Triple Falls at Camp Orr just may be our favorite place in the Buffalo River Area (so far). Even better, the falls is fed by two water sources (thus it's less-commonly used name, "Twin Falls" for the "twin" water sources) -- the primary of which happens to be a fresh-water spring. This allows for water to flow year-round at this spectacular spot although the 3rd falls may not be visible during the dry season.
There are several ways to get to Triple Falls -- there is a simple, short and flat route up from Camp Orr -- a Boy Scout camp along the Buffalo River (word is that the final bit of this road to the camp is VERY rough so if you don't have a 4WD this may not be the route for you. There is also a pull-out parking spot that allows for quick access off of the main road to Camp Orr (this is the route described in Tim Ernst's Waterfall book).
Michelle and I wanted to see the falls but also wanted to include a little hike, so we started out along the Buffalo River Trail at Kyle's Landing and headed out toward the falls.
To find the trailhead, go all the way down to Kyle's Landing, and turn left at the campground. Drive back to the very back of the campground and the trailhead is right there. You start out on the Old River Trail, but quickly turn left and head toward Erbie on the Buffalo River Trail.
From this spot, the BRT heads upstream up Bear Creek -- which is usually dry (when it's not, there is a small waterfall with a small watering hole (pictured above) that will be along the trail to the left) and then heads UP the hill. There is about a 500 foot elevation change on this stretch of the trail but it passes through some pretty awesome rock formations (a pic of me hiking through a stretch of the trail is just below) that are well worth taking some time to explore and taking a few photos.
Eventually, at about 1 mile into the hike, you'll cross the very same road that you drove down on to Kyle's landing (if you're pressed for time, or want to avoid the first 500 foot climb, then there is a parking space just up the road from here where you can park and start the trail from here. You will miss the small little waterfall and the bluff formations though).
Continue on the trail just across the road. You'll go through some wooded terrain where there are some good views during the late fall and winter when the leaves are off the trees. We did this hike in the spring, so we only caught a few glimpses of the views of the river from above.
At some point, the trail turns pretty rocky and heads back down the hill (this is another about 500 foot elevation change -- so you'll have to climb back up out of here when you're done). You eventually cross over the stream that feeds Triple Falls (don't panic if it's dry,the majority of its water comes from the Spring that is down river from here). The trail then turns left and follows along the creek for a stretch. During high-water season in the winter and Spring there is a beautiful little spot down here that you'll be able to see from the trail -- and it's well worth heading down to check out (pictured above). The trail eventually veers right off away from the stream and hits the powerlines. At this point, follow the trails through the powerline area and they eventually lead you to the top of the falls.
When you get to the top of the falls, you'll at first see the Spring (pictured above). Check this area out and don't get too close to the edge! To get to the bottom of the falls, go out to the right and find one of a couple of trails that head downward. There really isn't a good way here, as all trails are steep and require some scrambling (but if you're on the trails they aren't particularly dangerous, just steep).
When you get to the bottom, enjoy the beautiful, 48 foot tall waterfall. I really love this place.
As usual, I recommend you take some time out, have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and enjoy some time there before heading back (as Michelle is doing pictured below). When you're finished, head back the way you came.
Distance: While the falls can be accessed only a short ways from the road, this hike is 4.4 miles round trip. You can save about 2 miles if you park in the little parking area along the road to Kyle's Landing and start from there.
Difficulty: Moderate/ Difficult
Footwear: I wore my trail runners, but I think Michelle was happy to have her hiking boots on.
Time of year: Water will flow on two waterfalls year around, but if you can catch the third falls during high water season (winter/spring) it really is spectacular.
Trail guide: The falls is in Tim Ernst's Arkansas Waterfalls book. However, the hike can be done by following the Buffalo River Trail: Kyles Landing to Erbie in Tim Ernst's Buffalo River Hiking book. The waterfall he mentions along the trail is Triple/Twin falls even though he never calls it by name.
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Beautiful falls. I have a Tim Ernst Print of it over the couch in my living room. I worked at Camp Orr for several summers during the 1980's and early 1990's and we always referred to it as Twin Falls. Even though I knew there were three falls when the springs were really flowing I still never heard of anyone refer to it as Triple Falls until about 2003.
My dad attended Camp Orr for Boy Scout summer camp in one of the first 5 years it was in operation. he discovered these falls then and Twin Falls has been his favorite place on earth since then.
Thanks for posting the pictures.
Posted by: Ted D | 06/27/2011 at 11:00 AM
Ted, thanks for the comment. I can't imagine a more perfect setting for a Boy Scout Camp than Camp Orr. I wasn't sure what to even call the falls as I know it is most commonly referred to as Twin Falls, but as Tim Ernst and others have been calling it Triple Falls of late (and it's a more fitting name) I included both. Plus, it Triple Falls catches on, it will avoid confusion with the Twin Falls in the Richland Wilderness area.
It's one of my favorite places -- regardless of what you want to call it.
Posted by: Brent | 06/27/2011 at 11:04 AM