Hiking the Kings River Falls Natural Area in Arkansas

The Kings River Falls Natural Area in Madison County, Arkansas offers breathtaking scenery. It is located in the Ozark National Forest. In 1979 this area was designated as a natural area by the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission. There are no amenities along the trail, this includes restrooms. Remember to leave nothing but footprints and take nothing but pictures.

Trail Overview

Hiking to the falls is an easy hike. The 2.5 mile trail is well marked with blue diamonds nailed to trees. Kings River Falls trail starts out rocky and narrow. It borderlines private property to the left and the Kings River to the right. Along the beginning of the trail the river is extremely shallow, only a few inches deep. As you progress further down the trail, you will cross over large rocks, a small metal bridge, and then the trail surface turns to sand prior to changing back to a rocky terrain.

The Bluffs

The first impressive sight are the bluffs along both sides of the trail. The river is shallow enough to walk across at this point. Wear waterproof shoes so you can go over and take a look. Winter hikes along these bluffs offer you a treat. Icicles hang like cave formations from the bluff's outcroppings.

The Falls

The Kings River Falls are not large by waterfall standards. It drops only six feet. A unique feature is the color of the water. It is an unusual teal color. The falls churn into an open area below. Along the shore are large rocks that have been worn smooth by weather and water. This is a perfect place for a picnic.

Trail Details

Kings River Falls Natural Area Trail follows the river. There is always a view of the river and in many places you can go right to the shore. You start out on a narrow and rocky trail. The trail is fairly straight with little change in elevation. As you travel down the path, it widens out and takes you over several very large flat stones. Then the trail evolves into a short dirt pathway where you come to a metal footbridge. Cross the bridge and continue along the trail.

As you walk, you will pass a series of smaller falls. A buffer of small shrubs separates the hiker from the river. The trail will turn sandy after a short time. As the terrain changes, so does the view of the river. In the winter, you travel under a natural bridge of tree and shrub branches. In the summer and fall this is a tunnel of leaves. The "tunnel" opens up and there are very impressive bluffs to the left. Just before the main falls there is a smaller series of falls that feeds into the Kings River. In the summer this will be dry.

The main falls are impressive. Surrounded by large rocks worn smooth, it makes the ideal area for a picnic. Bring binoculars and a camera for wildlife is abundant.

The trail does not loop; you have to return the way you came in. As you pass the side falls, take the spur trail that will bring you along the top of the bluffs. The views are fabulous from the higher elevation. Return to the main trail and continue out the way you came in.

Directions

Kings River Falls Trail is just outside the town of Boston in Madison County, Arkansas, off State Route 16. Follow route 16 to Madison County Road 3175. This is a dirt road. Follow this for 2.1 miles and bear to the right on to Madison County Road 3415, also a dirt road. Look out for loose dogs and wandering cattle along the road. Follow this until the end, the road is very steep and after a rain it could be difficult to travel if not in a four wheel drive vehicle. Turn left on to Madison County Road 3500. Follow this over the Kings River to the Natural Area. Park by the sign, the trailhead is clearly marked.

To see a slideshow of the Kings River Falls Trail click here. A video of the falls is available here.

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Kings River Falls Natural Area