Katy Falls

The phrase “a rainy” can have a negative connotation, but it’s all about perspective. I actually love to hike in the rain. The forest is quiet, calm, and enchanting. One great thing about spring in the South is it promises lots of rain. And in addition to an enchanting hike, it also promises lots of beautiful waterfalls. Arkansas has some excellent waterfalls. So I have compiled a list of the seven best waterfalls in Arkansas.

Tim Ernst does a great job helping people find wonderful waterfalls in Arkansas. So for a longer list of the best waterfalls in Arkansas, check you his “Arkansas Waterfall” guidebook.

Twin Falls

The first waterfall hike on my list is Twin Falls. Twin Falls are within the Richland Creek Wilderness Area and there is no official trail. I have been there once, and failed to make it twice.

When I hiked and made it, I hiked with my then-boyfriend who led the way – a hard route that isn’t even listed on any of the suggested bushwhacks. Needless to say, when I attempted to lead my friends back the same way, we failed to make it. You can read more about that trip here.

Even though the falls are difficult to get to, I’m listing it on my list of the seven best waterfalls in Arkansas because they are so worth it.

Twin Falls are where two creeks, the Big Devils Fork and the Long Devils Fork come together. Both creeks flow over rocks to make a beautiful cascade.

Fuzzy Butt Falls

Also located in the Richland Creek Wilderness Area is Fuzzy Butt Falls. Fuzzy Butt Falls is on a small tributary of Falling Water Creek. The trail is about one mile one way and is an easy hike. It is also an easy waterfall to get to after a big rain.

Fuzzy Butt Falls cascades down a narrow chute in a slot canyon that is pretty remarkable itself.

The trail also parallels Falling Water Creek, which I think is one of the most beautiful creeks in Arkansas.

For a trail guide, check out my “Fuzzy Butt Falls” blog post.

Falls Creek Falls – Lake Catherine State Park

Another easy hike to a waterfall is the the Fall Branch Trail at Lake Catherine State Park. The trail is a two-mile loop, however the falls are only about a quarter of a mile from the trailhead.

The trail also takes you through two narrow valleys that are amazingly beautiful. Another fun way to see the falls is to kayak to them. Read my “Dam Mountain Trail” blog post for directions and a trail guide to the falls.

Hemmend-In Hollow

A more challenging hike to a waterfall is Hemmend-In Hollow. At 177 feet tall, it is the highest waterfall between the Appalachian and Rocky mountains, so it definitely makes the list of seven best waterfalls in Arkansas.
Hemmed-In Hollow can be accessed from many trailheads. However you either have a steep climb down and then back up, or you have to cross the Buffalo River.

The falls cascade over a painted rock bluff like many others in the Buffalo National River and Ponca Wilderness Area.

For a full blog post on hiking to the Hemmend-In Hollow, check out my “Ponca Wilderness – Centerpoint to Compton” blog post.

Katy Falls

Another waterfall that flows though a narrow chute is Katy Falls in southwest Arkansas. Katy Falls is a little less know, but is definitely one of the best waterfalls in Arkansas. The falls is along Katy Creek just off of the Caney Creek Trail and are about four miles from the trailhead.

The Caney Creek Trail is in the Caney Creek Wilderness Area and there are no signs or trail markers so you have to research and plan your trip. It’s not hard to find if you know what to look for. You can check out this post by Arklahoma Hiker for great directions.

Glory Hole Falls

One of the most unique waterfalls in Arkansas is the Glory Hole Falls. What makes it unique is that it flows through the rock instead of over it.

From the top of the falls, the water flows into the rock like it going down the drain. On the bottom of the waterfall there is a large rock overhang with a hole in it spewing water. It’s really an interesting geological feature to visit.

For more on Glory Hole Falls, check out my “Arkansas Staples” blog post.

Cedar Creek Falls – Petit Jean State Park

The most famous waterfall in Arkansas and the largest by volume is Cedar Falls at Petit Jean State Park.

Cedar Falls cascades down 95 feet. You can view the waterfall from the top or hike down to the bottom. The hike is about a one mile hike, but the first bit is pretty steep. Petit Jean State Park was the first state park in Arkansas and has many other beautiful trails.

Best waterfalls in Arkansas

So these are only a few of the waterfall to find in Arkansas. There are many more. The Tim Ernst “Arkansas Waterfalls” is a great resource, and I highly suggest it.

Also you’ll want to keep in mind that you might be slogging through water on the trail or having to cross more streams than you think you would. All that rain which makes the water beautiful, also makes your hike more wet.

You’ll also want to consider bringing rain gear because the spray from the fall can get you wet too.

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