The Steele Falls Trail In Arkansas Is A 3-Mile Out-And-Back Hike With A Waterfall Finish
By Carol Ann Carson|Published February 06, 2021
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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.
The towering falls within the Ozark National Forest are some of the most beautiful in the world. One to put on your bucket list is Steele Falls. This out-and-back trail will take you into the forest, through the creeks, and finish at a gorgeous, triple-spring-fed waterfall. Let’s lace up our hiking boots and take a scroll through this beautiful Arkansas trail:
Steele Falls Trail is a gorgeous nature escape in the far east of the Ozark National Forest.
The trail has some elevation gain (a gradual 500-ft.) and is rated as moderate. In addition to hikers, the trail is accessible for trail running and horseback riding. Dogs are welcomed as well! We wouldn't recommend this trail as a first-time hike but it is doable for hike-loving families.
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The waterfall is certainly the featured focus of the trail but it's not the only thing to see.
Take time to enjoy the beautiful canopy of trees, climbable boulders, and creek cascades. You may come across seasonal wildflowers as well as the occasional woodland critter!
The serene greenery is downright stunning during spring and any mild summer. However, the trail tends to be easier (and less sweat-inducing) during leaf-off seasons. Whenever you do plan to hike, try to take this trip after a recent rain. You'll want to see the waterfall flowing of course!
Steele Falls is a neck-craning spectacle in the forest.
The waterfall is 66-ft. tall and simply stunning when caught after a rainy day. The waterfall is fed by three converging springs on the ridge above making this scene quite a unique find!
Before heading back to the trailhead, take a break behind the falls.
Is there any better place for a snack than behind a waterfall? Get your pictures, explore around the falls, and simply enjoy this gorgeous area before heading back.
Be sure to research this path further and download the trail map here.
Have you chased this particular waterfall? We’d love to hear about your adventure in the comments below! You can also add your photos to 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.
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