Wolf Creek Falls (via Big Creek Cave Falls Hike)

Last year, we hiked down to Big Creek Cave Falls  in what was one of our favorite hikes/bushwhacks we've ever done. The hike includes a stream that comes right out of a cave, a 29 foot tall waterfall that comes out of a cave, and another waterfall along Big Creek, which is also beautiful. 

Earlier this spring, we went back to the area because, well, it's just that good. And because I'd found out that there was yet another waterfall on this hike -- Wolf Creek Falls and wanted to check it out.

To add Wolf Creek Falls to the hike, follow the directions from the original hike here.

Once you get to Big Creek Cave Falls, continue following the creek upstream for another 1/4 of a mile. It may be a bit of rough bushwhacking, and you may also hit on old road bed. If you find the road bed, follow it upstream (to your right) to where it crosses the water. If you don't find the road, keep heading upstream until you hear the roar of the falls. 

Either way, you're going to have to cross Cove Branch (which feeds into Big Creek) here and it will most likely be a wet crossing and the rocks will be slick -- so be careful.

Once you get to the other side, there will be a large flow of water coming down the hillside among some rocks. 

Make your way up the hillside for some impressive roaring water. You'll see Wolf Creek Falls about 100 yards up the hillside.

Wolf Creek Falls (which actually flows into Cove Branch and not Wolf Creek, but don't blame the messenger) is an approximately 18 foot tall waterfall that comes roaring out of a large cave entrance. It is a fantastic falls and was really roaring on the day we were there. There is a small gate here that is locked -- but there is no fence, so it is easy to navigate around.

 The cave is off-limits tohumans. There is a white sign at the cave entrance that says the cave is off limits, and PLEASE obey the sign. Caves in Arkansas usually contain bats... and several popular species here get a disease (actually a fungus) called white nose syndrome.  The disease was only discovered in 2006, and has already led to the death of nearly 6 million bats.  There is some concern that humans spread the disease so please entering all Arkansas caves. 

As you follow the cascade back down from the falls, you'll note that the stream actually flows underground prior to joining Cove Branch in a  really interesting and scenic little area. 

This whole area is among my favorites in the Ozarks and I get the sense that there is a lot more exploring to do in the area.

Distance: .5 round trip from Big Creek Cave Falls, 3.4 total

Difficulty: Difficult

Kids: No

Footwear: Hiking boots

Trail Book: Tim Ernst's Arkansas Waterfalls book -- the newest edition -- has this falls briefly mentioned and located on the map. 

Star Rating: 5 of 5

Comments

[Patrick Caple]

That is an interesting area...heve seen lots of trips documented on it...guess I should check it out sometime...thanks for your account...very nice.

[Brent]

Thank you Patrick. It really is a great place with two great waterfalls coming out of caves, another cave spring, another smaller falls. It's worth adding to your list.