If you’re anything like me, the perfect Arkansas day involves lacing up your boots, tossing some snacks in your backpack, and heading out to find a waterfall. There’s something magical about a hidden falls in the dense Arkansas woods. Whether you’re hauling kids along or trekking solo with your dog, there is no shortage of Arkansas hiking trails with waterfalls for you to explore this summer. I’ve put together this list of some of my favorites, with varied difficulty—a little something for every kind of hiker. These hikes vary from family-friendly walks to all-day slogs that’ll test your legs and your camera battery. Let’s dive in.
The Top Seven Arkansas Hiking Trails With Waterfalls
1. Cedar Falls Trail – Petit Jean State Park
When it comes to Arkansas hiking trails with waterfalls, they don’t get more popular than Cedar Falls. It’s the state classic—and for good reason.
- Length: 2 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate (rocky steps, steep on the return)
- Trailhead: Cedar Falls Trailhead at Mather Lodge, Petit Jean State Park
- Special Features: 95-foot waterfall, stone bluffs, shaded trail, CCC-era bridge
- Best Time to Go: Spring (March–May) or after a few rainy days in fall
You’ll descend into Cedar Creek Canyon through a lush, shady forest. The trail is full of boulders and old stonework that gives it an ancient feel. The reward? A massive 95-foot waterfall thundering into a clear pool that you can jump right in. I always pack a picnic and sit on the flat rocks across from the falls—it’s loud, peaceful, and a great place to let kids toss pebbles in the water.
2. Glory Hole Falls – Ozark National Forest
The Glory Hole has a weird name, and it’s a weirdly magical watering hole. The water literally pours, or sometimes trickles, through a hole in a large rock overhang, so you can stand underneath it for a much-needed cool off!
- Length: 1.9 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate (easy going down, uphill on the way back)
- Trailhead: Forest Road 6 (off Highway 16 near Deer, AR)
- Special Features: Waterfall through a rock hole, mossy boulders, forested path
- Best Time to Go: Late winter to early spring, or right after a heavy rain
The hike to Glory Hole isn’t hard, but it’s easy to miss the trailhead, so keep your GPS handy. It can also be very slippery on the way down! You’ll hike through the woods, crossing small streams, and eventually end up under a bluff. That’s when you’ll see the waterfall—a stream pouring straight down through a perfectly round hole in the ceiling of a cave-like rock shelter. The area has numerous natural bridges and giant boulders to explore, too!
3. Hemmed-In Hollow – Buffalo National River Area
This is by far the toughest of the Arkansas hiking trails with waterfalls. It’s the tallest waterfall between the Rockies and the Appalachians—and yes, it’s as intense as it sounds.
- Length: 5.7 miles round trip (from Compton Trailhead)
- Difficulty: Hard (steep descent, grueling climb back)
- Trailhead: Compton Trailhead near Ponca, AR
- Special Features: 209-foot seasonal waterfall, canyon views, rock formations
- Best Time to Go: March through May, especially after heavy rains
I’ll be real with you: this hike is tough. You drop over 1,400 feet into a hollow, which means what goes down… must crawl back up. But the payoff is worth it. When the falls are flowing, you can hear them echoing before you see them—a skinny ribbon of water tumbling down a towering bluff. Bring plenty of water, and take breaks on the way up.
Hot Tip: If you’re kayaking on the Buffalo, you can access this waterfall by a short hike from a popular pull-out just past Jim’s Bluff.
4. Falls Branch Trail – Lake Catherine State Park
This one’s great for younger kids, older family members, or just a peaceful afternoon near Hot Springs.
- Length: 1.7 miles round trip (loop)
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Trailhead: Near the Lake Catherine State Park Visitor Center
- Special Features: 10-foot waterfall, creek crossings, wildflowers in spring
- Best Time to Go: Spring (March–April) or after summer rains
You’ll hike through hardwood forest, crossing little wooden bridges and listening to the creek beside you. The waterfall isn’t huge, but it’s tucked into a pretty little rock grotto that feels secluded. This is also one of the easiest trails to tack onto a camping trip or day at the lake.
5. Kings Bluff and Pedestal Rocks – Ozark National Forest
This hike gives you two scenic features: a bluff-top waterfall and huge stone pillars.
- Length: 2 miles (Kings Bluff) or 2.2 miles (Pedestal Rocks), or do both as a 4.2-mile loop
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trailhead: Pedestal Rocks Scenic Area, Highway 16 near Pelsor
- Special Features: Waterfall off a cliff, pedestal rock formations, views over the forest
- Best Time to Go: Winter through early spring for waterfalls; fall for foliage
Start with the Kings Bluff Trail—especially if it’s recently rained. The waterfall pours straight off the edge of a high bluff and down into the forest below. Then head over to the Pedestal Rocks loop to see tall stone columns formed by erosion. My family loves exploring the little rock shelters and caves beneath them.
6. Twin Falls (aka Triple Falls) – Buffalo National River Area
Don’t let the name confuse you—when the water’s flowing strong, you might see three falls.
- Length: 0.5 mile round trip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trailhead: Camp Orr Road- Parking is at the boys’ camp at Kyle’s Landing.
- Special Features: Triple waterfall in a box canyon, moss-covered rocks, creekside trail
- Best Time to Go: Spring or after heavy rain in fall
This is my go-to when I want a quick reward. It’s an easy walk, and the falls are just a short distance from the parking area. After a rain, the two main streams become three distinct waterfalls pouring into a mossy pool. It’s also super photogenic—bring your camera. The road can be a bit of a beast; a high-clearance vehicle is a necessity!
7. Pam’s Grotto – Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area
A quiet gem you won’t find in many guidebooks, Pam’s Grotto is one of the most underrated Arkansas hiking trails with waterfalls, but it’s perfect if you like a bit of solitude.
- Length: 0.8 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate (some scrambling on rocks and steep sections)
- Trailhead: Across from Haw Creek Falls Campground, Highway 123
- Special Features: Secluded waterfall in a grotto, rock shelter
- Best Time to Go: Spring or after a solid rain
You won’t find big crowds here, and that’s part of the charm. The trail climbs up past some bluffs, then drops into a shady grotto with a lovely waterfall that tumbles down the rock wall, surrounded by gigantic boulders. It’s a peaceful, green spot, and there are several smaller waterfalls to explore in the area!
Arkansas Hiking Trails With Waterfalls- Final Words
No matter your fitness level or where you are, excellent Arkansas hiking trails with waterfalls are just around the corner. Just remember:
- Wear sturdy shoes—most of these trails have roots, rocks, and muddy spots.
- Bring water and snacks, especially for longer hikes like Hemmed-In Hollow.
- Check the weather. Most waterfalls are seasonal and depend on recent rain.
- Leave no trace. Pack it in, pack it out—let’s keep these places beautiful.
- Respect the trails. Stay on marked paths and be cautious near bluffs.
I hope this list helps you fall in love with Arkansas trails the same way I have. For more epic days in the woods of the Natural State, check out my ultimate list of the best hikes in Arkansas!