Exploring Northwest Arkansas

Big Piney Bridge

The Big Piney Creek Bridge on highway 123 is an interesting spot along the highway that is crossed over when going to Haw Creek Campground from Pelsor. 

The bridge was built in 1931 and is a narrow, one-way bridge over Big Piney Creek. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.

Haw Creek

Haw Creek is a great little creek with a lot of interesting water features and cascades -- as well as its own short waterfall.

Just down from the campsite that serves as the parking area for the hike to Pam's Grotto is another great little area of the creek that can serve as a nice little area to explore on its own, or as a place to cool off after the hike to Pam's Grotto.

Pam's Grotto - Haw Creek Area

Pam's Grotto is a fantastic waterfall that is easily accessible with a short, hike.

To get to the trail head, turn RIGHT onto Highway 123 out of Haw Creek campground and go .5 miles. At .5 miles, turn right, onto a small turnoff that heads down next to Haw Creek. There is a small campsite and parking area here.

To get to the trail, cross Highway 123 and you'll see the trail on the other side of the highway. This isn't an "official" trail, so there is no real trail marker, but it is well-maintained. There may also be a pink ribbon tied to a tree to draw attention to the trail.

Once you find the trail, head down from the road and start hiking. The trail will immediately turn to your right and begin going UP a pretty steep hill. This part of the trail is very well maintained as it is used regularly by rock climbers who use the area. 

At .25, the trail will get up to the rock climbing bluffs and split. Turn LEFT here. The other trails will lead to different rock climbing areas, but the one to the left will take you to the falls. The trail will follow along the bluff line for awhile and the bluff line provides some interesting views for the duration of the hike. 

Then, after another .25, the trail begins to decend sharply. At this point, the rail scrambles through a lot of old rocks that have fallen from the bluff over the years -- just find the easiest way down. At the bottom, you'll be in a very scenic and interesting little grotto that has the a 37' tall waterfall flowing into it.

This really is a neat little waterfall that tumbles into a small pool and is very protected with an overhanging bluff line, large bluffs on two sides, and some other large boulders that hide it from view.

Plan to spend some time here and enjoy the peaceful setting. When you're done, go back UP to the trail, follow the bluffs back, and then back down to your parking area.

Key Info:

Distance: 1 mile round trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Footwear: Trail Shoes or Hiking Boots

Kids: Older kids will be fine, probably not suitable for youngsters

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

This is a wet-weather waterfall, so visit it in the winter or spring and not at the end of summer or early fall. 

Pack Rat Falls (Near Haw Creek Campground)

If your in the area of the Haw Creek Campground (and visiting Haw Creek Falls), if you have a little time and are up for some hiking, there are several other sites in the area that are well worth the visit.

One of those places is Pack Rat Falls.

There is no formal trail to the falls, but there is a volunteer trail of sorts, and because it follows a creek bed, it's pretty easy to follow. The trail to Pack Rat Falls leaves at the back of Haw Creek Campground -- and the trail heads out just behind campsite number 6. You'll go out a few hundred feet, and hit the creek bed. At this point, turn right and follow the creekbed back to the falls. If you find yourself on a trail with white blazes, you've ended up on the Ozark Highlands Trail which heads out behind campsite number 7. 

The hike is short, only about .5 miles round trip, but it is pretty challenging with a fair amount of boulder hoping and slick, mossy rocks. But the scenery is first rate with a lot of tumbling water features, moss covered rocks, and bluffs. 

After a challenging .25 miles, you will see the waterfall -- which is about 24 feet tall coming over the ledge in two streams. It's tucked into an neat little hollow with more great scenery. 

After you spend a little time here, you can head back to the campground by following the trail/creek back down stream.

Getting there:

Haw Creek Campground is on Highway 123 about 12 miles West of the community of Pelsor (which is 27 miles south of Jasper on Highway 7).  The campground is well marked. Campsite number 6 is at the back of the campground.

Key Info

Distance: .5 miles round trip

Difficulty: Moderate (short, but challenging)

Footwear: Trail shoes or hiking boots

Kids: Older kids will be fine

Rating: 3.5 out of 5