Fern Falls

So glad we went on this trail. The parking was a tad difficult because it has rained recently and the area around the hwy 7 sign was muddy and a drop off from the street. I wouldn't recommend that unless you have a four-wheel drive or it's pretty dry. We parked up the street where there's a drive-in spot to the utility poles. The trailhead is directly beside the highway 7 sign. Since it had rained the trail was very muddy and very wet. Trail shoes are certainly recommended. Once you get to the waterfalls, take a left around the falls and down to the bottom. Be careful once you get to the falls if you have little kids because there is nothing to warn you that there is a drop off and you don't want them running off the edge. The ledge underneath the falls was very muddy and slippery, so also be cautious on your way down. The trail is not blazed but it was easily worn and obvious. It was a steady decline down to the falls and incline back up. There was a lot mushrooms to see, It was all so beautiful.

Very difficult to find the trail head without knowing it's straight in from the scenic 7 highway sign but when you do man is it worth it. *Warning if you are remotely allergic to poison ivy then be ready itch because a very large stretch of the trail was riddled with it and it would sneak in a plant or 2 in places where you would need to step. Parking is an issue - If you have a vehicle with higher ground clearance then there is space by the scenic highway 7 sign though I'm not sure about the legality of parking there, otherwise you will need to park a little north of the trail across the highway on either of the 2 marked roads. I did see a little entrance and kind of a service road for the power lines so that might be an option two but again I don't know if you get in trouble parking there. See pics below or wherever they put them.

We visited several waterfalls in the area including Eden Falls, Gloryhole Falls, and Kings Bluff but Fern Falls was our absolute favorite. Parking is along the road by the "Arkansas 7" sign and I do not recall seeing a trail marker or signpost, but it is clear where the trail is. The hike itself is nothing special, but when you hit the top of the falls, keep to the left above them and then go down to the bottom. It is magical! The trail is not steep and is an easy walk until the end where a little bit of picking around the stones is necessary. The pool at the base had an incredible turquoise color and the place was just so special. Do not miss this waterfall!

Fairly easy hike in and out, doesn't get too steep until you're right at the fall. We chose to park on a pull off just north of the the Scenic 7 sign because of all the rain the day before we didn't want to run up the area by the sign. Lots of rain the day before so the water was flowing fairly decent.