Pam’s Grotto Falls
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If you’re at all like me, you’re probably asking yourself who’s Pam, and why does she have a grotto in Arkansas? Though these questions may never be answered, what’s important is that the cascade-style falls are nearly 40 feet tall, surrounded by pristine forest, and sport a cool cavern or grotto behind the falling water. The falls are in the Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area near the towns of Russellville and Clarksville. You can get to the falls from the parking area and the campground. Although the trail is easy to follow, it’s got some tricky areas so wear decent shoes. For more information, click here.
Falling Water Falls
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Located in the Richland Creek portion of the Ozark National Forest, Falling Water Falls is considered by many who’ve seen them to be the most beautiful in the state. The area’s fascinating geology is comprised of interesting, stratified rock formations, boulders, and encroaching forests. Below the falls is a cool and swimmable pool, and it’s even possible to get behind the flowing water for a unique experience. The falls are viewable from the road if that’s more your style. They’re beautiful year-round, and in the winter during times of low temperature and water flow, large icicles often hang from the fall’s precipice. For more information, click here.
Mirror Lake Falls
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As you may have guessed, Mirror Lake Falls are in part famous for the reflections on their still waters that often resemble a painting. The lake was created in the ‘30s as a CCC project, which aimed at building important infrastructure and putting America’s largely idle workforce back to work. The waters are rich in game fish, especially trout, and below the falls there’s a large cavern created by overhanging rock that’s a really cool place to explore. The falls have multiple terraces, and can be viewed from a circular trail that is less than two miles long. For more information, click here.
Glory Hole Falls
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Fed by a spring that seeps through the rocks above the falls, Glory Hole Falls is one of the most popular in the Ozark Mountains. There’s also a large grotto below and behind the falls, and the area is a favorite with spelunkers who come to explore the labyrinth of caves that have been carved out of the rock over the years. The falls are near the town of Fallsville, and can be reached by the Glory Hole Falls Trail, which is about a 2-mile round trip, and only moderately difficult. The area has many amazing geological formations that you won’t see elsewhere. For more information, click here.
Forked Mountain Falls
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Located in the Ouachita National Forest that straddles the states of Oklahoma and Arkansas, Forked Mountain Falls are in the section of the park at the highest elevation. The falls themselves are relatively small, but their quaintness and the splendor of the surrounding park and 1,400-foot mountain on which you’re standing will leave you feeling content. The trail leading to the falls is near a popular campground and leads to the base of the falls. The trail is pretty easy, and once you’ve had your fill, keep going and you’ll come to another waterfall. For more information, click here.