If you'd like to feel like a rugged Arkansas adventurer, but without the commitment to traversing miles of endless trails, it's time to tackle the Murray and Senyard Falls Trail. The challenging, yet pleasantly short, Arkansas hike will quickly reward your efforts with two unbelievably beautiful waterfalls in Arkansas. Let's take this trail to see the falls. Because of the downhill terrain, we do not recommend this trail for children. For those with younger kids or newbie hikers searching for Arkansas waterfalls check out hikes more suitable for them - those hikes are sure to satisfy too!
This is a short and sweet waterfall hike in Arkansas, but admittedly, it's not the easiest or most accessible trail.
While it only takes 0.7 miles to reach the falls, it's a fairly steep scramble to get there. From the Cherry Bend Recreation Area, look for the path behind the bulletin board. Turn right once you've reached the bluff to head (steeply) downhill. This will take you to the Mountain Fork Creek drainage. You'll just need to follow it downstream to reach the first waterfall.
Depending on what season you take the trail, both waterfalls can be viewed at the same time!
The heavy rains of spring ensure full-force waterfalls but that's not the only time to take the trail. The off seasons allow you to see both waterfalls through the trees and make the hike easier to navigate. This is definitely a trail you'll want to come back and revisit.
Both waterfalls can be found off of the Cherry Bend Trailhead.
Cherry Bend is part of the Ozark Highlands trail but this double waterfall hike is a short alternative to the 100+ mile trail. You'll come across Cherry Bend Recreation Area while traveling the Pig Trail, use this map for directions.
Murray Falls will be the first waterfall along the trail.
The 37-foot falls is named for Dick Murray and it's pretty spectacular. The trail will take you to the top of the falls so take extra caution while continuing downhill for your photos.
Senyard Falls is further down the creek.
You'll need to cross the creek to continue downhill, so make sure the water isn't too high before doing so. After a few yards you'll arrive at the top of Senyard Falls. Roy Senyard Falls is 29 feet high and just as gorgeous as Murray Falls. After taking plenty of photos and a well deserved rest, follow the creek uphill to return to the rec area.
Explore the falls in this intriguing and beautiful video - it hasn't changed a bit.
We would love to hear about your adventure along this trail in the comments! You can also share your photos with us in our Facebook Group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why there’s nothing better than Arkansas’ stunning nature.
Still searching for Arkansas waterfalls? We thought you might be - we have an insatiable appetite for waterfall chasing, too! Here's a waterfall road trip through Arkansas that's sure to satisfy your waterfall wanderlust.
Looking to amp up your hiking game to 11? Check out AllTrails+, which is so convenient you'll wonder how on earth you ever hiked without it.
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