This 3-Mile Hike In Arkansas Leads To An Unbelievably Beautiful Waterfall
By Carol Ann Carson|Published July 10, 2018
×
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.
Most of Arkansas’ natural beauty is easy to spot as soon as you step outside; however, some of the state’s hidden treasures take a bit of effort. This side-trip from the Ozark Highlands Trail is well worth the exertion to reach not one, but two lovely waterfalls. Let’s map out this adventure to reach the gorgeous Punchbowl Falls.
This hike is not recommended for young children or inexperienced hikers. We have plenty of 1 mile and under hikes for the whole family or a different waterfall trail that’s more accessible.
Today's hike is a side-tracked adventure off of the Ozark Highlands Trail.
The Ozark Highlands Trail (OHT) is a spectacular 165-mile (and still growing) hike from Lake Fort Smith to Woolum. While the entire trail is the ultimate entry for any Arkansas bucket list, the OHT can be divided into more feasible day-hike portions. We'll be starting our excursion at the Stack Rock Trailhead, which is about 30 minutes west of Snowball. Here are the coordinates for the Stack Rock Trailhead Parking.
Our hike begins easily enough. After parking, head north along the OHT.
The homestead is just to the left of the trail. Seeing the stacked rock chimney means we're close to our first waterfall, the Stack Rock Homestead Falls.
Advertisement
From the homestead, across to the right side of the trail, will be Dry Creek.
The hike to Punchbowl is 2.7 miles, so 5.4 miles round-trip. Bring your GPS and use these coordinates to help navigate between the parking area, homestead and two falls.
Have you been to Punchbowl Falls? We would love to hear about your hike and see your pictures in our Facebook Group, Arkansas Nature Lovers! You should join for your chance to be featured (like Brennan Duffield today) and to discover why there’s nothing better than Arkansas’ stunning nature.
