Sometimes you just need to trade the screen glow for the green of the forest and the hum of the city for the roar of falling water. If that sounds like your kind of reset, then you are in the right place. Waterfalls in Arkansas are a full-body experience. We’re talking about the mist on your face and that feeling of pure awe when you stand in front of a powerful cascade.
The state is packed with these natural wonders. They are tranquil, they are breathtaking, and they are often the centerpiece for an amazing day of adventure. You can hike to them, swim in their pools, or even raft the wild rivers they create.
This guide is your ticket to finding the best waterfalls in Arkansas.
A Guide to Breathtaking Waterfalls in Arkansas
Hemmed-In-Hollow Falls: The Epic Trek
Location: Compton, Arkansas
Difficulty: Difficult
First up is a true heavyweight. Hemmed-In-Hollow Falls is the tallest single-drop waterfall between the Rocky and Appalachian Mountains. It plunges an incredible 209 feet down a sheer rock face. Seeing it is a memory you will keep forever, but you have to work for it.
The trail is 5.7 miles round-trip and considered difficult. The hike is a beautiful downhill walk through the forest. But remember, what goes down must come up. The return trip is a steep climb, so be prepared with good shoes and plenty of water.
The payoff is absolutely worth the effort, especially after a good rain when the falls are at their most powerful. This is one of those waterfalls in Arkansas that makes you feel small in the best way possible.
Mirror Lake Waterfall: The Easy Breather
Location: Fifty-Six, Arkansas
Difficulty: Easy
Not every adventure needs to be a marathon. Sometimes, you want incredible views without a long, sweaty hike. That is exactly what you get at Mirror Lake Waterfall. This is one of the most accessible and beautiful falls in the state.
A lovely boardwalk takes you right to the perfect viewpoint. This means people of all ages and abilities can enjoy it. The waterfall cascades gently into a crystal-clear lake that is stocked with trout. It is unbelievably peaceful.
You can just stand on the boardwalk and take it all in, or you can find a spot to sit and relax for a while. It’s proof that you don’t have to go far to find something special.
Cedar Falls: The Classic Powerhouse
Location: Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
If there is a superstar on the list of waterfalls in Arkansas, it’s Cedar Falls. This 95-foot cascade is iconic for a reason. It flows continuously, which means it rarely dries up, and the water pours out with serious power.
The trail to get there is a 2-mile round-trip. It is a beautiful hike, but it is not easy. The path descends steeply into a beautiful, rocky canyon. Going down is fun, but you must save energy for the hike back up.
It is a moderate-to-strenuous trek. The moment you see the water thundering into the large pool below, you will forget all about the climb. It is a must-see destination.
Cossatot Falls: The Whitewater Thrill
Location: Umpire, Arkansas (Cossatot River State Park)
Difficulty: Easy to View, Difficult to Navigate
This one is different. Cossatot Falls is not a single waterfall you swim under. Instead, it is a legendary half-mile stretch of waterfalls and intense whitewater rapids. This area is known as the “Kayak Capital of Arkansas” for a very good reason.
You can easily hike along the riverbank and watch the action. The sound of the rushing water is incredible. But the real appeal here is for experienced kayakers and canoeists. This is a serious, technical river that demands skill and respect.
For the rest of us, it is an amazing place to watch brave paddlers take on the churning water. It shows the raw, untamed power that waterfalls in Arkansas can create.
Twin Falls: The Remote Surprise
Location: Near the Buffalo National River
Difficulty: Moderate
For those who love a little mystery, Twin Falls is your spot. This remote area features two distinct waterfalls separated by a massive rock bluff. And with enough rainfall, a magical third fall appears right in the middle, making it a “Triple Falls.”
The hike to get there is moderately difficult. It involves multiple creek crossings, so your feet will likely get wet. Plus, the access road is very steep and rough. An all-wheel drive vehicle is highly recommended.
The journey feels like a real expedition, and the reward is a secluded, beautiful spot that many people never get to see.
Haw Creek Falls: The Perfect Swim Hole
Location: Hagarville, Arkansas
Difficulty: Easy
Imagine camping under the stars and being just a short walk from a waterfall and a perfect swimming hole. That is the reality at Haw Creek Falls. Located inside a national forest campground, this spot is all about easy fun.
The wide, cascading falls flow into a large, inviting pool. On a hot Arkansas day, there is nothing better than taking a refreshing dip here.
You can spend the day swimming and relaxing, and because it is right by the campground, you can easily have a picnic or make a whole weekend out of it. It is the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
Do Go Chasing Waterfalls– In Arkansas!
From the epic trek to Hemmed-In-Hollow to the easy relaxation at Haw Creek Falls, each of these spots offers its own unique magic. They are places to make memories with friends or to find a moment of peace on your own.
The trails are calling, and the water is flowing. It is time to go out and discover the refreshing, unspoiled beauty of the best waterfalls in Arkansas.