Fern Falls Trail

Jasper, Arkanas

The Fern Falls Trail is such an underrated trail. Most people think of Whitaker Point or Lost Valley when it comes to trails near the Buffalo River, but Fern Falls is one of my new favorites. If you’re wanting a shorter hike to a gorgeous waterfall, then this one is for you!

Fern Falls Trail Overview

Difficulty: AllTrails labels as easy, but coming out is mainly uphill and you do some climbing to get down to the waterfall. I would say more moderate.
Hiking Distance: 1.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 230 feet
View Points: The beautiful Fern Falls, neat rock formations, creek crossing, and wild ferns all around the falls

Getting to the Fern Falls Trail

Getting to Fern Falls Trailhead is pretty easy, just keep your eyes out or you will miss it! The trail head is not marked, but you will see the big Scenic 7 Byway Sign (pictured at the beginning of the post) and you will know you’re there. The sign is right off Arkansas Highway 7. You literally pull off on the side of the highway at the sign to park for the trail. There is a big grassy area, but it can be muddy when it has rained. Close to the sign, you will be an opening in the overgrowth for the trailhead. Off you go to the beautiful waterfall!

More ferns and moss growing near Fern Falls

Wild Ferns

One of the coolest things along the Fern Falls Trail is all of the wild ferns growing. There are so many behind and around the waterfall as well. It makes it feel so magical!

Creek Crossings

There are a few different creek crossing areas along this hike. They have beautiful scenery and they’re so peaceful to sit by and listen to the water run. There is one stream you have to cross to be able to get down to the waterfall. Be careful stepping on the rocks, they can be slick! You could definitely bring some sandals, Chaco, or water shoes for the water crossings.

Fern Falls

The trails is a direct shot to the beautiful Fern Falls. It is a gorgeous waterfall that flows into a creak below that you can wade or swim in the water below. There is also a ledge behind the waterfall so you can walk behind the falls as well. There are so many beautiful ferns and moss growing behind the falls as well. It is truly magical behind the falls.

Fern Falls is the perfect place to go if you wanted to pack a lunch and have a quick place to hike in and just hangout and enjoy the view. It is so peaceful by the falls. I could truly sit there all day and just take in all that Mother Nature has to offer us.

New to hiking and don’t know what to bring? Check out my Top 10 Day Hiking Gear Recommendations here.
Check out these hikes close to Fern Falls Trail. Whitaker’s Point (Hawksbill Crag) Trail and Lost Valley Trail are great hikes to check out!

Embark with Bailey

Fern Falls Trail

Jasper, Arkanas

Fern Falls Trail Overview