5 Must-See Waterfalls in Arkansas (2026)
If you only have time for five Arkansas waterfalls, make it these: the state's most visited falls, spread out so the list covers the Boston Mountains and the Buffalo River, White River Hills, and Arkansas River Valley and Ouachita Edge.
How We Picked
These are the five most visited Arkansas waterfalls rated 4.2 stars or higher, measured by Google review count, with no two picks within 8 miles of each other so the list covers more of the state. Every waterfall links to a full page with coordinates, maps and nearby falls.
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1. Falling Water Falls
Marshall, AR · Pope County · Boston Mountains and the Buffalo River
Why it is a must-see
With 345 Google reviews it is the single most visited waterfall in Arkansas, and it holds 4.8 stars. It is one of 5 named falls in the Boston Mountains and the Buffalo River region. The nearest town is Marshall, about 22 miles to the northeast.
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2. Eden Falls
Jasper, AR · Newton County · Boston Mountains and the Buffalo River
Why it is a must-see
With 132 Google reviews it is the 2nd most visited waterfall in Arkansas, and it holds 4.7 stars. It is one of 5 named falls in the Boston Mountains and the Buffalo River region. The nearest town is Jasper, about 11 miles to the east.
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3. Bridal Veil Falls
Heber Springs, AR · Cleburne County · White River Hills
Why it is a must-see
With 119 Google reviews it is the 3rd most visited waterfall in Arkansas, and it holds 4.7 stars. Expect steep trail, lookout, and walk to the bottom, the topics reviewers bring up most. It is one of 5 named falls in the White River Hills region. The nearest town is Heber Springs, about 1.6 miles to the north.
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4. Cedar Falls
Atkins, AR · Conway County · Arkansas River Valley and Ouachita Edge
Why it is a must-see
With 73 Google reviews it is the 4th most visited waterfall in Arkansas, and it holds 4.7 stars. Expect hike to waterfall, peaceful getaway, and trek, the topics reviewers bring up most. It is one of 2 named falls in the Arkansas River Valley and Ouachita Edge region. The nearest town is Atkins, about 8.6 miles to the north.
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5. Spainhour Falls
Clarksville, AR · Johnson County · Boston Mountains and the Buffalo River
Why it is a must-see
With 30 Google reviews it is the 5th most visited waterfall in Arkansas, and it holds 4.7 stars. It is one of 5 named falls in the Boston Mountains and the Buffalo River region. The nearest town is Clarksville, about 10 miles to the south.
A Route Linking All Five
Starting from the northernmost pick and always heading to the nearest remaining one, the five cover about 155 straight-line miles. Road distances are longer.
- Eden Falls (start, near Jasper)
- Spainhour Falls, about 28 mi south
- Falling Water Falls, about 30 mi east
- Cedar Falls, about 41 mi south
- Bridal Veil Falls, about 56 mi northeast
When to Visit Arkansas's Waterfalls
Spring is the heart of Arkansas waterfall season. Ozark creeks are rain-fed, and the period from roughly February through May usually brings the steadiest storms, when even minor hollows produce falls that are dry the rest of the year. Many local hikers time trips to arrive within a day or two after a good soaking rain. By midsummer the heat and humidity are heavy, ticks and chiggers are active, and flows drop sharply; late summer and early fall are commonly the driest months. Autumn foliage in the Boston Mountains typically peaks in late October to early November, and a wet fall can pair color with running water. Winter offers clear views through bare trees, and a hard cold snap occasionally freezes smaller falls into ice formations, though such conditions rarely last long.
Before You Go
Most of the better-known falls lie on public land managed by the Ozark National Forest, the Buffalo National River, or Arkansas State Parks such as Petit Jean. Several smaller falls in Fulton, Perry and Independence counties are on or near private property, so verify access before visiting. Many trailheads are reached by gravel county or forest roads that can be rough, and low-water crossings become impassable when creeks are running high, which is exactly when the falls are best. Cell coverage is unreliable in the deeper hollows. Main hazards include slick moss-covered sandstone, steep unmaintained paths to the bases of falls, sudden creek rises during heavy rain, and ticks in warm months. Swimming in plunge pools is common in summer, but flows can be powerful after storms.
Read our waterfall safety rules and packing list before heading out.
Explore More Arkansas Waterfalls
See all 12 waterfalls in the Arkansas waterfall guide, or browse by town: Marshall, Jasper, Heber Springs, Atkins, Clarksville.
More Arkansas Waterfall Lists
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the number one must-see waterfall in Arkansas?
Falling Water Falls tops our 2026 list, with a 4.8-star rating from 345 Google reviews. It is near Marshall in Pope County.
How was this list made?
These are the five most visited Arkansas waterfalls rated 4.2 stars or higher, measured by Google review count, with no two picks within 8 miles of each other so the list covers more of the state.
Can you see all five in one trip?
The five are about 155 straight-line miles apart in total when visited in the order suggested above. Most people split them across two or more days.
How many waterfalls are in Arkansas?
Our directory lists 12 named waterfalls in Arkansas. See them all, sorted by town, in the Arkansas waterfall guide.
What is the most visited waterfall in Arkansas?
Among the falls in our directory, Falling Water Falls in Pope County has the most reviews, followed by Eden Falls in the Lost Valley area of the Buffalo National River and Bridal Veil Falls near Heber Springs.