Paige Falls might not be the tallest or grandest or most majestic waterfall in Arkansas, but, in my opinion, it is one of the most beautiful. It is also a very short hike!
Not only that, but this is actually a two for one! Continue a bit further and you will come to a pretty cascade called Broadwater Hollow Falls!
We visited these falls in the spring while on a wonderful Arkansas road trip called the Jasper Disaster!
Paige Falls: Flowing Water and Emerald Pools
Paige Falls is an 8′ waterfall that tumbles into a gorgeous pool of water that is often a stunning emerald green color. It almost feels tropical!
The color of the water can change depending on the time of year and how recently there has been rain. We were there on a day when the water was perfect!
How to get to the Paige Falls Trailhead
Paige Falls and Broadwater Falls are located in the Ozark National Forest near the tiny town of Compton, Arkansas.
From Ponca, you will take Hwy 43 north towards Harrison for about 8 to 9 miles.
Once you see the Compton Post Office, you will go about .8 miles further and take the gravel road NC2660 on the right.
Follow this road for about 2 miles until you see a parking area.
NOTE: The road was dirt and gravel and a little rough. You will be going downhill on the way in. There were parts that were steep and narrow.
We have an all wheel drive vehicle and were there on a dry day and we didn’t have any problem getting up and down the road but I have heard other people say they were slipping on the way back up on days when the road was wet.
Do be prepared for a bit of rough ride down and back.
The Walk to Paige Falls
Once you make it to the parking area you are almost there! It is only about 1/3 of a mile to see both Paige Falls and Broadwater Hollow Falls.
Just walk on down the road and cross over the creek, then begin following the trail downstream. There are immediately a series of small cascades so don’t make the mistake of thinking that you are already at Paige Falls!
As you walk it will almost feel as if you in a tunnel, a beautiful corridor of rock! Soon you will come to a couple of huge boulders. You will see where people have gone above or below or between these rock formations.
Follow one of those trails and it will lead you to the top of Paige Falls! You can peek over the edge here, but the most picturesque views are still to come, so continue on downstream.
You will see a trail that leads to the base of the waterfall and finally you will experience Paige Falls in all its natural glory. The water spills over the ledge into an emerald pool. It is really stunning!
Cascading Broadwater Hollow Falls
From Paige Falls you might want to continue downstream to Broadwater Hollow Falls. It’s only a few hundred feet.
To get there do not try to continue downstream on the steep creek bank!
Instead you will walk back up from the base of Paige Falls to the trail. This will lead you much more safely and gently down to the creek at the bottom of Broadwater Hollow Falls.
Broadwater Hollow Waterfall is about 21 feet tall, starting out with a cascade at the top and falling into the rock of the creek bed below.
Overview of Paige Falls and Broadwater Hollow Falls
The stream itself is lovely as is the surrounding landscape. You will see rugged rock formations and lush foliage. It is truly a scenic and tranquil area.
The walk is short and pretty easy. There will not be a lot of scrambling over boulders. It is definitely one of the easiest hikes in Arkansas that leads to a beautiful waterfall.
Check out our list of other easy waterfall hikes in Arkansas.
- Location: Near Compton, Arkansas, accessible via NC 2660
- Distance: Approximately 0.37 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 46 feet
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Best Time to Visit: Spring, winter, fall, even summer if there has been a good rainfall
- Rain Dependent? Yes, the stream will only be flowing when there has been ample rainfall.
- Dog Friendly? No. Dogs are not allowed on this trail
- Crowds: This is not a “hidden” gem. Because it is such an easy and short walk to such a beautiful place there are often other people around, however it is rarely crowded.
Tips for Visitors to These Waterfalls:
We have an entire post with tips for waterfall chasing in Arkansas! Be sure and check that one out!
Here are my suggestions for this trail in particular:
- Footwear: Wear sturdy and waterproof shoes, as the trail can be rocky and slippery, especially after rain and you might have to splash in the water to get across the stream.
- Photography: Bring your camera. Paige Falls is absolutely photos-worthy. You will want to capture the water falling into the gorgeous green pool.
- Leave No Trace: As always, where ever you go in the Arkansas wilderness, please preserve the area by staying on trails, carrying out all trash and respecting wildlife.​
In my opinion, Paige Falls and Broadwater Hollow Falls are a testament to the understated beauty that Arkansas’s natural landscapes have to offer.
This waterfall provides an easy natural escape for anyone visiting the beautiful Ozark Mountains of Arkansas!
