Little Missouri Falls in the Ouachitas

Spring is finally here and lots of people are looking for information on waterfalls. There are a ton of great waterfalls in the state, but Little Missouri Falls in the Ouachitas is one of my favorites. I have only been there once, but I liked it so much it’s on my list for a return visit. It was not my planned destination that day. I just kind of ended up there on a day I was out “adventuring”, as I like to call it. Adventuring is when I hop in the car and go exploring with no set destination. I just take off driving to see what I can find.

On this particular adventure day, I wanted to explore the area west of Lake Ouachita, with Little Missouri Falls as the fallback plan. I headed west down Highway 270 toward Mt. Ida so I could pick up lunch from Burl’s Smokehouse in Royal. Once I reached Mt. Ida, I had a decision to make – go north or south? After a little exploring and checking the AllTrails app, the allure of Little Missouri Falls was just too much. So I headed southwest to find the falls, and anything else along the way.

Directions

Little Missouri Falls is located about 32 miles northwest of Glenwood and about 30 miles southeast of Mena. It is south of Hwy 8 and north of Hwy 84 on Mine Creek Rd. It is well-known enough that it will pull up on a Google Maps search. Map yourself to the point on the map below, and you’ll drive right to it.

What to Expect

In one word: Beauty. This place is incredible. In the summer, it looks like the kind of place you might see on a tropical island or something. There is not a single large, or high waterfall. It is a series of rock shelves and small waterfalls that cascade like stairs down a hill. Each shelf empties into a small pool that empties into another. The stream finally dumps into a larger pool at the bottom before the river heads out into the forest. The trail only goes down one side of the falls. The other side is mostly booked in with bluffs, boulders, and brush. There are several spots along the trail to access the water and wade around the falls.

When I arrived, I was surprised to find how close the falls are to the parking area. I was expecting more of a hike, but no, the falls are only a couple hundred feet away. As I made my way down the trail and started exploring the falls, it didn’t take long to realize that I was not prepared. I had not researched the area at all. All I knew was that it was supposed to be really cool, and that I might end up there that day.

The first thing I was missing was water shoes. I waded around the falls barefoot, but water shoes would have been so much better. After having lunch on a giant rock next to the falls, I realized the next thing that was missing – my hammock! This would be a great place to set up a hammock and chill for while. Lastly, I was a little jealous of the people cooling off in the swimming hole at the bottom of the falls. I wished that I had brought a towel and a change of clothes for swimming.

Oh well, I learned – and I’ll be ready next time. I will also show up earlier to do some hiking before I cool off in the falls and nap out.

Hiking Little Missouri Falls in the Ouachitas

As I mentioned, you can drive straight to the falls. But there are trails here you can hike. The trailhead for the Little Missouri Trail starts in the parking lot. It runs 11.7 miles to Albert Pike Recreation Area. The Little Missouri Trail is also a popular section of the 28-mile Eagle Rock Loop trail. I have not hiked these yet. But I hear they are great trails with tons of scenery.

Plan Your Trip

No matter which season you visit Little Missouri Falls, it’s probably best to go after there’s been some rain in the area. Personally, I plan to return when it’s warm enough to swim, but not too hot. I’m thinking mid-May to early June. But I’m sure it’s great most times of the year. Also, it is not a quick, easy drive from most places in the state. Give yourself plenty of time to get there, and plan on spending some time driving on gravel roads. I’m not saying a 4-wheel-drive is needed, but it’s not a place you want to take your sportscar.

The area is pretty remote, so don’t plan on having cell service there. Download or print any trail maps you might need before you go. It is 30-40 minutes from everything, so take food and drinks if you’re spending the day. Don’t forget those water shoes for playing in the falls. The only restroom is a vault toilet, and camping is allowed along the hiking trail.

Check out my pics below. If you visit the Little Missouri Falls in the Ouachitas, remember to leave no trace. Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints!