Richland Falls, Buffalo National River Travel Guide

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Experience the natural beauty of Richland Falls, a wide and wonderful waterfall in the heart of Arkansas' Ozark Mountains.

Richland Falls, located in the Richland Creek Wilderness of the Ozark National Forest, is a stunning natural waterfall known for its impressive width and scenic beauty. The falls cascade across the entire creek bed, creating a breathtaking spectacle, especially after rainfall.

A brief summary to Richland Falls

Richland Creek Trail, Pelsor, Arkansas, 72856, US

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Richland Falls.

Visit after a rainfall to witness Richland Falls at its most spectacular, with water flowing powerfully across its entire width.
Wear appropriate footwear for hiking and creek crossings, as the trail can be slippery and involve wading.
Bring a map and compass or GPS device, as the trails in the Richland Creek Wilderness are not always well-marked.
Consider visiting during the spring or fall for pleasant temperatures and vibrant foliage.

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Explore Richland Falls on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Richland Falls, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From the Richland Creek Campground, the most common starting point, reaching Richland Falls involves navigating unpaved Forest Service Roads. From the campground, follow the main path west, crossing Falling Water Creek. Continue along the Richland Creek Trail for approximately 2 miles until you reach the confluence of Devil's Fork Creek. From there, proceed straight for about a quarter of a mile, where you'll find Richland Falls. Be prepared for potentially rough road conditions and limited parking at the trailhead. There are no fees for access or parking.
Walking

The final approach to Richland Falls is primarily on foot. From the parking area near Richland Creek Campground, follow the well-trodden path that leads west, which immediately requires crossing Falling Water Creek. Continue on the main trail, following Richland Creek. The path meanders for approximately 2 miles to the confluence of Richland Creek and Long Devil's Fork. Stay on the trail that bends left with Richland Creek and heads uphill. After a steep climb, the trail snakes along the hillside for a short distance before descending back to the creek at Richland Falls. Expect to encounter uneven terrain, creek crossings, and some steep inclines. The walk from the parking area to the falls is roughly 2.5 miles and can take 1.5-2 hours.

Discover more about Richland Falls

Richland Falls is a captivating destination nestled within the rugged terrain of the Richland Creek Wilderness in Arkansas' Ozark National Forest. This natural waterfall distinguishes itself with its remarkable width, stretching across the entirety of Richland Creek. While not exceptionally tall at only 8 feet, its horizontal expanse creates a mesmerizing curtain of water, particularly stunning after periods of significant rainfall.The falls are accessible via a moderately challenging hike through the Richland Creek Wilderness, where no official trails exist but beaten paths have been created over the years. The journey itself immerses visitors in the Ozark's natural beauty, with diverse flora, rock formations, and the clear waters of Richland Creek. The area is also known for other waterfalls, including the popular Twin Falls and the more secluded Hamilton Falls, making it a prime destination for waterfall enthusiasts.Visitors can enjoy swimming in the refreshing pool beneath the falls and exploring the surrounding wilderness. The area offers several camping spots for those wishing to extend their stay and further immerse themselves in the tranquility of the Ozarks. Keep in mind that the water levels of Richland Creek can fluctuate, transforming the falls from a single, wide cascade into a series of smaller, equally beautiful waterfalls during drier periods.