Waterfalls Near Eureka Springs Arkansas
The Hike House inspiring wonder... inspiring wander!
Experience the beautiful landscape of northwest Arkansas. There are few things more exciting and wonderful than the discovery of a waterfall. The sound of falling water is immediately recognizable. It beckons those passing by to stop, explore, and ultimately rest a bit in its company.
Waterfalls in northwest Arkansas are quite diverse. From small cascades that trickle to plunging waterfalls that create pools beneath them, each one seems to display unique characteristics. Such an important natural feature, they usually carry their own names and lore. Waterfalls are often described by their height, width, volume of water, or even their sound. The sound of a waterfall is often the first clue that a waterfall is nearby. This is particularly true of waterfalls residing within the rugged woodlands of northwest Arkansas. In this terrain, water readily flows through karst systems and support the fragile ecosystems there. In this topography, waterfalls are commonly nestled into tree-filled crevices in the hills, slowly sculpting otherworldly rock formations within the Ozark Highlands.
There are several notable waterfalls that you are encouraged to seek out.
8 Waterfalls Near Eureka Springs
1. Hike House Trail has several beautiful little spring-fed waterfalls. Relax in a nearby hammock tree while listening to the trickling water. Great place for lunch or an afternoon nap. This is a private trail. Check in at the Hike House in Eureka Springs for permission and directions.
2. Tea Kettle Falls in McIlroy-Madison Wildlife Management Area- 40 foot tall falls that exit from a spout-shaped rock ledge. Moderate trail-not well marked. 1 mile hike. Get trail guide for detailed instructions. Approximately 24 min drive to trailhead. Forest road access.
3. Glory Hole Falls in the Ozark National Forest-cascades with a 30 foot fall dropping from a hole in the ceiling of a rock shelter. Approximately 1hr 46 min to trailhead. Directions.
4. Hemmed In Hollow Falls in the Buffalo National River- 200 foot falls hemmed in by rock bluffs. Accessible by Compton Trailhead. 4-6 hr hike. This is a very strenuous trail with uneven and rocky terrain. Approximately 1hr 15 min drive to trailhead from Eureka Springs. Directions.
5. Falls of Lost Valley in the Buffalo National River- Eden falls (53 foot) and a 25 foot waterfall inside a small cave. This is a moderate hike 1-3 hr hike. Take a flashlight to find the cave waterfall. Beware of slippery rocks and hazardous cliff areas. Approximately 1 hr 10 min drive to trailhead from Eureka Springs. Directions
6. Elise Falls at Smith Creek Preserve- 21-foot falls in slot along the bluff line accessed by 2-mile roundtrip moderate hike. Directions
7. Sweden Falls in Sweden Creek Wildlife Management Area- 81-foot falls that can be viewed from the top and bottom. 1.5 mi roundtrip hike. Approximately 1hr 5 min drive to trailhead. Directions
8. Triple/Twin Falls at Camp Orr- Two to three 48-foot falls that drop to a shallow pool. Located on private property. Approximately 1hr 35 min drive to trailhead. Directions