Falling Water Falls is one of the prettiest waterfalls in Arkansas. Not only is it beautiful, but you don’t have to walk far to get to it.
In fact, we have it on our list of EASY waterfall hikes because it doesn’t actually require a hike. You can park right alongside it.
In addition to it being a gorgeous waterfall, it is also one of our favorite Arkansas swimming holes! Falling Water Falls should definitely be on your bucket list for a great summer activity.
Here is our list of easy waterfalls hikes in Arkansas.
Location
This waterfall / swimming hole is located near the town of Sand Gap. It does come up in GPS so we suggest that you try that first, but here are some directions in case you need them!
- Take Scenic Hwy 7 to the Sand Gap/Pelsor area
- At the intersection at the Pelsor Post Office, go east on Hwy 16 towards Ben Hur.
- Keep going on Hwy 16 past the parking area for Pedastal Rocks/Kings Bluff
- You will go through the little community of Ben Hur
- After Ben Hurt you will see County Road 68. Turn onto that.
- At about a mile this will merge into Upper Falling Water Road. Stay to the left.
- Follow this until you see parking for the falls (about another mile) Parking is on the right.
You will be on a dirt/gravel road for the last bit of this drive. However, it has always been well maintained when we’ve visited and two wheel drive vehicles should be fine.
Falling Water Falls is an easy stop, literally right off the road, making it one of the most accessible waterfalls in the state. This is great when you just want to jump in and cool off.
Did you know that scenic 7 is the first scenic highway in Arkansas? It is also part of one of our favorite Arkansas road trips, the Jasper Disaster!
Here are some more great things to do in the summer in Arkansas!
When is the Best Time to Go? It Depends!
One thing that is important to know about Arkansas is that many of our creeks and waterfalls are seasonal. They are dependent on rainfall.
Fortunately, Falling Water Falls tends to flow even as the weather gets hotter and drier in the summer. But you never know for sure.
Obviously, there can be times when the swimming isn’t good because there has been too little rainfall.
However, you also might not be able to swim when there has been too MUCH rainfall. The water levels and current can sometimes be too strong for a dip.
It’s just nature, y’all! Please use some common sense!
Be Water and Weather Aware
You will want to be aware (especially if you are visiting with children) that the water at the base of the falls can be surprisingly deep when the water is really flowing.
On the flip side you will want to check to see if it is deep enough if you have kids wanting to jump off the ledge or use the rope swing that is sometimes hanging from a tree near the pool.
TIP: This creek has a VERY rocky bottom and the rocks are sharp and sometimes slippery! You will definitely need to wear water shoes.
Falling Water Falls is Beautiful…
I know the name “falling water falls” is a little, shall we say, unimaginative?
Don’t let that put you off a visit. Falling Water Falls is one of those magical spots where you will usually find clear water spilling over the wide rock ledge into the deep, blue-green pool below.
The color of the water can be stunning on a sunny day. (It can also be brown when there has been a lot of rainfall)
You can wade around the edges of this swimming hole or swim straight out into the middle and feel the waterfall pouring over your shoulders.
You can also swim behind the waterfall and crawl up on the rocks for that classic behind-the-waterfall view. It’s refreshing, exhilarating, and just plain fun.
Falling Water Falls really is one of those special spots that makes me feel lucky to live in this beautiful state!
And when the water at Falling Water Falls is flowing just right…it’s a place that will cause you to say, “now this is what summer is supposed to feel like!”
…But it is Not a Hidden Gem
I don’t know about you, but I get tired of hearing people say something is a hidden gem when it actually is not. Falling Water Falls is definitely a “known” swimming hole.
You will probably not have it to yourself on a pretty summer weekend day. If you are looking for seclusion try showing up early on a weekday.
People sometimes bring lawn chairs and sit in the shallow parts, or lay out on the big flat rocks to soak up the sun. It’s a fun place to hang out!
Please Respect Our Gorgeous Natural Spaces
It’s beautiful out there. But it’s also fragile. If you go to Falling Water Falls, please respect the space.
Don’t carve your name in the rocks. Don’t leave trash behind. Don’t bring glass bottles that might break and be stepped on later.
Y’all, there’s no garbage service at Falling Water Falls. Please, please clean up after yourself and keep the space pristine.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
We hope that y’all have fun at Falling Water Falls! It is one of our favorite Arkansas swimming holes!
