Exploring Northwest Arkansas

Smith Creek Preserve Hiking Trails - Lower Trail Loop

Smith Creek Nature Preserve is a beautiful hiking area managed by the Nature Conservancy. The preserve sits atop Sherfield Cave -- which houses the largest colony of endangered Indiana Bats in the state. But above ground, there is beautiful scenery.

Smith Creek

This is an area that we've hiked many times and just keep coming back to due to the peaceful charm and beauty. I've previously covered the Main Trail through the preserve (that post also includes a longer overview of the area) and the hike to Elise Falls, but today I want to talk about a loop hike that has become my preferred route exploring the area. 

Getting there

The parking area for the Smith Creek Nature Preserve is on Highway 21 south of the community of Boxley -- it's 3 miles south of the Boxley Baptist Church and 1.2 miles south of the Boxley Trailhead to the Buffalo River Trail. Parking is on the east side of the road and there is a large sign indicating the spot. The trail starts off beyond the gate at the back of the parking area. There is trail signage here with a map of the area and usually paper maps as well. 

The Hike

Start off by hiking the main trail beyond the gate. The trail follows an old road and heads somewhat steeply down the hill. 

At .2, the trail splits. The Main Trail curves off to the right, but for this loop hike, we will take the trail that breaks off to the LEFT toward Elise Falls (there is a sign here noting the direction). 

Elise Falls Trail - March, 2019

The trail to Elise Falls continues steeply down a different old road. This is a nicely wooded area and it's a steep but nice stroll. The trail then turns to the left (there are a few places where the trail has washed out pretty badly) and remain heading down the hill. 

Eventually, at .8, the trail reaches Smith Creek. The creek is almost always dry here as it runs underground in this spot. There are nice little bluff areas both up and down stream at this crossing.

Bluff along Smith Creek, March 2019

From here, we'll take a short detour to Elise Falls. 

To get to Elise Falls, head downstream (to your left) and follow the creek bed a couple of hundred yards past a bluff and there will be a small creek on the left that flows into Smith Creek from the left. Follow this creek upstream another 100 yards or so and you'll reach Elise Falls (sometimes calls QueVaLa Elise Falls). This is a nice, 21 foot tall waterfall in a slot canyon and worth the visit during the wet season).

Elise Falls - March, 2019

When done here, return to when the trail first crossed Smith Creek.  From here, cross Smith Creek and continue on downstream a bit.

Shale Flat

At 1.1, the trail then turns right and proceeds STEEPLY up the hillside. It's a bit of a climb but doesn't last too long. Eventually the trail passes through a shale flat and at 1.5 miles the there is a fork in the trail that is very well marked. To the left is the upper trail, and to the right is the lower trail. I usually take the Lower Trail here and turn RIGHT (although both eventually end up in the same place). 

Fork in the trail, March, 2019

The Lower Trail stays out on level for awhile and then starts dropping down the hill at 1.75 in and area called "BAD" on the map. This area was hit pretty badly by an ice storm several years ago so there are a lot of downed trees in the area. The trail workers have done a nice job of reworking the trail to make it passable.

At 2.1 the trail turns right into a valley and then at 2.2 turns left and crosses a small creek. Smith Creek is now visible down on your right. 

Smith Creek, December 2020

The trail then goes through a ravine and then up the hill. At 2.4 there are a couple of large boulders on the right. Just down the hill from this spot is a canyon area that is incredibly scenic. I definitely recommend going down and checking this area out. It will be dry during dry season, but will have water during the wetter months.

Canyon area along Smith Creek, December 2020

Back on the lower trail, at 2.5 there is a trail intersection -- this is the upper trail connecting back with the lower trail. Stay right. 

Canyon area along Smith Creek, December 2020

The trail crosses a small creek bed (during wet season there is a small waterfall just upstream here) and then at 2.7 the trail reaches Smith Creek. It is beautiful both up and down stream from this spot. 

Smith Creek, December 2020

You'll have to find a way across Smith Creek here. During wet season, this will be a wet crossing but will be dry during dry months. 

On the other side of the creek, you will hit the Main Trail -- essentially at the picnic area and small footbridge. From here, you can either turn right -- and go one mile up the hill back to your car. Or, I highly recommend turning left and exploring Smith Creek along the main trail and the wonderful emerald pools, rock jumbles and cascades it has to offer. You can find more details on the Main Trail here.

A rocky Smith Creek, December, 2020

This is about a 4 mile loop - counting going to Elise Falls but not including exploring further up the Main Trail. If you explore all the way up the Main Trail, you can add about 2.5 miles to the total distance.

Trail Details

Distance - 4 - 6.5 miles in mostly a loop

Footwear - hiking boots recommended

Difficulty - Moderate+. There are a couple of climbs of 250 feet or more and potentially a wet water crossing. 

Kid Friendly - Yes, as long as they can handle the distance and the climbing

Trail Guide - Tim Ernst's Buffalo River Hiking Trails Volume 5 (not in early volumes)

Rating - 4 stars out of 5

Most of the pictures on this post are from hikes in March, 2019 or December 2020.

Other Trails Nearby:

Buffalo River Trail - Boxley to Ponca

Hedges Historical Hike

Paradise Falls

The Glory Hole

 

Paradise Falls - Redux

Arkansas has a lot of amazing places. But even better, one of the things that makes it special is that all of the spots feel very different depending on the time of year. Leaf color (or whether they're on the trees at all), water levels, sun angle all makes for a different experience. 

Anyway, a couple of years ago(I'm WAY behind on posting stuff here) we went back to Paradise Falls. We made our first trip there back in 2016 and it was pretty magnificent, but I've been working on my photo skills and I thought some better pics were in order. It's fun looking back to see just how much my photo skills have improved over time. 

Paradise Falls

This is great area. While Paradise Falls (rightfully) is the highlight, there are a lot of secondary waterfalls and water features in the area that would be well worth the visit on their own. But combined, it makes for a wonderful day of hiking. Some of those secondary waterfalls have also gotten names (or, I've at least become aware of the names), so I'll try to mention those in the redux as well. 

Unnamed Waterfall

One other thing I've grown to love about hiking some place multiple times is that I can spend a little less time worrying about way-finding and a bit more time just soaking in the magic of a place. This is probably particularly the case for Paradise Falls -- which, to date, is the only falls we've been unable to locate on our first attempt. My goal for the year is to become a little more familiar with GPS so getting lost is less of an issue. While I love many of the things I find when I'm not where I'm supposed to be, it may be better for my marriage if we got lost a little less often.

Cascades

This time we definitely caught a lot higher water levels than in our first trip. 

Cascades

The area is spending a few resources trying to make some of the key attractions more accessible. There is still no trail here mind you, but they have dramatically upgraded the parking area for Paradise Falls. I'm not including a picture of that, because it's still just a gravel lot, but it does make parking much easier. 

More Cascades. It's really hard to overstate how beautiful the area is.

So, I guess the moral of the story here (if there is one), is don't hesitate to revisit places you've already been to. 

Chumfarger Falls

As mentioned before, a few of the secondary waterfalls have gotten names. I'm not sure who named them, but they have become fairly widely known by these names. Chumfarger is a really nice cascade-type falls -- which are my favorite ones. Hargfarger is similar and just a bit downstream and somehow I didn't get a decent picture of it. 

Cascade

If your curious what Chumfarger and Hargfarger mean or refer to I am not the guy to help you. I've looked it up, and Google was of no help either. 

Up one of the side drainages is a nice little waterfall that has been given the name "Twisted Knee Falls". I have no questions about how this one got its name. The area from this drainage on down to Paradise is slick and rocky and is rough on the ankles and knees for sure. 

Twisted Knee Falls

 

Overall it was a pretty amazing day.

Unnamed Waterfall above Paradise Falls

But as beautiful as the area is, Paradise Falls is still definitely the highlight. 

Paradise Falls

If you want hiking directions, you can see them on my post from 2016. The location hasn't changed. 

Also in the area is The Historic Hedges Hike, Smith Creek Nature Preserve (and Elise Falls), The Glory Hole Falls and the Boen Gulf/Magnolia Falls area. 

Liles Falls - Return Trip

We made our first trip to Liles Falls back in 2011. It's a great area that easily accessible from the Erbie Campground Road -- or along the Buffalo River Trail between Erbie and Ozark.

This falls is in a small drainage -- so it takes quite a bit of rain to get if flowing well. And even then, for only a short amount of time. 

Upper Liles Falls

We've been back a few different times only to be somewhat disappointed by the flow. But for several days around New Years Day we had several days of hard, steady rain and we thought we'd go check it out. And this time we weren't disappointed. 

In addition to some nice flow in the falls, just as we got to the falls it started snowing. The snow created an amazing snow globe effect that just enhanced the feeling of being at this wonderful area.

Looking over the top of Lower Liles Falls

 

We spent a fair amount of time at both the Upper and Lower Falls -- even while it was snowing and cold soaking this beautiful area. We were probably a day late to catch the really good water but overall it was an amazing day. 

Lower Liles Falls

You can find trail directions on the original post. 

There are a lot of other neat things in this area worth checking out - -including the Koen Interpretive Trail, Cherry Grove Cemetery Loop, the Ponds Loop and the Buffalo River Trail from Erbie to Ozark. 

Upper Liles Falls

 

 

Fern Falls - Photos

We made our first trip to Fern Falls back in 2014. You can read more about the trail description here. 

We made a return visit earlier this year and wanted to share some better photos of this remarkable place. 

Fern Falls

Fern Falls

Hudson Shelter/Hudson Shelter Falls

Hudson Shelter & Hudson Shelter Falls is an area you don't hear a lot of folks in hiking/waterfall-hunting circles. It's is many of the major guide books, but I just don't hear of a lot of folks going there very often.

Lower Hudson Shelter Falls

So back in May, we decided to check it out. It turns out that the area is pretty well traveled -but is apparently much more popular among the rock climbing circuit than the waterfall folks. This is primarily because the waterfall is served by a pretty small drainage so it takes a recent rain to get it flowing. That said, even if the water is minimal, there is a lot to see here as it is also home to many great bluffs (the rock-climbers know!) and one of the largest natural shelters in the state - Hudson Shelter. I'm looking forward to coming back here again when the leaves are off for better views of the bluffs and valley below.

Getting there

Hudson Shelter is not far off of Highway 7 south of Jasper. Head south of Jasper about 14 miles (2.9 from the junction of Highway 16) to the community of Cowell. Turn LEFT (EAST) on FR 1204. This is a gravel road just across from the Northern turnoff toward Cowell Cemetery. There are two roads here, neither is well marked, be sure to take the one to the north. Travel on FR 1204 for 4.2 miles and turn RIGHT onto FR 1204-B. Go 100 yards or so and there is a parking area on the right -- and an old logging road that is your trail. 

Old logging road that serves as the trail has several downed pined trees

The Trail

Start hiking along the old logging road. It's a nice trail but becomes a mess pretty quickly as many tall pines have fallen blocking the road. But never fear, because of the popularity of this area among climbers, there is a nicely-worn, and easy-to-follow trail just to the right of the main road. 

After a bit, the trails turns to the left and weaves its way down hill (again, the trail is pretty easy to follow) and eventually finds its way to small creek. This is the creek that feeds Hudson Shelter Falls. The trail then turns RIGHT and follows the creek down toward the falls. After about .5 miles, you'll reach the top of Hudson Shelter Falls. There is a small cascade here as well.

Small Cascade above Hudson Shelter Falls

To get to the bottom of the Upper Hudson Shelter Falls, go to the left (looking downstream) and trail finds its way to the bottom of the waterfall. There wasn't a lot of water on the day I was here (even after a pretty good rain the night before). 

Upper Hudson Shelter Falls

The trail crosses in front of the upper falls (note, it gets somewhat close to the edge here, and can be a little slick, so watch you step!). On the opposite side (right side when looking downstream), there is a rock jumble of sorts that you can work your way down to the base of the lower falls and Hudson Shelter. Be careful on this as well as the rocks are often slick. 

Lower Hudson Shelter Falls (from inside Hudson Shelter). The rock jumble to get to the bottom can be seen behind the falls.

Hudson Shelter is about 75 feet deep and an impressive rock shelter and worth some time to explore.

Inside Hudson Shelter

Beyond the lower falls -- to the right (again looking downstream) are some really nice rock bluffs that are popular with climbers. I highly recommend exploring along the base of these bluffs a bit.

One of the many bluffs beyond Hudson Shelter

Overall, this is a really nice area and definitely one I look forward to checking out more in future visits.

Trail Details

Distance: 1 mile round trip (plus more for exploring the bluffs)

Difficulty: Easy hike to the falls, but probably easy-to-moderate in total because it takes some scrambling to get to the base of the lower falls and Hudson Shelter.

Kid Friendly: Due to the slick and high bluffs, leave the littles at home

Footwear: Trail shoes 

Trail Guide: Tim Ernst's Arkansas Waterfalls

Trail Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Other trails nearby: Fern Falls, Lonesome Hollow Falls, Round Top Mountain Trail

Shooting Stars along the trail. Shooting Stars are among my favorite Arkansas wildflowers

Leaning Log Falls & Adkins Canyon Falls Hike/Bushwhack

The Upper Buffalo Wilderness is one of the most remote areas of Arkansas -- but there is incredible beauty to be found for folks that are willing to explore this natural region. 

Middle & Upper Adkins Canyon Falls

One of the many great areas in the Upper Buffalo Wilderness area is the around Adkins Creek -- and a couple of area waterfalls. This hike isn't for beginners, but if you are comfortable exploring and bushwhacking, there is a lot to see and explore. While most of this can be seen in a single-day hike, we explored the area over back-to-back weekends in April 2020.

This hike is best done in winter or early spring when the water is high (for the waterfalls) but before the bushwhack part becomes so overgrown it's tough to explore. There is no trail in the area, and really not even much of a trace of one for most of the hike.

Getting there

The trail begins at the Dahl Memorial Trailhead in the Upper Buffalo Wilderness. To get there, take Highway 16/21 East from Fallsville and turn LEFT onto Newton County 9100. Travel 2 miles on this gravel road (with one possible exception - depending on weather conditions, this is passable by most 2 WD vehicles) and turn right onto a small road. There is a sign that points toward the Dahl Memorial Trailhead. Travel a very short distance down this road and there is a large campsite here that circles around a huge tree. Park here.

The Dahl Trailhead is named after Jerry Dahl -- the Ozark-St Francis National Forest Supervisor from 1956-1962. Thank you Jerry for your service.

The Hike

The trail leaves the campsite/parking are to the east (right) side of the open area. It starts off down an old jeep road and is a really pleasant hike. 

Upland Swamp

It dips down a bit -- and passes an upland swamp. There aren't many upland swamps in Northwest Arkansas, but this is one of them, and a fine one at that. There is an intersection of sorts right before the swamp -- stay STRAIGHT here so that you pass the swamp with the swamp on your left. 

The jeep road makes for a nice hiking trail. Just don't get too used to it.

The road goes back up the hill and at .8 hits a "T" intersection. Turn LEFT. The trail heads down the hill a bit into a nice little pine forest. This is as pleasant as hiking gets, but don't get too used to it. At 1.1, the trail ends up at a small open field that was probably formerly a food plot. The road continues into the woods on the far end of the small field. There are several really nice red bud trees in this area during spring.

One of many cascades along the first creek

From here, there are a couple of options. For navigational purposes, I find the easiest (and most scenic) route is to head down the road another 100 yards or so and then turn RIGHT off into the woods. At this point, head straight down the hill a few hundred yards until you reach a small creek. This is the start of what becomes some pretty serious bushwhacking and the forest is pretty thick with under-growth. It's steep and tough going from here on out.

More cascades

Once you reach the creek, turn LEFT, and follow the creek downstream to the first waterfall. It is probably faster to hike along the top of the ridge and just make your way down stream going downhill at an angle, but the creek has some nice little cascades and I think following near the creek makes this safer to navigate (no getting lost!) and more scenic and enjoyable. 

Cascade just upstream from Falling Log Falls

Follow the creek and its many cascades downstream -- staying on the left side most of the way down. As you get near the waterfall, there is a place where you're generally forced to hike up the hillside on the left and there is a large rock cairn here. Drop steeply back down the hill and there is a small trail of sorts here that crosses the creek across the top of Leaning Log Falls and in front of a beautiful cascade. If you followed the creek down, this is approximately 2 miles from your starting point (it's closer to 1.7 if you go the most direct, but less scenic route). 

There is a safe way to get to the bottom of the falls on the right (facing downstream) side of the falls. 

Leaning Log Falls

This is called Leaning Log Falls, even though the log has long-since washed away. 

Adkins Creek

From Leaning Log Falls, to get down to Adkins Creek, and Adkins Canyon Falls, find your way down to Adkins Creek. This is the large creek (almost looks like a small river) that is visible downstream from Leaning Log Falls. There is a safe-ish place to climb down near the spot that you used to get to the bottom of Leaning Log Falls. As with all situations in the wilderness, be careful. 

Grotto

One you get to Adkins Creek, be sure to check out the grotto below Leaning Log Falls. It's a beautiful spot. 

Small waterfall along Adkins Creek

Once on Adkins Creek, you'll need to cross to the other side. This will likely be a WET water crossing. Be careful, and with all water crossings in the Ozarks, if you can't see the bottom it is not safe to cross. But both days we went the water was only about mid-calf deep. Deep enough to get your feet wet, but not deep enough to be unsafe. 

Cascade along Adkins Creek

Once you cross Adkins Creek, you'll follow the creek downstream for about .3 miles. There are several amazing cascades and smaller waterfalls along this creek. Enjoy. There isn't a particular route I can recommend other than to stay near creek level, pick your way the best you can, and you might end up getting your feet wet. Getting high up on the hill to the right will keep your feet dry but is steep and slick, and not all that much fun in my opinion.

Neat waterfall area - I want to call this falls 12-Finger Falls...

There is a really neat waterfall through this area that has 12 different small pour-offs and deeply carved water paths that is worthy of checking out. 

My hiking companion along the waterfall area

At .3 (past Leaning Log Falls) the creek passes a really nice waterfall and then there is a creek that comes into Adkins Creek from the Right. There is a small waterfall right here that is also very scenic. And a quick look at this falls and you can see all the way up the canyon and see Upper and Lower Adkins Canyon Falls from here! Definite a scenic spot with waterfalls everywhere! 

Waterfall along Adkins Creek

The main creek also makes for some really nice scenery down stream from this spot as well that worth a look. 

Adkins Canyon Falls

Lower Adkins Canyon Falls

Once you get to the small creek and waterfall on the right, follow this creek upstream for a couple of hundred yards. There is another smaller waterfall about 100 yards upstream in a really nice, deep canyon. This is lower Adkins Canyon Falls. You can see the larger falls behind it. This canyon is beautiful in its own right and not to be overlooked. This small waterfall pours into a deep blue pool. 

Middle Adkins Canyon Falls (upper Falls in the background)

Once you have explored here, make your way up the hill around to the right to get to Upper Adkins Canyon Falls. This is a 42 foot tall water fall where the water falls and then hits the ground and cascades the rest of the way down into a nice pool. There is also a huge rock overhang here. 

Upper Adkins Canyon Falls

This is a really nice area to sit and joy nature at its finest. 

Once done exploring, retrace your steps back to your car. This is nearly a 1,000 foot climb back out from Adkins Creek, with dense underbrush and no sign of a trail, so you will feel it getting out. Just remember all of the amazing scenery you've seen that made it all worth it.

A small spring pours into the creek

Trail Details

Distance: 5 miles round trip. It's about 2 miles to Leaning Log Falls, and an extra .5 to Adkins Canyon. Tim Ernst lists this a 1.7 and .3 respectively, but with some additional exploring this came in at a solid 5 miles round trip for us. 

Difficulty: Very difficult. The first 1.1 miles is a very nice hike, but the remainder is steep and rugged. 

Kid Friendly: No

Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots

Trail Guide: Tim Ernst's Arkansas Waterfalls

Star Rating: 5 of 5

Other trails nearby: Glory Hole, Magnolia Falls, Dixons Ford

 

Road 299 Falls

Road 299 Falls is smaller, but dynamic waterfall in the Madison County Wildlife Management Area in NW Arkansas. We've only recently started exploring some in the Madison County WMA, and there are a lot of really interesting places and features. 

The waterfall is just a short walk from the road and is a nice place to stop when you are in the area. In addition to the waterfall, it has a nice bluff line and grotto. 

Road 299 Falls

Getting there

The falls is just a short drive from Highway 23 between Huntsville and Eureka Springs. From Huntsville, take Highway 23 North toward the community of Forum. From Forum, travel 3.5 miles further north and turn RIGHT onto CR #1235 (there is a sign for the Ozark Natural Science Center). Drive on CR #1235 for .2 miles and it intersects with CR #1250 (the WMA offices are at this intersection). From this point, travel on CR #1250 for 4.7 miles (the road eventually turns into CR #1425, although it is not obvious where. At 3.0 miles there is a sign to the right that points to the Kings River Overlook Trail, stay straight/left at that intersection). 

At 4.7 miles, make a hard right on Road 299 (there is a road at a soft right here as well, but Road 299 is the furthest right road, and is the narrowest and least maintained). 

Follow Road 299 down .5 miles to the parking area. The road probably does't require 4WD, but your vehicle should have higher than usual clearance. The main parking area is off to the left and a complete mud-pit, so I recommend parking along the road.

Approaching Road 299 Falls

The Falls

From the parking area, follow one of a number of volunteer trails down to the waterfall. There is one on the left that heads to the top of the falls, and a couple to the right that lead below the falls. Be sure to check out both areas. The falls is only about 100 yards from the parking area but you will likely need waterproof shoes to cross the creek to get to the bottom of the falls. 

Road 299 Falls is 21 feet tall and has a nice bluff line around it that is worthy of exploring. 

Road 299 Falls

This waterfall isn't the tallest or flashiest, but I really liked it and we enjoyed our short time here.

Other areas nearby: Kings River Overlook Trail, Tea Kettle Falls (forthcoming), Glory B Falls (forthcoming). 

Creek above the falls

Leatherwood Creek, Including Balanced Rock Falls & Leatherwood Creek Falls

Leatherwood Creek is an amazing little place in the Upper Buffalo River that seems hidden in plain site. While hundreds of people visit the area almost daily, few venture in to find the beauty that awaits. Until recently, when photos of Balanced Rock Falls started popping up online, it was rare that anyone talked about this area. And yet, with just a bit of bushwhacking some amazing sites await, including several smaller waterfalls, several cascades, and one of my favorite grottos in the region.

Leatherwood Creek Falls

This trail is not marked, and not maintained. Some parts of it are relatively easy to follow, and others are just straight bushwhack. But beauty awaits those who visit. 

Getting There

Leatherwood Creek is super-easy to get to. Essentially, the parking area is the parking spot for the Ponca low-water bridge. Park in the parking lot by the Ponca low water bridge. Park, and  cross the bridge on foot. There is a sign there that points the direction of the Buffalo River Trail -- to the right heads to Boxley, to the left, Steel Creek. However, just a few paces to the right (toward Boxley) of the sign, there is a small path that enters the woods to the left. You'll enter the woods here. 

The Trail

Upon entering the woods, the trail (which is fairly worn at this point, and easy enough to follow) runs right along the right side of a mid-sized creek. This is Leatherwood Creek. This is the same creek that pours out of a small tunnel into the Buffalo River on the opposite side of the Ponca low water bridge. 

Leatherwood Creek is basically your guide for the entire hike....you'll generally following along this creek both out and back -- so as long as you can find the creek, you shouldn't get terribly lost. 

Historic Marker Tree (taken April 2018)

Shortly after entering the woods, there is a very prominent marker tree. 

The history of marker trees is somewhat mysterious, but they are generally believed to have been created by early settlers and Native Americans to help mark the way to important features like freshwater springs. 

I tend to also think that early settlers also loved the beauty of the area -- and may have also used them to point out really beautiful areas such as waterfalls before guidebooks and the internet made people more aware of these areas.

Regardless, there are hundreds of marker trees in NW Arkansas and they all seem to be in really beautiful spots!  

The trail goes on beyond the marker tree and for awhile follows the along the right side of the creek (while looking upstream). As noted before, this isn't a marked or maintained trail, so following along the side of the creek as best you can.

Bluffs with Spring (note water flowing from rocks center-right)

After about a 1/2 mile of hiking, the trail passes by a short bluff line on the opposite side of the creek, and in the middle of this bluff line, there is a nice spring that pours right out of the middle of the bluff creating a really nice place to gaze and nature's beauty. 

Just past this area is generally the first of several creek crossings -- most of which are wet crossings so be prepared.  

Waterfall along Leatherwood Creek

At roughly .75 miles, the trail runs upon a really nice waterfall on the main trail. This is an unnamed waterfall, but pretty nice, and probably the largest along the main creek for awhile. 

Old Homestead Remains

The "trail" crosses the creek again just above the falls. After a short distance, there is an intersection of sorts. You'll know you're there as during wet weather, there is a nice, small, waterfall that pours off on the opposite side of the creek. There are also some remains of an old home site on the right side of the creek.

We'll come back to this spot in a bit, but for now, we're going to turn LEFT, cross the creek and then leave Leatherwood Creek and follow this drainage UP the hill. 

There is a small volunteer trail just to the right of this drainage that can help guide the way, but follow this up about 150 yards (passed one decent sized waterfall) and you'll eventually hit Balanced Rock Falls. 

Balanced Rock Falls

Balanced Rock Falls is one of the most unique waterfalls in the Ozarks and the water really flows right under a rock that appears "balanced" on the sides of the falls. It's a really cool place and reminds me of several of the Indiana Jones movies. Don't forget to check out above the falls as well as there is another nice falls above Balanced Rock. 

Balanced Rock Falls (from above)

It was only recently that Balanced Rock Falls was documented -- mostly on various social media pages. I first heard about it in 2018. It has become a relatively popular destination in a short amount of time due to its uniqueness.

Once you are done visiting Balanced Rock Falls you'll return back down to the hill to the main creek.

Back on the main trail

Once you're back at the base of the side drainage, continue upstream. The trail is MUCH less warn further upstream as a lot of folks just go to Balanced Rock and return back to the trailhead and they miss some of the best stuff!  

Keep following the creek upstream. Make your way as best you can. You can get high up on the bluff on the left side of the creek and pick your way. Or, depending on the water conditions, you can sometimes make your way near the creek. This is the prettiest way, but be careful, as the rocks here can be super-slick and sometimes you'll dead end in a canyon and have to retrace back to get around it. Being willing to get your feet wet and crossing the creek a few times is helpful. 

One of many cascades along the main creek

If you do this, always be careful to not cross in very swift-moving water or in deep water. If you can't see the bottom, don't cross! 

Leatherwood Creek

But along the way there are many small cascades and waterfalls that are just beautiful. 

Cascades along Leatherwood Creek

There isn't an easy route, but the scenery is top notch:

After about 1.75 miles the creek hits a small waterfall that gets really close to the highlight of the hike (in my humble opinion).

Small falls before the Grotto

Just beyond this double falls is a grotto. It really is one of my favorite places in all the Ozarks. There is a huge cave overhang with the creek flowing over a ledge in several places. It's just amazing. 

Grotto (Looking in)

Grotto (Looking Out)

Just beyond the grotto is another larger waterfall -- this is Leatherwood Creek Falls. It would be worth the trip all by itself.

Leatherwood Creek Falls - photo taken April of 2018

Spend some time. Soak it in. And as with any place in nature, please respect the beauty and serenity of this special place and leave no trace. 

Once you've spent the time here, it's time to head back the way you came. Please don't go beyond this waterfall as it quickly hits private property and always respect private property. Bushwhack your way as best you can - enjoying many of your favorite cascades again along the way.

Trail Details

Distance: Approximately 4 miles -- feels like more with it being a bushwhack with a lot of unstable footing

Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous

Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots, and the more waterproof the better

Kid-friendly: No

Guidebook: None

Rating: 5 of 5

Nearby: Buffalo River Trail (Ponca to Steel Creek) (Ponca to Boxley), Lost Valley Trail, Villines Homestead 

Most photos taken October 27th, 2019 unless otherwise noted.

Spring House

Sometimes mother nature and human hands can create beautiful symmetry. This old, historic spring house is perched on a hill in the Boxley Valley. The water flows only in the wet season after a good rain, but when it's flowing, it creates a beautiful scene. 

The Glory Hole

Direction & Trail Notes can be found here.