WATCH: Long Pool Rec Area provides easy access to impressive waterfalls

Those visiting the Long Pool Recreation Area might consider embarking upon a short trek to the two waterfalls that are close to the facility. - Photo by Corbet Deary of The Sentinel-Record
Those visiting the Long Pool Recreation Area might consider embarking upon a short trek to the two waterfalls that are close to the facility. - Photo by Corbet Deary of The Sentinel-Record

Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-Record. Today, Deary takes readers on a journey to Long Pool Recreation Area.

I'll be the first to suggest that the Ouachita Mountain Region is one of the most beautiful sections of Arkansas. We are privy to crystal-clear, mountain-fed streams cutting their way through a bountiful forest.

Interesting boulder formations are common, as are healthy stands of conifers and hardwoods. Wildflowers of all colors and descriptions paint the substrate during the spring and an abundance of native wildlife benefits from the environment.

I personally believe that, although different, the Ouachitas are equally as worthy of praise as are the Ozarks. However, I'll also have to admit that one of my favorite photo subjects is somewhat sparse here in our neck of the woods. In fact, I would be hard-pressed to list more than eight or 10 waterfalls lurking throughout the entire Ouachita Mountain region that I would consider impressive.

The Ozarks, on the other hand, produce a terrain that is far more conducive to these water spectacles. In turn, it's not hard to find water pouring over sheer rock formations and dumping into pools below in this particular section of Arkansas. Some of these destinations are nestled deep in the forest and along rugged terrain.

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There are others, however, that are situated near roads and are easily accessed. In fact, some are conveniently located within walking distance of recreation areas.

The destination I will be covering today is one such spot. Not only is Long Pool Recreation Area an ideal spot for those who long for an outing in a beautiful natural setting, but it is also located close to two very impressive waterfalls.

The recreation area is easy to find. From Hot Springs, simply head north on Highway 7 to Dover, about 9 miles north of Russellville. Remain on the highway for about 5.5 more miles and take a left onto Highway 164.

Travel 3.5 miles on 164 and take a right onto County Road 114 (Old Highway 7) at the sign. Remain on the county road for 4.8 miles, where it will enter the recreation area.

Long Pool Recreation Area is situated on the banks of, and is one of the main access points to, Big Piney River. This particular waterway is one of the most popular floating destinations throughout the Ozarks, and rightfully so.

I have actually floated the river downstream from Long Pool, and enjoyed the excursion, as fishing was good. The 5-mile section of the river, beginning at Long Pool and ending at Highway 164, lends to a fairly easy float with mostly Class 1 rapids separating large pools. However, if memory serves me, there were a few willow strainers along the way.

The stretch of river immediately above the recreation area, on the other hand, is not quite so friendly. In fact, this 10-mile stretch is a popular spot for those who are more daring. In fact, the rapids have earned titles such as "Roller Coaster," "Surfing Hole" and "Cascades of Extinction."

One does not necessarily have to be a lover of paddling or fishing to enjoy the recreation area, though. In fact, a lot of folks travel to the destination to simply savor a stint in the midst of Mother Nature.

That in mind, a number of camping sites are located throughout the facility. In fact, one of the loops is open year-round and offers 20 sites with water and electrical hookups.

Of course, primitive sites are also available, as are designated picnic sites. And regardless of one's preferred method of spending time in the wonderful outdoors, I'm confident that all will appreciate the fact that the restrooms are well maintained and have running water.

Now let's talk about the aforementioned waterfalls that are close to the recreation area. To get to the trail leading to the drainage area, turn into and follow the Loop B area all the way to the back.

Strike out along an old road trace located between campsite 14 and campsite 9. The road will make a slight ascent and run along a hillside overlooking the Big Piney, lending to a nice perspective upstream.

The view of the river will be short-lived, however, as the trail will make a descent to a drainage area that dumps into the river. Make a right-hand turn and follow the creek upstream for a short distance to the first set of falls.

One should be prepared to wade across the stream prior to reaching the waterfall. With a little luck, one can actually make the crossing via boulders, without getting their feet drenched.

The first waterfall, by no means, is tall. In fact, it might be 6 feet. However, this is one of the most photogenic and one of my all-time favorite water spectacles.

The creek makes its way over the smooth shelf above and suddenly plummets several feet to yet another moss-covered shelf located just below the sheer formation then plummets into a huge pile of boulders and continues downstream.

I have always visited this location within days of a significant rainfall, and am uncertain of how it might appear during the drier months of the year. However, I would suspect that at least some water flows along this particular stream during most seasons of the year.

It would certainly prove interesting to see it immediately after heavy precipitation. However, getting across the creek might prove somewhat more of a challenge.

OK, let's head on upstream to the next waterfall. And let me tell you, this one is far taller than the first. But I'll also warn that the trek to the base of the falls is noticeably more difficult.

The trek is not very far. But be prepared to navigate a few boulders as the draw narrows and the hillsides steepen. And, there will be a time when those who are looking for the best perspective will be forced to ford the creek.

Although the short trek to the base of the falls was noticeably more complicated, I certainly found the journey worth the effort. Scaling a couple of boulders, crossing the creek, and rounding the corner, I was greeted by a waterfall plummeting 44 feet into a pool below.

The steep and rocky terrain made it somewhat difficult to find a location where I could set up my tripod and grab a few exposures, but with a little searching, I eventually found a photographer-friendly perspective.

Meandering through the huge boulders and along the steep hillside, I finally reached easy terrain during my jaunt back to the first waterfall. And after crossing the branch, the remainder of the journey back to my rig was a piece of cake.

Loading my gear, I was more than pleased with the results of this 1.5-mile round-trip excursion into the heart of the Ozarks. And I eagerly awaited my next opportunity to visit the Long Pool Recreation Area.

The tallest of the two waterfalls near Long Pool Recreation Area is in the neighborhood of 44 feet tall. - Photo by Corbet Deary of The Sentinel-Record
The tallest of the two waterfalls near Long Pool Recreation Area is in the neighborhood of 44 feet tall. - Photo by Corbet Deary of The Sentinel-Record

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