It was a particularly rainy weekend throughout most of Arkansas, and on Saturday I was getting a little bit of cabin fever and decided to try to get out for a bit. My typical hiking partner decided to sit this one out (something about cold and rainy), so I decided to go check out Hammerschmidt Falls. Hammerschmidt Falls is only a short distance from our cabin -- but we have never hiked to it. It sits at a pretty high elevation, so I've always assumed it would take a lot of water to get going; but after 2 days of steady rain I thought the timing would be perfect.
I was right.
Getting There
The parking area for Hammerschmidt Falls is along Highway 74 between Jasper and Low Gap. From Low Gap, go 2.4 miles toward Jasper and pull off on the road that goes to Horseshoe Canyon Ranch. Horseshoe Canyon is a very popular rock climbing destination and also boasts a 1/2 mile long zip line. There is a big sign at the road so it's tough to miss. There is a small parking area right there as you turn onto the road that goes to Horseshoe Canyon. Park here.
The trail follows a small, old road on the opposite side of the highway from the parking area.
The Hike
The hike starts off on the old road heading North. The road follows alongside a privately owned pond for a bit and then veers right and slightly down the hill. After about 1/4 of a mile the road will be chained off with a "Wilderness Boundary" sign -- the creek will cross the road here.
This is the creek that forms Hammerschmidt Falls. At the creek, turn LEFT and head down the creek about 200 yards and you will get to the top of the falls. The trail here isn't an official trail, but it is fairly well worn.
Hammerschmidt Falls is a 43 foot tall waterfall that pours into a very nice hollow.
There is a super nice cascade area above the falls that is worth taking the time to check out.
To get to the lower part of the falls, follow the "trail" about another 80 yards or so along the top of the ridge and there will be a steep but accessible way to get to the bottom of the falls.
Hammerschmidt Falls is on the upper-most section of the Indian Creek Drainage. While there will be a lot of temptation to follow the creek downstream (the "trail" continues well past the falls), going down the entire drainage is NOT recommended unless you are an experience canyoneer and have good equipment with you. For the vast majority of people, I recommend seeing Hammerschmidt Falls, and then checking out the rest of the Indian Creek area coming in from the bottom near Kyle's Landing.
Hammerschmidt Falls is named after John Paul Hammerschmidt -- a long-time Arkansas Congressman who helped get the legislation through that made the Buffalo River the nation's first national river.
When you are done exploring, you can head back the way you came.
Hike Details
Distance: Roughly 1 mile round trip from the parking area at the top of Horseshoe Canyon
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Children: Older kids should be fine
Footwear: Hiking boots
Trail Book: Tim Ernst's Arkansas Waterfalls
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
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