The 42’ Fern Falls hides three quarters of a mile away from the big “Scenic 7” sign, and only 12 miles south of Jasper as you head towards Russellville. For Tim Ernst's Arkansas Waterfall Guide chasers, this is an easy one for you to accomplish.
For more of what to expect on this hike, read on. To skip to waypoints & other location info, scroll on down - but please consider SUBSCRIBING if you've found this free information useful. We'd appreciate that, and thanks for watching!
The 2 mile round trip volunteer trail begins right at the sign, just head on in to the woods. Even with leaves still falling, the trail was well trodden and easy to follow. The trail isn't marked and hike is mostly flat and on the level for the first 1/4 mile, where you'll meet a trail split. On this visit, the split was conveniently marked with a small rock stack - but make a right at that point anyway.
From there, you'll head downhill for around 0.15 mile as you descend toward East Fork Shop Creek - the creek that feeds the falls. This short stretch is a little bumpy, but you'll soon meet the creek. Follow it downstream 0.25 miles to meet the top of Fern Falls. The only descent of note is the short climb down to the bottom of the falls, best accessed from the left hand side. That does mean you'll have to cross the creek, but unless it's seriously highwater, you should be able to find a suitable place to do so.
Recent rain a few days earlier had already disappeared in most places we were now onto, but we checked this one out again to see if Super Leeds could swim around for a bit. Fern was again a great surprise under the circumstances and Leeds got to splash around for a while, that’s always good. The setting for this waterfall makes for great pictures too - and I probably took way too many!
For a TOPO video view for this hike (March 2023): [ Ссылка ]
All pictures and video clips are taken using my iPhone and my right hand, and often my left hand holding the dog leash...apologies for picture wobbles!
While you are there, visit the nearby Hudson Shelter Cave & Falls: [ Ссылка ]
2022 Map of 600+ Arkansas Waterfalls (map link in description section) [ Ссылка ]
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STATS:
Date: 11.3.21
Distance: 2. miles
Elevation Gain: 220’ ascent.
Getting to the parking spot is pretty easy, google maps will take your right to it. Cell phone signal is poor at best in most areas, so keep that in mind before you go, and download any digital maps you may need in advance.
If you visit these places, please recreate safely and responsibly. Leave no trace and #packmoreout
Cell Signal (AT&T): None for me around here.
Kid Friendly: Absolutely, but always be mindful of small children.
My GAIA GPS Track:
[ Ссылка ]
My AllTrails Track:
[ Ссылка ]
Overall Trail Difficulty: Easy, with occasional smaller obstacles to work around.
Parking GPS Location (grass verge right alongside HWY 7)
35.89291, -93.19023
Trail "split" (head right)
35.89357, -93.19416
Fern Falls GPS Location:
35.89748, -93.19249
**Leeds is mostly kept on leash until we find water he can play in. If he sees or senses deer he'll chase. Water trumps everything for him though. This respects the "Leave no Trace" principles, please do likewise. We adventure often, and he is very well trained now (and patient with me) with regard to climbs and scrambles. Know the limits of your dog, and your ability to handle it if you elect to take it.
In these videos, you will sometimes see a small tribute to my son, Josh Rogers, who unexpectedly passed in June 2018. Rest in much Love Joshman.
"I remember him every day, I tell stories about him. We laugh with the stories. We remember him in the right way, a person only dies when the last person who loved him dies" - Jose Mourinho
#doubledownalways
