Arkansas Wild | Summer 2022

Swimming holes are favorite destinations for adventuresome nature lovers, and Arkansas has a treasure trove of hidden and not-so hidden spots perfect for cooling off.

Wherever you go, remember safety! You’re swimming at your own risk with no lifeguard on duty, so watch children closely. Be extra careful on wet rocks, as they can become very slippery. And most importantly, take care to gauge pool depth before jumping in. Exercising caution — and common sense — will help keep your experience safe and fun.

A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE SPOTS INCLUDE:

KINGS RIVER

(Madison and Carroll counties)

Unusual among the state’s waterways, the Kings River runs south to north before emptying into the White River arm of Table Rock Lake. Kings River Natural Area features soaring bluffs and great floating and fishing among deep pools. Kings River Falls trailhead lies near the town of Boston. The out-and-back trail is only 1.2 miles round trip, and upon reaching the 15-foot falls, you’ll find a deep pool at its base that’s a natural swimming hole.

Also, check out Trigger Gap outside Eureka Springs, which offers family-friendly gravel beaches. From Eureka Springs, head southeast, taking U.S. Highway 62 to County Road 302; follow for several miles. Turn left onto Arkansas 221; drive for about a mile. Pick up County Road 509 and follow signs to Trigger Gap Outfitters.

HOGSCALD

(Carroll County)

Hogscald swimming area is a section of popular Beaver Lake. The curvy, narrow stretch is an area full of tall rock outcroppings and large boulders. Find the swimming hole south of Eureka Springs on Arkansas 23. Turn on Buck Mountain Road; follow down to Hogscald and enjoy.

After your dip, head back to Eureka Springs where great pizza awaits the whole family at Red’s Pizzeria.

MULBERRY RIVER

(Newton, Johnson, Franklin counties)

The iconic Turner Bend is arguably the most popular spot for swimming, camping and canoeing along the Mulberry River. In springtime, the river is well-known for whitewater, but as the season progresses, plenty of swimming and wading holes emerge. To get there, take Arkansas 23 north from Ozark for 15 miles.

Make sure you observe the tradition of stopping for a selfie and stocking up on provisions at Turner Bend Store, by the way. Everything from candy bars to T-shirts to driving directions are handed out with a smile at this legendary spot.

Another prime spot is Bluff Hole Park, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers park within Mulberry itself. This swimming site provides access right down to the water and marks the border between Franklin and Crawford counties. And locals will tell you Wolf Pen Recreation Area, about 30 miles northeast of Ozark, provides all the splash with a fraction of the crowds. Find it by taking Arkansas 23 north out of Ozark for 17 miles, then head east on Arkansas 215 for 12.6 miles.

BIG SHOAL CREEK

(Logan County)

A wild whitewater ride during the spring thaw, Big Shoal Creek simmers down in the hotter months of the year and offers an easy-access experience for everyone in your group. Tucked between the town of Paris and Mount Magazine, the creek delights with 6-foot falls that are kidfriendly.

Cool off in the Kings River swimming hole.

Once you’ve toweled off, head to nearby Subiaco to experience Subiaco Abbey, an actual Benedictine monastery, complete with its own brewery. Or laze about in the sun at Preston Rose, serving craft beer and tasty vittles.

BIG PINEY CREEK

(Pope and Johnson counties)

Big Piney Creek is a beautiful waterway on the southern edge of the Ozarks, well-known for its many outdoor activities. Throughout the floating area, you’ll find numerous deep pockets for taking a dip.

The Long Pool Recreation Area is a major access point for floaters on Big Piney Creek, and the 44-foot Long Pool Falls (plus a small sister waterfall nearby) add to the natural spectacle. Spring fever can bring people out in droves, especially if it’s been raining and water levels are high, but the crowds thin in the heat of summertime. To get there, head north on Arkansas 7 from Dover for about 5.5 miles, turn left onto Arkansas 164 for about 3.5 miles to County Road 14/Old Arkansas 7. Go 2.8 miles and turn left onto county road 15/Long Pool Road for 2 miles to the recreation area.

Fort Douglas access is smaller, but offers a gentle slope into the water and nice swimming holes for families. The Ozark Highlands Trail runs nearby, meaning you’re likely to meet interesting adventurers trekking the route. Plus, you’re just a stone’s throw from Haw Creek Falls, Pack Rat Falls and Pam’s Grotto Falls at Haw Creek Campground. Find Fort Douglas where Arkansas 123 crosses Big Piney Creek, about 11.1 miles southwest of Pelsor/Sand Gap via Arkansas 7, or 16 miles north of Hagarville along Arkansas 164.

BUFFALO NATIONAL RIVER

Even when water levels are too low to float or canoe, the Buffalo offers plenty of swimming and wading opportunities to cool off in summer. Check out these three popular spots:

Ponca Access is easy to find; drive past the Buffalo Outdoor Center in Ponca just beyond the Arkansas 74 junction. Take the gravel road to an old low-water bridge and turn left to reach the parking area.

Buffalo Point is another favored spot for swimmers and waders, with clean, emerald water beneath the bluffs. From Yellville, head south on Arkansas 14 and east on Arkansas 268.

Steel Creek Campground offers a spacious gravel bar and a nice clearwater pool at the foot of Roark Bluff. Access it via Arkansas 74 south just outside of Ponca. Once at the campground, there are multiple access points to the river. The swimming hole and gravel bar are downstream from the canoe launch area at a bend in the river against Buzzard Bluff.

LEE CREEK

(Washington and Crawford counties)

Running for more than 64 miles in Arkansas and Oklahoma, Lee Creek offers plenty of access from its origins near West Fork and its confluence with the Arkansas River near Van Buren. Check out the creek at the Arkansas 220 bridge in Washington County, south of Devil’s Den State Park. This shimmering green hole is iconic to the region, so be prepared — it can get crowded.

WEST FORK WHITE RIVER

(Washington County)

Formed near the picturesque mountain hamlet of Winslow, the West Fork White River flows northwest through Fayetteville into Lake Sequoyah, then north into Beaver Lake before crossing into Missouri. Visit Riverside Park in West Fork, just south of Fayetteville, for its easyaccess swimming hole, complete with rope swing set against towering bluffs. The river can be too swift to swim at times, so check local water levels before heading out.

If the water doesn’t suit you, take the mural tour in Fayetteville and see how much public art you can spot. Afterward, make the short drive to Wright’s Barbecue in Johnson or in Bentonville for the perfect rib.

ILLINOIS BAYOU

(Pope County)

Originating high on the southern slope of the Ozarks, Illinois Bayou flows toward Russellville, where it empties into the backwaters of Lake Dardanelle. Don’t let the name fool you; the upper section is a prized stretch of Arkansas class II/III whitewater, boosted by three additional streams that feed into it. But there are places to enjoy a dip, too, namely at Bayou Bluff. Reach Bayou Bluff Recreation Area on Arkansas 27, just 5 miles north of Hector.

After swimming, take the gang to CJ’s Butcher Boy Burgers in nearby Russellville for some of the biggest and best cheeseburgers you’ve ever tried.

FALLING WATER FALLS

(Newton County)

Arguably the best swimming hole in the state, Falling Water Falls is nestled in the Ozark National Forest near a tiny dot on the map called Ben Hur. Easy to reach and picturesque, the site offers a gorgeous deep pool at the base of the falls. Swimming hole enthusiasts and travel websites roundly sing the spot’s praises, making it one to definitely experience. Once you’re done there, nearby Richland Creek Wilderness Area also offers wild adventures and beautiful waterfalls, but they are more remote. To visit Falling Water Falls, drive east on Arkansas 16 from Pelsor/Sand Gap. Travel about 9 miles to Ben Hur. At Ben Hur, turn right onto Arkansas 16-E, then left at Upper Falling Waters Road/County Road 68/Forest Road 1205. Proceed another 2 miles; the falls are visible from the road.

NORTH SYLAMORE CREEK

(Stone County)

Found within the Blanchard Springs Recreational Area, North Sylamore Creek is just one of the area’s attractions; the others being some of Arkansas’ best hiking and mountain biking trails, as well as the most spectacular caves.

North Sylamore Creek runs through the recreation area, offering two popular swimming holes. The main swimming area has a bathhouse and a small pavilion, while the other spot is located near the upper loop of the campground, across the low-water bridge.

To get there, head north from Mountain View on Arkansas 5/Arkansas 14 for about 5 miles, then west onto Arkansas 14. Stay on Arkansas 14 for about 6.6 miles, and the area’s entrance will be on your right.

Be sure to leave time to visit Mountain View’s picturesque downtown and charming shops. Your souvenir awaits!