09/21/16 Featured Arkansas landscape photography–6 finger falls on Falling Water Creek

Late May on 6 finger falls in Newton County

Taken with a Phase One IQ100 and 35mm LS lens, 2 part horizontal pano.  Taken in 4 shots to merge later for foreground and background in Helicon Focus

Arkansas has many great streams to hike but one of the best is Falling Water Creek, which is well named as it has a large number of waterfalls it’s entire length before emptying into Richland Creek.  Falling water creek has an upper and lower half, and some of the best spots to photograph are on the lower half.  There you will find creek wide ledges like 6 finger falls.  6 finger falls, named for the cut outs the creek has made in the ledge, is quite a wonder.  It offers great photographic opportunities year round but is best in the fall and spring.  You will be lucky to find any water in the creek in the fall and if you do consider yourself lucky.  The banks are lined with deciduous trees that offer a great display of fall color.

You will also like the fact that for most of it’s length, falling water creek has a forest service road that parallels it’s length and so offers quick access.  This of course means in Arkansas you can expect to find all types of folks here on a good weekend, so plan your trip during the week if at all possible.  The forest road is number 1205.  Heading due north on the road, falling water creek will be on your right for the upper half, and then after you cross it on the left.  For a portion of it’s length, the Ozark Highland trail is just above the road on the right, below the bridge.  This is great day hike also.

Make sure to include a trip to the mouth of falling water creek at Richland Creek campground.  Richland is the crown jewel of creeks in Arkansas and is also protected as a Wilderness Area, so you can enjoy a day without hearing a 4 wheeler.