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May 2003

Arkansas

David Aaronson
2005-09-29 13:11:46

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When we came to the Ozark region of northern Arkansas, our original goal was to spend a day (or more) canoeing on the Buffalo River. Unfortunately, several days of rain had caused the river to rise near flood stage and while we were standing in the outfitters preparing to go, the National Park Service 'closed' the river. This is the next morning at one put-in along the river (1). The river is normally confined to the other side of that vegetation bar in the middle of the picture. So instead given the heavy rain (which was still falling) we decided to go off in search of some waterfalls on the feeder creeks that run into the Buffalo River.

This is falling water falls on Falling Water creek (cleverly named, eh?) (2). Forest Route 1205 goes right by this one near the town of Ben Hur. It appears to be a swimming hole normally judging from the rope swings nearby. When we visited it was a bit angry for casual swimming and the road was washed out just a bit further downstream from the falls.

Also near the town of Ben Hur and the town of Pelsor is Pedestal Rocks Scenic Area. There are two hiking loops that leave from the parking area and travel to the top and bottom of the rocks respectively. This is Kings Bluff Falls from the top trail (3).

These are some of the rocks the area is named after (4). They make some rather fascinating column shapes and caves. There are warnings posted everywhere about the dangers of the top trail, and they should be evident from this picture and the previous one. That gap in the rock (which is just a few steps off the side of the trail) drops over 100 ft (30m), plus you'd probably land on someone hiking the bottom trail. Or maybe not, we only saw one other pair of hikers while we were out here. Maybe it was the periods of heavy rain though.

We spent some time orienteering to other falls but this was our clear favorite. This is Hammerschmidt Falls ...