LONG POOL FALLS
Ozark National Forest Arkansas, Arkansas
Long Pool Falls Trail offers an easy, family-friendly hike to a beautiful waterfall and box canyon near Big Piney Creek.
Long Pool Falls, Ozark National Forest Arkansas - 35.54930, -93.15210
THE BASICS
LONG POOL FALLS TRAIL
Difficulty: Easy • Length: 1.1 Miles • Roundtrip Elevation: 124 ft
Note: A fee of is required at Long Pool Recreational Area
Pets: Pets are allowed on leash
Restrooms: There are restroom facilities at the parking area.
Ideal time: waterfalls in Arkansas are rain dependent so visit after a good rain…Spring is a good time for trip planning
PLEASE PRACTICE THE SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF LEAVE NO TRACE: PLAN AHEAD, STAY ON THE TRAIL, PACK OUT WHAT YOU BRING TO THE HIKING TRAIL, PROPERLY DISPOSE OF WASTE, LEAVE AREAS AS YOU FOUND THEM, MINIMIZE CAMPFIRE IMPACTS, BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHER HIKERS, AND DO NOT APPROACH OR FEED WILDLIFE.
Lower Long Pool Falls, Ozark National Forest, Arkansas - 35.54970, -93.15272
GETTING TO THE LONG POOL FALLS TRAIL
Long Pool sits just north of Dover, Arkansas, along Big Piney Creek. The area is a day-use and camping destination managed by the Forest Service, with opportunities to swim, picnic, fish, paddle and, yes….hike to waterfalls.
To reach the trailhead:
From Dover, take Arkansas 7 north and then follow signs to Arkansas 164 west.
Turn onto County Road 14, then County Road 15 to enter the recreation area.
Parking at the campground gives you easy access to the Long Pool Falls Trail. US Forest Service
There’s a small $3 day-use fee to enter the recreation area, but parking and facilities make it worth the stop.
PARKING GPS: 35.549590, -93.161860
The parking area for Long Pool Falls in Long Pool Recreational Area
HIKING LONG POOL FALLS TRAIL
At roughly 1.1 miles round-trip, the Long Pool Falls Trail is generally rated easy to moderate — but don’t let the short distance fool you. Along the way you’ll traverse rocky creekbeds, and need to do a little scrambling near the waterfall itself. The path isn’t always well-marked, and footing near water can be slick, so solid hiking shoes and some attention to the terrain are recommended.
Here’s what to expect:
Trailhead to Lower Falls: From the parking area, walk through the Loop B camping area and look for the old roadbed that becomes the trail. Wander past the water tank and follow the path toward the creek.
Lower Long Pool Falls: The trail eventually reaches the creek and you’ll encounter a smaller cascade, a great spot to stop, take photos, and enjoy the sound of the cascades before beginning your scramble to the Upper Falls.
Final Push to Long Pool Falls: A short but rocky scramble up along the creek takes you to the larger waterfall hidden in a small box canyon. Keep your eyes open for the prominent bluff, where water plunges about 40+ feet over the rocks.
Tips for Your Visit
Footwear Matters: Water and rock make for slippery terrain — sturdy shoes are worth it.
Pack a Towel & Snacks: Plenty of spots near the creek beckon you to rest and picnic.
Cell Signal is Nonexistent: Download offline maps if you need navigation help.
Leave No Trace: This slice of wilderness stays beautiful when hikers pack out all trash.
Longpool Falls (44')
More Than a Waterfall: Long Pool Recreation Area
Beyond the hike to the falls, Long Pool Recreation Area is a destination in its own right. Set along the clear waters of Big Piney Creek, the area is a popular hub for floating, swimming, fishing, and camping. During warmer months, visitors often bring canoes or kayaks to enjoy mellow floats through scenic bluffs and gravel bars, while the creek’s deep pools offer refreshing swimming spots. The developed campground provides shaded sites close to the water, making Long Pool an ideal basecamp for a weekend of slow mornings, campfire evenings, and easy access to trails and creekside adventures. Whether you’re paddling, pitching a tent, or simply soaking up the Ozarks atmosphere, Long Pool delivers a classic Arkansas outdoor experience.
Long Pool Falls Fine Art Prints are available HERE
