Waterfall Hunting - Poison Ivy, Slick Spots and the Awesome Power of Water

Having above average rainfall over the last month, it was clearly time for a waterfall search.  The best guide around is Tim Ernst's Arkansas Waterfalls. So we got a big breakfast, packed some snacks and turned on the GPS. 

 

There isn't a lot to say here, but if you haven't stood under a raging waterfall after driving down a 4x4 "road", following directions that seem cryptic, but adequate, and felt the rush of the wind created from the torrent of water or heard the roar as you picked between slick rocks, poison ivy and the tick hoards....then you are missing out.  There is nothing like having that childlike awe, time and time again as you stumble across these amazing natural wonders. 

 

Before we get to waterfall glory, there was a lot of fungus among us.  I love fungus and always will:

When you accidently plant your hand in this one, it is akin to the

grossest thing you can imagine.  Not ok...

 

 

If fungus isn't your jam, maybe some wildflowers:

And even a few gorgeous leaves -- the forest is so full of amazing little things!

 

Now for the wildlife.  I have to warn you, this isn't little bunnies and deer nuzzling each other.  We suspect that from time to time, animals are bee-bopping along and suddenly find themselves careening over the falls.  Sad, but interesting.  Nature is taking its course as it is oft to do!

 

What a beast!

This brought to our attention that there may be smarter snakes about.  Tis the season.

 

This is the snail version of an ostrich putting its head in the sand.  I'm 90% sure this is a live one!

 

 

Velociraptor!  Just kidding, only me, expressing my love of Jurassic Park in this fern filled setting.

 

NOW FOR THE WATERFALLS!

 



 

We started the day with Sweden Creek Falls.  It is 81' tall and creates a roar in the gully it washes into.  As of now, I feel like the .9 mile hike through poison ivy was worth it, talk to me in a week.

 

View of the falls on the approach. 

81' Feet of Roaring Glory

Yay! Waterfalls!

Baby neighbor waterfall.

 

From behind the falls.  The roar under the rock it pours over was astounding!  So relaxing!

(See the purple shirt at the bottom for scale)

 

View from in front of the falls.

 

View from behind the falls.

 

New we headed to Hammerschmidt Falls.  It towers at 41' but seemed significantly taller.  This was a much less dramatic hike in, but was complemented by a treacherous "jeep road" that felt like it was probably twisting the truck frame....

 

The falls above the falls.

A view from where the water wizzes over the edge!

Dad watching me do things he would rather I not do.

Sometimes you have to live on the edge.  Sometimes the edge slopes down and is a little unnerving...

 

 

I've decided he's started taking these videos for the 60 minutes special.  That way they know he didn't throw me off if something ever goes pear shaped.

 

View from in front of the falls.

 

Last, but certainly not least is the multiple moniker Triple Falls, Orr Falls, Twin Falls or "that waterfall down by Kyles Landing."  This place is so easy to get to that it is almost criminal to not go visit when the water is up!

 

Super muddy, and slightly ominous trail into the Twin Falls area.

 

 

 

 

So thankful that my Dad was willing to spend a whole Sunday with his crazy child (made an entire waterfall hunting route list, with coordinates, page number references and logical routing -- 2 hours of labor...and so worth it).  We always have a blast and I'm thankful for the time we get to spend together seeing these amazing things.

 

 

Hopefully this tempts you to get out there!  If there is a big rain and the river isn't safe, go see the falls, the fungi, the critters and for the love of Pete, watch out for poison ivy!!! You only live once. 

 

GO DO IT!