For those searching for waterfalls near me in Arkansas, there’s no question that the Ozark National Forest contains pretty much all of the most beautiful waterfalls in the entire state. That said, today’s recreation area is one of the most underrated spots for waterfall chasers in the Natural State. Grays Spring Recreation Area is a lovely, seemingly middle-of-nowhere picnic spot that can lead you to multiple gorgeous falls. Let’s explore the area and highlight a couple of these waterfalls in Arkansas!
If you prefer quiet seclusion over the more popular parks, the Grays Spring Recreation Area might just be your new favorite getaway.
Google/Maya Alanis Even for rec areas, it’s one of the more underrated adventure spots. You may have missed this one because of its more well-known neighbors: White Rock Mountain and the Redding Rec Area. This peaceful place will lead you to serene scenes deep in the Ozarks.
The rec area features plenty of handy work by the Citizens Conservation Corps as well as a natural spring (naturally). Beyond the picnic tables, the spring flows into the stunning Spirit Creek. The path you’ll be following is one of the spurs of the Ozark Highlands Trail. Spirit Creek Falls is one of the first waterfalls you’ll come across.
Rick;s Hiking Blog Spirit Creek Falls is a short but splendid cascade along the creek. It’s only about 8 feet tall but opens into a wider pool. This waterfall typically stays flowing all year and can rage after rain.
After you cross the creek and continue upstream, you can venture to Robinson Falls.
Rick’s Hiking Blog Both of the falls are a short trek away from the first cascade on Spirit Creek, along a small drainage. Lower Robinson Falls will be first along this way. Although there’s no designated trail, the path here is straightforward and considered an easy bushwhack.
Keep following this stream to see one more waterfall, the Upper Robinson Falls.
Rick’s Hiking Blog You’ll be able to see Upper Robinson Falls from the top of the previous waterfall. We’re particularly fond of these three falls because of how different they each are. If you don’t mind getting a bit damp, you can even walk behind the Upper Robinson Falls! The trek to these three falls is under three miles but do be sure to research the trail further before heading out.
If you’ve absolutely fallen in love with the area (which you undoubtedly will), you can spend the night nearby.
Google/Jonah Grays Spring Rec Area is great for a picnic-packed day trip but for a weekend stay we recommend taking the short drive to Redding Rec Area. This nearby rec area has ample camping and can launch you into a hiking or floating adventure. For directions between the two areas, use this map.
This entire section is filled with stunning waterfalls and beautiful trails. Hopefully, a stay at Grays Spring will inspire even more trips to this gorgeous area.
Have you explored this area of the Natural State before? What are your favorite waterfalls near here? Share your trip with us in the comments!
Google/Maya Alanis
Even for rec areas, it’s one of the more underrated adventure spots. You may have missed this one because of its more well-known neighbors: White Rock Mountain and the Redding Rec Area. This peaceful place will lead you to serene scenes deep in the Ozarks.
Rick;s Hiking Blog
Spirit Creek Falls is a short but splendid cascade along the creek. It’s only about 8 feet tall but opens into a wider pool. This waterfall typically stays flowing all year and can rage after rain.
Rick’s Hiking Blog
Both of the falls are a short trek away from the first cascade on Spirit Creek, along a small drainage. Lower Robinson Falls will be first along this way. Although there’s no designated trail, the path here is straightforward and considered an easy bushwhack.
Rick’s Hiking Blog
You’ll be able to see Upper Robinson Falls from the top of the previous waterfall. We’re particularly fond of these three falls because of how different they each are. If you don’t mind getting a bit damp, you can even walk behind the Upper Robinson Falls! The trek to these three falls is under three miles but do be sure to research the trail further before heading out.
Google/Jonah
Grays Spring Rec Area is great for a picnic-packed day trip but for a weekend stay we recommend taking the short drive to Redding Rec Area. This nearby rec area has ample camping and can launch you into a hiking or floating adventure. For directions between the two areas, use this map.
This entire section is filled with stunning waterfalls and beautiful trails. Hopefully, a stay at Grays Spring will inspire even more trips to this gorgeous area.
Some of these captures came from the members of our Facebook group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why there’s nothing better than the Natural State’s stunning nature.
Are you still wondering about waterfalls near me? We put together this list of the 20 best waterfalls in Arkansas for this very purpose: to satisfy the insatiable waterfall wanderlust of our Only In Arkansas readers!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Ozark, AR 72949, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfalls near me July 06, 2022 Sarah M. What are some waterfall swimming holes near me in Arkansas? Let’s face it: spring, summer, fall, and even winter, can often be quite oppressively hot and sticky here in the Natural State! Our solution? An epic waterfall chasing adventure that ends in one of these wondrous waterfall swimming holes in Arkansas. Among those on the list, Big Creek Cave Falls is a favorite. It’s tucked away in the Ozark National Forest (of course!), along Big Creek. Quite the sight, the 29-foot waterfall flows right out of a cave! One might assume that the towering cascade is a popular destination; however, that’s not exactly the case, and that’s because the hike to Big Creek Cave Falls isn’t an easy one – but it’s worth the effort. Another beautiful waterfall swimming hole in Arkansas that’s also located in the area is Kings River Falls. This cascade, an under-the-radar gem in Arkansas, feeds the turquoise pool found near the northern edge of the Ozark National Forest. Most waterfalls rely on recent rains but the Kings River Falls typically stay wet year-round, making this an amazing destination anytime the Natural State’s heat and humidity become too much.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfalls near me
July 06, 2022
Sarah M.
What are some waterfall swimming holes near me in Arkansas? Let’s face it: spring, summer, fall, and even winter, can often be quite oppressively hot and sticky here in the Natural State! Our solution? An epic waterfall chasing adventure that ends in one of these wondrous waterfall swimming holes in Arkansas. Among those on the list, Big Creek Cave Falls is a favorite. It’s tucked away in the Ozark National Forest (of course!), along Big Creek. Quite the sight, the 29-foot waterfall flows right out of a cave! One might assume that the towering cascade is a popular destination; however, that’s not exactly the case, and that’s because the hike to Big Creek Cave Falls isn’t an easy one – but it’s worth the effort. Another beautiful waterfall swimming hole in Arkansas that’s also located in the area is Kings River Falls. This cascade, an under-the-radar gem in Arkansas, feeds the turquoise pool found near the northern edge of the Ozark National Forest. Most waterfalls rely on recent rains but the Kings River Falls typically stay wet year-round, making this an amazing destination anytime the Natural State’s heat and humidity become too much.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Let’s face it: spring, summer, fall, and even winter, can often be quite oppressively hot and sticky here in the Natural State! Our solution? An epic waterfall chasing adventure that ends in one of these wondrous waterfall swimming holes in Arkansas. Among those on the list, Big Creek Cave Falls is a favorite. It’s tucked away in the Ozark National Forest (of course!), along Big Creek. Quite the sight, the 29-foot waterfall flows right out of a cave! One might assume that the towering cascade is a popular destination; however, that’s not exactly the case, and that’s because the hike to Big Creek Cave Falls isn’t an easy one – but it’s worth the effort.
Another beautiful waterfall swimming hole in Arkansas that’s also located in the area is Kings River Falls. This cascade, an under-the-radar gem in Arkansas, feeds the turquoise pool found near the northern edge of the Ozark National Forest. Most waterfalls rely on recent rains but the Kings River Falls typically stay wet year-round, making this an amazing destination anytime the Natural State’s heat and humidity become too much.
