Indian Rockhouse Trail — Attraction in Arkansas

What a cool place to visit! We were floating the buffalo river while staying at the Buffalo Point Campground and found this trail which was less than a mile from us. It took us about 2.5 hours to hike the 3.5 mile trail, look around inside the "house", and take a few pics here and there. You are walking along an almost dried up stream for a good portion of the way. (I have read that if there has been a good amount of rain, there's portions you will have to cross some ankle deep water, so be sure to wear good shoes) The waterfall was only at a good trickle, but we got wet standing under it. There was a small cave to take a look inside that was an old zinc mine, and a smaller rock "house" that we first thought was it, but kept going to find the signs for the larger one. Go all the way back on the trail, or you will miss the house. Make sure you have a headlamp to explore the rock house, there's some smaller caves in the back and several spots to grab some super cold water. The natural bath tub was really cool to see as well! I will say the ascend back out is rather strenuous and I had to stop for a couple of breaks. Whether you go clockwise (from the road) or counterclockwise (from the trailhead), you will still encounter a rather steep ascend at the end. It's just whether you want to go straight up stairs or straight up a dirt trail. We went later around 2pm, it was a cloudy day, but we all still worked up a sweat in the 74 degree weather. Absolutely a MUST trail to hike if you are in the area for sure! Kid friendly, not stroller friendly and dogs aren't allowed on this trail (not...

TL;DR: The words "moderate" and "intermediate" are very accurate for this trail and anyone used to less will be exhausted, but it's still worth it.

Entrance is across the road from the parking, and when you come out, you will have the option of exiting early and following the road.

Be warned this trail has plenty of hazards but is generally safe. There are several drop offs and places that look like it would be trouble if it's raining or if there is a chance for the creek to be high. Bears should be considered as well (we didn't see one, just make plenty of noise and don't bring anything that might attract them).

The loop goes up and down through a variety of scenes from a creek bed, past an old mine, around a beautiful little waterfall, and more before throwing you into the sizable cavern.

I'm leaving a lot out just because the word salad necessary to describe it would bore you compared to seeing it.

Not handicap accessible and no pets allowed. Bring plenty of water, this is a good hike. I'd even recommend a snack for midway (please don't throw your trash on the side of the trail and be mindful food could attract bears).

It seems to be well trafficked and maintained. We met several other hikers on the trail and there were generally places to let them pass (although it can be quite...

This is a nice trail for most ages. Personally, I wish it was longer. This loop trail comes in at 3.3 miles long including the spur down to the rockhouse. Sections of this trail have muddy spots and a few trees blown across it. Going around these areas are not much of a problem. Lots of neat springs and geological feature along this trail, even an old abandoned mine. For those wondering, it's collapsed and closed off. The spur to the rockhouse is around .6 miles one way. The rockhouse itself is the largest I personally know in the state. Once inside on the left, there is a creek that comes up, flows a short distance before going back underground. Take a flashlight as it's far back and down a distance so it is a little dark. Getting back on the trail and heading out, there is a section of trail that is steeper and most people would consider moderate. Taking out time we started and finished in three hours. Nice trail and...