Exploring Northwest Arkansas

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

 

 

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

Haw Creek Falls

People determine beauty and what is "interesting" differently. When it comes to waterfalls, I personally favor cascades and rolling waterfalls more than pour-off types of falls. Others like tall pour-offs better. 

Either way, there are plenty of each to see in Northwest Arkansas. 

But my preference for cascading waterfalls is one reason why I loved visiting Haw Creek Falls. The falls is short (only about 8 feet tall), but has a lot of interesting cascades and a picturesque setting that makes this a place I can't wait to come back to.

It's easy to get to as well.

To get there, go South of Jasper on Highway 7 for 27 miles, and turn West onto South Highway 123. Travel 12 miles on Hwy 123 and you'll see the sign for Haw Creek Campground. Turn left into the campground. If you drive counter-clockwise around the campground, you'll loop almost around the entire campground and the falls will be on your right as you get back to the area with the two restrooms. Park, and the falls is about 100 yards off the road. 

This is a neat little area (and campground) and was a perfect spot for a picnic lunch before we went out to explore other sites in the area. The clear water just above, and below the falls also make for nice swimming holes when the weather is warm or just more great scenery. So plan to spend a little time here, and enjoy.

If you're in the area, also check out the short hikes to these to Waterfalls:

Pam's Grotto

Pack Rat Falls