The Secret Waterfall In Arkansas That Most People Don’t Know About
By Carol Ann Carson|Published July 29, 2019
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Carol Ann Carson
Author
Arkansas native, Carol Ann Carson, has written for OnlyInYourState for three years now. She resides in Western Arkansas' Mountain Frontier but calls NWA home as well. The graduate of University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, Carol Ann earned her B.A. in English and will soon be pursing her M.A. in Library Science. She loves exploring the trails around the Buffalo National River and has yet to find a waterfall that wasn't her favorite.
Let’s face it, finding a truly hidden waterfall in Arkansas is just about impossible considering how many avid waterfall chasers we have. That said, most folks accidentally skip over this beautiful waterfall hike without even realizing it! Steele Falls is a gorgeous tucked away waterfall near Gunner Pool Recreation Area that is well worth the trip.
Gunner Pool Recreation Area is one of many beloved swim holes in Arkansas.
You've probably camped at the rec area before or at least spotted it on the map while visiting Blanchard Springs. It's no secret that the pool is one of the best little spots in the state. However, swimming isn't the only activity to enjoy during your stay at the area.
Address: Gunner Pool Road, Fifty-Six, AR 72533
Just a short drive down the road from Gunner Pool is a quiet hike that leads to a gorgeous waterfall.
The waterfall is about five miles north from Gunner Pool. For directions use this map. The hike isn't terribly difficult but may be a bushwhack in the greener seasons. The trail mostly follows an abandoned forest service road and is a 2.6-mile out-and-back.
Most folks are in this area for Gunner Pool or the cave tours at Blanchard Springs. Regardless of how many hikers may take the trail that day, you will definitely have a serene connection with this stunning nature.
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The waterfall is perfect for picture taking, sitting under, or even walking behind.
Depending on how heavy the rains have been the pool at the base can be great for wading. There's also a small cave behind the waterfall for a cool break time.
You may or may not have heard of Steele Falls, but it's no secret that it will quickly become your favorite!
The 60-ft. falls is well worth the mild effort to reach and can be a wonderful addition to your camp out at Gunner Pool. For a perfectly relaxing snippet of the falls, watch this short clip from the Arkansas State Tourism's Facebook. As always, before heading out to this trail be sure to do your research. AllTrails is an especially helpful tool for hikers.
Are you a waterfall love-them-all that already knew about Steele Falls? We would love to see your photos in our Facebook Group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why there’s nothing better than Arkansas’ stunning nature.
If you’d like to visit more swimming areas like Gunner Pool, check out these natural pools scattered around Arkansas. For more (not so) secret waterfalls, take a hike to this elusive fall.
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