[title subtitle=”words: Paul and Sarah Heer, Arkie Travels
Images: courtesy Arkie Travels”][/title]
Did you know over sixty percent of employees with paid time off won’t use all their vacation time this year? What’s holding them back? The cost! Lucky for us, we live in a natural wonderland with lakes, rivers and waterfalls around every corner. The hard part is settling on one for your staycation. Here’s our top ten list of natural Arkansas waterparks to enjoy this summer without breaking the bank!
1: Haw Creek Falls – Hagarville, Arkansas
Combine this waterfall with an overnight stay in the Haw Creek Campground for some memorable family fun! The falls provide a beautiful backdrop and the sounds will lull you to sleep at night.
2: Falling Water Falls: FEATURE IMAGE LEFT – Smyrna Township, Arkansas
This is our favorite waterfall in the state! Just off Hwy. 16 close to Sand Gap, this pool is easily accessible and perfect to cool off on a hot Arkansas day.
3: Devil’s Den State Park Spillway – Winslow, Arkansas
Devil’s Den has long been a favorite of ours! The spillway is spectacular and is a perfect area for play. The rock dam spans Lee Creek, forming Lake Devil, with canoes and pedal boats for rent.
4: Little Missouri Falls – Langley, Arkansas
If you feel like you’re driving down an old Jeep trail, you’re on the right track! This beautiful cascade is located in the Ouachita National Forest and is easily accessible for all ages.
5: Falls Creek Falls – Lake Catherine State Park, Arkansas
A beautiful, wide trail along the lake leads you straight to your own piece of paradise! It’s a short, easy trek to the falls with other trails available nearby.
6: Blanchard Springs – Near Mountain View, Arkansas
Several rock beaches hug the river and you’ll love the waterfall spilling out of the cave – it feels like air conditioning hitting your face! Also, make sure you see the spillway on Mirror Lake. It’s a stunner!
7: Wooly Hollow State Park Beach and Spillway – Greenbrier, Arkansas
A clean beach on Lake Bennett and a beautiful waterfall spillway make this a fun area for the whole family! And, since it’s a state park, it’s very well maintained.
8: Blue Hole: FEATURE IMAGE RIGHT – Caddo Gap, Arkansas
This hidden gem has been a local secret until recently; itnow has its own pin on Google maps. The owner asks for a $5 donation if you decide to swim. You can scuba but no cliff jumping allowed!
9: Cedar Creek Swimming Hole / Ozark Highlands Trail: FEATURE IMAGE CENTER – Hagarville, Arkansas
This one takes a bit of a hike, but it’s well worth the destination! It’s located about five miles west of Haw Creek Campground on the Ozark Highlands Trail. With water so blue it doesn’t even look real!
10: Kings River Falls – Witter, Arkansas
A favorite amongst college students, Kings River Falls is a beautiful oasis at the end of an easy hike. Carry your cooler on the short trek and make a day out of it!
For more information about Sarah & Paul’s travels and routes they’ve designed all over our home state, follow them on social media @ArkieTravels or visit their website at arkietravels.com.
