Locals know that Spring rains mean amazing waterfalls. Some waterfalls are accessed by hiking and other by floating but all of them are accompanied by an adventure. To get you pointed in the right direction, here are a few located in the area around Eureka Springs. Grab your camera or phone and head out to discover the wonderful world of waterfalls.
Black Bass Spillway- accessible by foot
Accessed from Hwy 62 on Oil Springs Road in Eureka Springs, Black Bass Lake is home to an earthen and cut stone dam that dates to 1894 and is one of the oldest still standing in the Ozarks. Located just below town in the headwaters of the West Leatherwood Creek valley, visitors descend Oil Springs Road passing historic Oil and Johnson Springs. Spring rain makes the spillway a sparkling cascade but photos must be taken from the parking area because the spillway and dam are NO Access areas. General parking is available by the kiosk and across the bridge.
Stay overnight at Loblolly Pines Adventure Camp in Eureka Springs and discover even more adventure including an on property hike and waterfall.
The Buffalo River Region offers may Waterfall Excursions
Sweden Falls
From All Trails .. Sweden Creek Falls is a 2.4 kilometer lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Kingston, Arkansas that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips and is accessible year-round.
Glory Hole
From all trails.. Glory Hole Waterfall Trail is a 1.8 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Deer, Arkansas that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Hemmed in Hollow-accessible by foot or canoe
Hemmed in Hollow is the tallest waterfall between the Appalachians and Rockies and is located on the Buffalo River about an hour from Eureka Springs. Water falls from 220 feet and seldom quit flowing. The easiest way to access the falls is by canoe from the Buffalo River floating from Ponca to Kyles landing. About 70% of the way through this float is a nondescript landing on the left. Leave your canoe here and hike up stream. The trail is usually very clear and easy to follow. About 3/4 of a mile one way.
To hike to the falls, start at the trailhead located near Compton, AR and follow downhill to a streambed then turn left and hike up the stream bed to the falls. Getting back out will take much longer than getting there as the hike will be uphill.
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Camp Orr-accessible by foot
Located just off of Hwy 74 near Mt. Sherman, between the Ponca intersection and Jasper. The turn off is to the north and is marked as “Kyle’s Landing” and BSA Camp Orr. This a a dirt road which which is three long, downhill miles. The BSA Camp Orr road is a hairpin corner off the Kyle’s Landing road, to the right. The falls are located down an easy, flat trail.
Hidden Cascades – accessible by canoe
Also on the Buffalo River found just down the river on the left side from the Hemmed in Hollow Falls, a piece of red material tied up to a tree that marks a trail leading to a small waterfall cascading from the rocks into the river. This path reveals many waterfalls tucked into the hillside.
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