makes it especially good for a summer hike.
The trail leads on to a nice campground on the Little Red River and there is a playground on the way that children would enjoy.
The Boston Mountains
Although the Boston Mountains are still officially part of the Ozarks, they sit on the southern edge of this mountain range and are in the Arkansas River Valley.
This section of the Ozarks is considered to be the most rugged and difficult to access. It is also where the legend of the Arkansas Traveler originated.
Twin Falls at Devil’s Den (Devil’s Den State Park)
I suspect that this is one of the most popular waterfall hikes in Arkansas. It is also the only waterfall in the state that I’ve seen that has a bridge in front of it. (Let me know if there are others!)
The hike is a mostly easy 1.5 mile loop. You will also find gorgeous rock formations as well as a cave/bluff shelter on the way to the falls so you might want to bring a flashlight.
Natural Dam Falls (Van Buren)
This is a really interesting waterfall. Although it is only about 8 feet tall, it is nearly 200 feet wide. But the most fascinating thing is that although it is totally natural – it looks like a man-made dam!
You can see this one right from your car! It is also a popular swimming hole and there are picnic tables if you want to stop and relax there for a bit.
Southwest Arkansas (The Ouachita Mountains)
Southwest Arkansas is one of my favorite areas in my home state! It is known for the famous town of Hot Springs and the Hot Springs National Park, but there are also gorgeous lakes and beautiful scenery.
This area doesn’t have as many waterfalls as the Ozark region, but the ones that are here are beautiful!
Blaylock Creek Falls (Langley)
This is a pretty waterfall in the Albert Pike Recreation Area in the Ouachita Mountains. It tumbles off of the mountainside into Blaylock Creek and you can drive (dirt roads) almost right to it.
It is a very kid-friendly place and also a great swimming hole! On our last visit there was even a rope swing.
The Albert Pike recreation area is still for day-use only. There is no camping allowed.
Little Missouri Falls (Langley)
The Little Missouri Falls is another of our favorites in the Ouachita Mountains. This is series of cascades more than a big waterfall, but it is truly beautiful.
You will need to drive down dirt roads to get to the trail head, but once you park you are almost there. Just a walk across a bridge and down a trail to this stunning spot!
As you can see from our photo we were last there in the fall when the water was fairly low. I strongly encourage you to stop by this amazing Arkansas waterfall when there has been more rainfall. You will be so impressed!
There are also some wonderful swimming holes on the Little Missouri River.
We have an excellent Ouachita Mountain road trip that you might enjoy that includes this Little Missouri waterfall and some other great spots!
Falls Creek Falls (Lake Catherine State Park)
This is one of my favorite little waterfalls in the state. Falls Creek Falls is located in Lake Catherine State Park which is near the town of Hot Springs.
When you get to the trailhead just follow the loop trail to the left and the falls are only about 1/2 mile away on mostly flat terrain.
Lyla walked most of this one by herself, and as you can see from our photo, she was pretty excited about it!
You can follow the loop on around for a longer hike with some nice views or do like we did and just turn around and go back the way you came.
BONUS Waterfalls
Here are two falls that didn’t quite meet our “easy” parameters but that we couldn’t bear to leave out! They are both located in the northwest region of Arkansas in the Ozark Mountains.
Pams Grotto (Hagarville)
Pams Grotto has always been one of my favorites waterfalls in Arkansas. However, I’m not sure that I can say that this hike is particularly EASY.
Although the hike to the grotto is short, only a mile round trip, it is definitely NOT flat.
There some very steep spots, but even more difficult are a couple of places where the trail is right on the edge of a fairly big drop off. The last little bit down to the waterfall is especially steep and rocky.
I honestly wouldn’t recommend it for younger children.
However, it is a gorgeous waterfall so if you are physically capable to do this hike – you will really be rewarded.
The hike is uphill at first and then alongside some gorgeous rock bluffs. The last stretch is steeply downhill and you will find the path almost blocked by a huge boulder. However, just around the other side of the boulder is one of the prettiest waterfalls in the state located in a beautiful grotto!
Lost Valley Trail (Boxley Valley)
I HAD to include Lost Valley Trail. It truly is one of the most unique and gorgeous trails in the state.
Lost Valley Trail is over 2 miles round trip and has some elevation gain and an edge with a steep drop-off in a couple of parts.
However, it is such a beautiful hike and would be great to do with older kids! You get two waterfalls, one smaller and one larger, gorgeous rock formations, a HUGE bluff shelter, and a natural cave that you can actually explore if you can handle small spaces and have a flashlight.
Be sure to check our link above to learn more about this wonderful Arkansas trail.
We hope that you have enjoyed this list of easy waterfall hikes in Arkansas. If your favorite is not on the list let us know! Maybe it is one that we haven’t hiked yet!
