A remarkably beautiful area to visit. The falls are somewhat different than what you may think of waterfalls, but natural, shelf-like rock formations here have a stacked appearance, and the cold waters of the Little Missouri River tumble over progressively lowered rock-shelves. When the water isn't too high or fast moving, you can wade safely in the falls on these formations or you can swim at the collecting pool below the final rock shelf.
Miles of hiking trails through this area are for the enjoying, too.
Be sure you wear a good pair of old tennis shoes, especially if hoping to dare the slippery rocks beneath cold flowing waters of the falls. The rocks that make this gorgeous natural wonder are notoriously slippery, and some boulders that line the river's bed can have pointed or sharp edges. These easily scrape up feet, ankles, legs and knees. A pair of good tennis shoes makes for a little better traction.
Before the all-too-recent, unimaginably tragic flood that senselessly took many people's lives in the darkness down river that dreadful night several years ago now, (Google "Albert Pike flood" for more information), there was a recently constructed recreation area (day use only) featuring picnic tables and built-in cooking grills that really made this stunning place into a more visitor-oriented site.
As to whether this has been repaired or replaced since the flood there several years ago, I cannot report the status of any repair. Regardlessly, this is still a phenomenally beautiful escape that qualifies as one of Arkansas' gorgeous natural wonders.
In the early 1980s, visitors were shocked when nudists were enjoying nature in their birthday suits, standing naked in the river's waters there among the falls. Thankfully, though, I have never again encountered any nudists doing their thing here. Maybe that was a once-in-a-lifetime kind of thing. (Ha ha.)
Needless to say, the falls are somewhat remote. Gravel roads are the only means of getting here, unless you take the watery path of the river, or you opt to traverse alongside its banks on horseback or foot.
Sharp boulders and rocks are a standard thing on roads and alongside the river's meandering banks. So, if your vehicle's tires aren't well suited to these dangers, and even if they are in some cases, be advised that blowouts may happen, particularly with sedans whose rubber tires are wearing thin. It should be noted that getting repairs to tires or replacement tires can be quite daunting, if not altogether impossible. The small town of Glenwood is likely to be one's nearest option in the event of disaster, but know that Glenwood is a considerable distance from any such accidents happening here.
Blue Gill, goggle eye, sun perch and other freshwater river fish are known here. Of course, so are snakes, including venomous copperheads, cottonmouth water moccasins and rattlesnakes. Keep a close watch, and be mindful of any rattling sounds, though it should be noted that some rattlers may remain silent before striking any...
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