We’ve found the best waterfall hiking trails in the Ozarks. Below, we tell you where they are, how long and rugged (or short and easy) the access trail is, and what to expect when you get there. Enjoy!
Our List of Waterfall Hikes Includes:
- #1 – McWater Falls, Crawford County Arkansas
- #2 – Twin Falls, Devil’s Den State Park
- #3 – Glory Hole Falls, Ozark Forest
- #4 – Tanyard Creek Nature Trail
- #5 – Crooked Creek Falls
- #6 – Cedar Falls (Petit Jean State Park)
- #7 – Natural Falls (Oklahoma)
Family vacations in the Ozarks offer breathtaking scenery, especially in the Spring and Fall months.
Hiking is one of best ways to catch up-close views of the gorgeous landscape here and take advantage of a full-surround experience!
TLC might have warned against chasin’ waterfalls, but they’ve clearly never experienced the true beauty of the Ozarks.
Here are five waterfall hikes in the Arkansas Ozarks that are appropriate for the family and a great experience for all ages.
Heads up: This page contains affiliate links. That means if you click and buy—we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Read more about it here.
#1 – McWater Falls, Crawford County Arkansas
Our first pick—the Harry McWater Waterfall—can be reached by hiking the Lake Alma Hiking Trail near Alma, Arkansas. The layout of the land makes it look as if you’re exploring from a cave when you approach this 12-foot high waterfall.
It’s a family-friendly 3.8-mile loop to access, requiring a pleasant 25 minutes of walking. Depending on how much rain the area has had, you’ll see a cute stream or several vines of water coming together in a chaotic whirl.
#2 – Twin Falls, Devil’s Den State Park
Devil’s Den State Park is the crown jewel of Northwest Arkansas’s natural scenery. Located just outside of West Fork (Fayetteville area), it’s a hotspot for hikers, mountain bikers, and those who love the outdoors.
Check out this Ozark Mountain Log Cabin nearby to plan your vacation.
It’s also home to one of the most incredible waterfall experiences on our list, too. You can access the twin falls from the Devil’s Den Self-Guided Trail.
You walk underneath the fall at one point of the trail and then cross it again by bridge later on. Beware though, parts of this trail are quite rugged!
If the falls are dried up or it’s too rugged for your little ones to hike, then head over to the giant rock dam in the park.
It doesn’t require trail-access and is a serene site to see on it’s own as water trickles from the lake above, cascading over the giant boulders to the pond below!
#3 – Glory Hole Falls, Ozark Forest
Okay, be warned. Of the falls on this list, Glory Hole is the least family-friendly. I’ve made this determination simply because it’s hard to find, there’s no official parking to access it, and the trail runs a bit off the beaten path.
If you have older youngsters who are up for a little more of a challenge, then it’s on this list because it’s so spectacular.
Glory Hole Falls is 30 feet tall and flows so furiously that it has carved a path through the rock!
The trail is a one-mile loop and offers cascading views throughout the trek. Find it here.
Sit down for a picnic once you reach the waterfall. Everything you need fits perfectly in this easy-to-carry backpack cooler.
Go further with AllTrails+ — Do more outdoors
#4 – Tanyard Creek Nature Trail
The Tanyard Creek trails are a personal family favorite in our household. It’s an incredibly family-friendly afternoon activity; bring the dog too!
Tanyard Creek Nature Trail offers multiple pathways to access, and no matter which way you go, you’re very likely to stumble upon the larger-than-life waterfall experience!
What we also love about this place is that it’s a popular place to dip your toes into in the summer.
Seriously, Tanyard Creek is home to multiple waterfalls, beautiful quiet hiking trails, and loads of opportunities to experience nature.
#5 – Crooked Creek Falls
If the point of this post is to gain you access to family-friendly waterfall hikes, then Crooked Creek Falls seems appropriately placed on our list.
Located between Mena and Hot Springs, Arkansas, Crooked Creek Falls is part of the Ouachita National Forest.
Crooked Creek is a leisurely 20-minute stroll on a well-worn path. As you travel to the waterfall, you hear the calling of rushing water and take in the sites around you.
Crooked Creek is a 16-foot forked waterfall that provides a tranquil check-in with nature. It’s easy to access, simple to hike, and stunning to see.
Use the map above to find your way to the waterfall! Once you’ve mapped out which sites you’d like to visit, let us help give tips to plan your family trip to the Ozarks in our guide.
#6 – Cedar Falls (Petit Jean State Park)
If you love hiking in nature, Petit Jean is a must-do item on the bucket list. With over 20 miles of hiking trails, a spectacular waterfall, caves, and ancient remnants—you’ll be in awe all day long. We love this park so much that we dedicated a separate post to explore it.
The main waterfall at Petit Jean State Park is called Cedar Falls. This 96 foot waterfall can be reached on the Cedar Falls Trail. This is a 2-mile round trip out-and-back trail that takes most families about 2 hours to hike.
There is also an overlook trail to bask in the beauty of this treasure from afar which can be accessed via Cedar Falls Overlook road and then a short trail, or by going down the Boyscout trail from Mather Lodge.
#7 – Natural Falls (Oklahoma)
Just across the state line past Siloam Springs, you’ll find an incredible hidden gem inside Natural Falls State Park. This small but mighty park is the perfect size for families to explore the entire park in a day or two.
The thing we love most about Natural Falls is that the waterfall is the most accessible waterfall we have ever been to. The trail to see the waterfall is less than a quarter mile and you can see the waterfall from multiple overlooks or walk right up to the bottom of it.
Check out our Natural Falls State Park post to see our littles safely enjoying these trails. We enjoy a weekend camping trip at this darling park and got to savor the beauty of the waterfall multiple times during our stay.
Ready to Plan Your Nature-Themed Family Vacation in the Ozarks?
The Ozarks is inarguably one of the prettiest places to experience nature in the United States. Our parks and forests are a force to be reckoned with! Whether you have an intentionally themed nature vacation or just want to connect during your visit, check out any of these waterfalls that will please the whole family.
Let us help you snag a deal on accommodations for your trip.
Find a Local Hotel: Plug in your dates and check out rates on here.
Book a Vacation Rental: Find Rentals Near Your Destination here.
Rent a Car: You can’t beat an Ozarks family road trip. Check out the best rates at Economy Bookings to rent a car that will take you to all these great waterfalls!
Find more awe-inspiring waterfalls at Dogwood Canyon in Lampe, Missouri and Lost Canyon Cave at Top of the Rock (near Table Rock Lake) in Missouri with the Ozark Explorer Pass.
Have you experienced any of these waterfall trails?
If so, tell us about your experience below – and share any other waterfalls you think we should add to the list!
Leave a Reply