November 2023 | Ozark-St. Francis National Forest and Buffalo National River, 7 hours west Nashville, TN

I highly recommend either pre-downloading maps to treks in this area or use a satellite GPS. Cell service is extremely limited. 

This area boasts 18 waterfalls and a number of treks. The best way to visualize all available waterfalls is to download the Arkansas Waterfall Guide via link in bio. Additionally, Petit Jean and Lake Dardanelle State Parks are also in the area - providing additional recreational activities. 

I was hopeful Fall would bring with it rain and the waterfalls would be quite robust. Unfortunately it’s been a dry season for this area so the waterfalls weren’t in their full glory. I recommend going when there’s been consistent rain present. Please note that many of the waterfalls are accessible only by gravel/dirt road so you’ll want to consider that when looking at the weather as well. 

Itinerary - 

Day 1 - Arrive

Day 2 - Twin Falls, Eden Falls, Sweden Creek Falls, Glory Hole Falls, High Bank Twin Falls

Day 3 - Pam’s Grotto, Pack Rat Falls, Long Pool Falls, Falling Water Falls, Six Finger Falls, Richland Falls

Day 4 - Petit Jean and Lake Dardanelle State Parks

Stay - 

Courtyard by Marriott, Russellville, AR 

There are plenty of campsites, local hotels, and other rentals in the area. I chose to stay in Russellville, AR.

The Courtyard by Marriott was fantastic. Helpful staff and bistro/Starbucks available in the lobby. (Starbucks is open 24 hours - perfect for early morning hike java.)

Eat - 

My favorite restaurant in Russellville was Pasta Grill. Do not skip dessert. The chocolate espresso cake was incredible. 

November 2023 | Lake Dardanelle State Park, 6 hours west of Nashville, TN

Toward the end of my trip and with very sore muscles, I wanted a nice park to enjoy the sunset and rest. I ended up at Lake Dardanelle State Park to soak up the afternoon sun.

Located right in Russellville, AR, the park boasts a huge lake with lots of local wildlife, including heron.

November 2023 | Petit Jean State Park,  Falling Water Falls, can drive right up to the falls, 6 hours west of Nashville, TN

Toward the end of my trip and with very sore muscles, I wanted a scenic drive where I could rest. I drove out to Petit Jean State Park and my - I was not disappointed.

The Fall leaves were absolutely spectacular in this area. The park boasts several hiking trails and a waterfall. I enjoyed the scenery and did complete the short walk (0.3 miles) to the Cedar Falls Overlook.

November 2023 | Falling Water Falls, can drive right up to the falls, 7.25 hours west of Nashville, TN

I highly recommend either pre-downloading maps to treks in this area or use a satellite GPS. Cell service is extremely limited. 

This waterfall is located off a dirt/gravel road. Parking is available right beside the waterfall, making it very accessible. There’s a rope swing and appears to be a good swimming hole in the warmer months.

I was the only person at the falls the day I visited. I enjoyed the peace and quiet sitting on the boulders below the falls. 

There is no link to this waterfall on AllTrails. To get here, you’ll need to use the coordinates - 35.72195°

-92.94940°.

November 2023 | High Bank Twin Falls at Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, 0.4 miles, moderate, 7.25 hours west of Nashville, TN

I highly recommend either pre-downloading maps to treks in this area or use a satellite GPS. Cell service is extremely limited. 

This trek is off a very long county road that’s a mix of gravel and dirt. Be prepared for a slow drive. The trek is rated moderate by AllTrails but I’d rate it as easy. It’s a flat hike but there are lots of rocks to navigate over. 

The falls were more of a trickle on this day but the pool of green, milky, water was pretty to see. 

November 2023 | Glory Hole Waterfall Trail at Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, 1.9 miles, moderate, 7.25 hours west of Nashville, TN

I highly recommend either pre-downloading maps to treks in this area or use a satellite GPS. Cell service is extremely limited. 

This trek is unmarked from the road. Pull off in the gravel and look for a small trail opening in the forest. 

The trail is quite easy and flat at the beginning. The moderate part begins closer to the falls. I recommend going all the way to the bottom where you can get a perfect glimpse of the hole carved by water. 

November 2023 | Sweden Creek Falls at Buffalo National River, 1.5 miles, moderate, 7.25 hours west of Nashville, TN

I highly recommend either pre-downloading maps to treks in this area or use a satellite GPS. Cell service is extremely limited. 

This trek is located off a road that’s a mix of gravel and dirt. Be prepared to drive very slowly. 

The trek is moderate. There are lots of rocks, which were difficult to see under the fallen leaves.

Additionally, there are some narrows portions of the path that require trekkers to climb over rocks.

Unfortunately the falls were more of a trickle on this day but I enjoyed the trek just the same. 

November 2023 | Triple Falls Trail at Buffalo National River, 0.4 miles, easy, 7.25 hours west of Nashville, TN

I highly recommend either pre-downloading maps to treks in this area or use a satellite GPS. Cell service is extremely limited. 

This trek is located off AR-7, a scenic byway giving spectacular views of the Ozark Forest. Be sure to take advantage of the lookouts along the route.

While the trail is easy, the drive to the trail off the main road is slow and a bit difficult. The road is a mix of gravel and dirt and requires crossing a creek. 

Recent rain made the waterfall absolutely stunning. Don’t forget to walk up the hill to see the top of the waterfall as well. 

November 2023 | Lost Valley Trail to Eden Falls at Buffalo National River, 2.3 miles, moderate, 7.25 hours west of Nashville, TN

I highly recommend either pre-downloading maps to treks in this area or use a satellite GPS. Cell service is extremely limited. 

I drove to this trail right before sunrise. Be sure to keep an eye out along the road, I ended up seeing a herd of elk (about 20-30) in a cow field. It was an absolutely gorgeous site.

This trail is fairly easy. The only moderate part are the stairs up to Eden Falls cave. There are restrooms past the parking lot, near the trailhead.

The waterfall was a trickle during my time in the area but the cave was very interesting. You can actually go inside of it a bit.