Exploring Northwest Arkansas

Bald Eagle -- Big Piney Wildlife Management Area

If you keep your eyes open, you never quite know what wildlife you may find. I was fortunate to see this Bald Eagle on a rainy day in November in the Big Piney Wildlife Management Area. For all of the times I've gone out looking to photograph Bald Eagles, this is the best picture opportunity I've ever gotten -- and it happened quite unexpectedly. 

Roadside waterfalls in the Big Piney Wildlife Management Area

A few weeks ago, we were at the cabin in Arkansas during a long-weekend of pretty much solid rain. While it wasn't great weather for getting out for a hike, we knew the consistent wet weather was enough to get the creeks and waterfalls flowing -- which was all of the motivation we needed.

We first stopped off at Highway 123 Falls.  As expected, water was flowing in pretty much every creek and drainage and we knew there was more to see. While guidebooks can take you to many of the top waterfalls in the state, during wet weather, there are many creeks and drainages that provide spectacular scenery that you won't find on a map, or in a book. So sometimes, just exploring around a little and getting a little "lost" is a fantastic way to enjoy the day.

During our drive, we found many great wet-weather waterfalls.  

From Highway 123 Falls, we set out North on Highway 123 and then turned left onto Johnson County Road 5741. About a mile down this road we spotted a spectacular twin fall that Michelle just adores.

We followed this creek up stream a short distance. It was really a beautiful area. The fact that this was in a pine forest (the pine needles kill much of the undergrowth) made the bushwhack completely. There was another area where two small creeks merged to form the larger creek (that made up the twin falls) and with the sound of the water flowing it was ever-so peaceful.

After exploring here for awhile, we headed back out to Highway 123 and continued NORTH toward Haw Creek Campground.

Before we got to the campground, we came across two other areas that you could see from the road that were worth checking out.

All of these areas were just a short distance from the highway and all extremely scenic. So even in rainy weather, be sure to take the opportunity to check explore a bit and keep your eyes peeled -- there is beauty everywhere.

 

Highway 123 Falls

We were fortunate to spend Thanksgiving weekend at the cabin.  It was an amazingly rainy weekend and we got to spend a lot of time with rest and relaxation. 

However, by Sunday I was starting to get cabin fever and with all the rain, I knew the water would be flowing. We didn't want to venture too far out in the wilderness as the rain had gone from light to very heavy and as much as I love the outdoors, in a cold, wet rain can be a tough way to go about enjoying them.

After a couple of failed attempts to see other waterfalls (due to many water crossings being flooded), we headed down to check out Highway 123 Falls. 

Getting There To get to Highway 123 Falls, take Highway 123 SOUTH of the entrance to Haw Creek Campground. Six miles south of the campground is a large gravel pull off on the right side of the road. Park here. 

There is a creek that flows under the highway on the opposite side of the highway.  Follow that creek about 100 yards from the road and you will arrive at Highway 123 Falls.  During leaf-off, you may be able to see the falls from the road, but doing the bushwhack (there is no trail here) will get you a much better look.  There isn't a steep incline to get to the falls, but footing was a little tricky at times.

Highway 123 Falls is a 47 foot tall falls in a nice little hollow that was definitely worth the trip.

Overview 

Distance: 200 yards, round trip

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate 

Footwear: Trail shoes are fine

Kids: Yes

Trail Guide: Tim Ernst's Arkansas Waterfalls

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Nearby: Haw Creek Falls, Pam's Grotto