Last Updated on July 5, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Triple Falls in Arkansas is a quick Buffalo River hike you can do in about 0.5 miles roundtrip. You’ll follow a scenic creekside path to three cascades tucked near Kyles Landing, with the best flow after rain. The road in is steep gravel, so an all-wheel-drive vehicle helps, and cell service is spotty. It’s an easy, photogenic stop for families and waterfall fans, and there’s plenty more to know about the route, the falls’ name, and nearby spots.
Quick Answer
Triple Falls (officially Twin Falls) is a 48-foot waterfall on the Buffalo National River near Camp Orr, reached by a short 0.5-mile roundtrip hike. It’s fed by a year-round spring and a seasonal creek, so all three cascades only appear after good rain. Access requires a steep 1.8-mile gravel road best driven with an all-wheel-drive vehicle.
Key Takeaways
- The hike is only about 0.5 miles roundtrip with minimal elevation change.
- The 48-foot falls is officially named Twin Falls; “Triple Falls” describes the third cascade that appears in wet weather.
- The final 1.8-mile gravel access road is steep — an AWD or high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended.
- Pets are not permitted on this trail under National Park Service rules.
- There’s no entrance fee to visit; Buffalo National River only charges for camping.
Why Triple Falls Is Worth the Trip
Triple Falls is worth the trip because it packs a lot into a short, easy hike. You cover just 0.5 miles roundtrip on a scenic path beside a creek, so you can focus on the water, rock, and green canopy instead of the effort. The 48-foot falls is fed by a year-round spring on one side and a seasonal creek on the other, so after good rain all three cascades run at once, and the scene feels especially rewarding for waterfall photography. Around the creek, you can climb, pause, and explore at your own pace. Near the Buffalo National River, the area adds a strong outdoor backdrop without demanding a long commitment.
Where Triple Falls Is in Arkansas
Triple Falls sits in northern Arkansas near the Buffalo River, tucked into the Camp Orr area close to Kyles Landing. You’ll reach the trail from a gravel road, and you’ll want an all-wheel-drive vehicle since the access can be rough. The hike’s only about 0.5 miles roundtrip, but you should keep a map handy because cell service is limited out there.
Location Near Buffalo River
Near the Buffalo National River in northern Arkansas, you’ll find Triple Falls, officially named Twin Falls, tucked into a steep, wooded setting that rewards a careful drive and a short walk. You’ll catch three cascades most clearly after wet weather, when the seasonal creek runs strong alongside the year-round spring. The route climbs a gravel road, so an all-wheel-drive vehicle helps you reach the trailhead with less strain.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| River area | Buffalo National River |
| Falls height | About 48 feet |
| Access | Steep gravel road |
| Hike | 0.5 miles roundtrip |
| Coordinates | 36.054676, -93.258102 |
| Entrance fee | None (camping fee only) |
Finding Camp Orr
From Ponca, you’ll reach Camp Orr by heading east on HWY 74 for 9 miles, then turning left onto gravel CR#2300 and continuing 1 mile before turning right on CR#2306. You’ll notice the route gets steeper and rougher as you descend toward the Buffalo River, so road safety matters here. An all-wheel drive vehicle helps on the 1.8-mile drop to the parking area. Keep GPS navigation ready, and screenshot directions before you lose cell service near the river corridor. Camp Orr sits as a working Boy Scout reservation, and parking stays limited beside it. You can still access the public trail from there, but the road offers few pull-offs, so move carefully.
Trailhead Access Details
You’ll find Triple Falls, also called Twin Falls, near Kyles Landing in northern Arkansas, just off the Buffalo National River corridor. To reach the trailhead, you’ll follow CR#2306, a steep 1.8-mile gravel road that demands careful driving. An all-wheel drive vehicle is the safest choice, and low-clearance cars don’t belong here. After rain, the road can turn rough and slippery. At the end, a small parking area sits near the trailhead, with only a few pull-offs along the road. GPS helps too: plug in 36.054676, -93.258102 and let the map guide you there.
How to Get to Triple Falls
To reach Triple Falls, you’ll take HWY 74 East from Ponca for 9 miles, then turn left onto gravel CR#2300 and follow it for 1 mile before turning right on CR#2306 for another 1.8 miles. The access road gets steep and rough, so an AWD vehicle is a smart choice, and you can park near the small lot at Camp Orr or at a pull-off about 0.75 miles before the falls. Cell service is limited, so save offline maps ahead of time.
Finding Camp Orr Access
Finding Camp Orr access takes a little patience, but the route is straightforward once you know the landmarks. Watch for the Camp Orr turn-off near the Boy Scout camp; that’s your cue that you’re close and still on public ground. Save directions before you leave town, since cell service near the Buffalo River can fade fast. A high-clearance, all-wheel-drive vehicle helps on the rough grade, and low gear makes the climb back easier.
Warning: Camp Orr is an active Boy Scout reservation, not a public park facility. Stay on the designated trail to the falls, and don’t wander into camp buildings or programming areas.
Triple Falls Trail Length and Difficulty
Triple Falls Trail is a short, easy hike at about 0.5 miles roundtrip, so you can enjoy the falls without a strenuous trek. You’ll move through a wooded creekside corridor with minimal elevation gain, making it accessible for families and casual hikers. Note that this is an informal path rather than an officially maintained NPS trail, so surfaces can be uneven.
At a Glance
| Time Required | 30–60 minutes |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Tools Needed | Sturdy shoes, AWD/high-clearance vehicle for the access road |
| Cost | Free (no entrance fee) |
Why It’s Called Triple Falls
The 48-foot waterfall is officially named Twin Falls because it’s fed by two water sources: a fresh spring that flows year-round, feeding two of the cascades, and a seasonal creek that only runs after rain. When that creek is flowing, a third ribbon of water appears alongside the other two, which is why most visitors and hiking guides now call it Triple Falls — also helping distinguish it from other “Twin Falls” spots in the Ozarks. During drier stretches, you may only see the two spring-fed cascades, so both names are technically accurate depending on conditions.
A rare Ozark waterfall fed by both a permanent spring and a seasonal creek — which is exactly why its name changes with the weather.
Best Time to Visit Triple Falls
Spring, or any period right after a steady rainfall, is when Triple Falls Arkansas shows its best side, with enough water in the seasonal creek to bring all three cascades to life. If you come after a long dry stretch, only the two spring-fed cascades may be visible. Check local forecasts before you go, since recent rainfall gives you the clearest, most powerful display. Early mornings and late afternoons usually deliver the best light for photos, and cloudy days can keep harsh shadows off the water.
What the Hike to Triple Falls Is Like
At just about a half-mile roundtrip, the hike to Triple Falls is short and easy enough for most ages and skill levels, with a mostly level trail that follows the creek. The path can get muddy after rain, so sturdy footwear helps you stay steady. As you move in, you’ll start hearing water before you see it. The final approach opens to a clear pool beneath the falls, and you can explore along the creek bed if you stay aware of the slippery rock. There aren’t railings at the top, so keep safety in mind if you climb up for the overlook view.
Pro Tip: A spur trail near the falls leads to the top, where you can see the spring and creek that feed the cascades. It’s a steep scramble, so wear grippy shoes and go slowly on wet rock.
Photography Tips for Triple Falls
For the best shots at Triple Falls, you’ll want to arrive in early morning or late afternoon, when the light is softer and the falls often sit in shadow. On cloudy days, even light can make the cascades look richer and cut down harsh contrast. Keep a protective cover on your camera gear, since heavy spray can soak it fast.
Best Light Conditions
Aim for early morning or late afternoon, when softer light wraps the cascades and gives richer texture. On cloudy days, you’ll get even light that cuts harsh shadows and lets the three drops show their shape with clarity. Check local weather before you go; higher flows often reveal all three falls distinctly.
Protecting Camera Gear
Even on a perfect photo day, Triple Falls can be rough on camera gear because mist hangs in the air and spray can soak your equipment fast, especially after recent rainfall when the flow runs heavy. Pack camera protection like a rain cover or waterproof case, and use weather-sealed bodies if you’ve got them.
| What to watch | What to do |
|---|---|
| Heavy spray | Keep a cover on |
| Misty air | Wipe lens often |
| Overcast skies | Shoot for softer contrast |
| Early or late light | Favor shadowed cascades |
| Wet conditions | Check forecast first |
After each stop, do quick gear maintenance: dry seams, clean filters, and inspect straps before you move on.
Parking and Road Conditions
Parking for Triple Falls sits near a Boy Scout reservation, but the final stretch demands caution: the gravel access road runs about 1.8 miles to the trailhead, and its steep, rough surface makes AWD vehicles highly recommended. A low-clearance car may scrape or stall on the ruts. Slow down, watch for washouts, and don’t trust the road after rain, since mud can turn the climb messy fast. If you’d rather park early, use the limited pull-off about 0.75 miles before the trailhead. Cell service is spotty here, so load offline maps before you go.
More Buffalo River Places to Explore
If you’ve got extra time around Triple Falls, the Buffalo River corridor gives you plenty more to explore. You can hike Hemmed-In-Hollow Trail and see one of the tallest waterfalls in the Ozarks drop through a narrow valley. At Kyles Landing, you can launch a canoe, paddle a kayak, or try Buffalo River fishing in clear water. The surrounding Ozark National Forest stays lively with wildlife, so bring binoculars if you want to spot birds or deer. For a longer stay, campgrounds in the area offer tent sites and cabin rentals.
| Place | What you can do |
|---|---|
| Hemmed-In-Hollow Trail | Hike to a towering waterfall |
| Kyles Landing | Canoe, kayak, fish |
| Ozark National Forest | Watch wildlife, photograph scenery |
| Glory Hole Falls | Visit a distinctive waterfall nearby |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed on the Triple Falls trail?
No. Under National Park Service regulations for Buffalo National River, pets are prohibited on most park trails, and the Triple Falls (Twin Falls) trail is not one of the exceptions. Leashed pets are allowed in campgrounds and on river gravel bars, but not on this hiking path.
Is camping available near Triple Falls?
Yes, camping is available near Triple Falls, including developed campgrounds along the Buffalo River corridor and dispersed sites in the surrounding Ozark National Forest. Buffalo National River charges a fee only for camping, not for general park access.
Are there restrooms at the trailhead?
Yes, basic restroom facilities are available near the trailhead, though don’t expect elaborate amenities. Plan accordingly before heading in.
Can you swim near Triple Falls?
Swimming happens near Triple Falls, but conditions can be risky due to currents, submerged rocks, and seasonal changes in water level. Check conditions before entering the water and use caution on slippery rock surfaces.
Does cell service work at Triple Falls?
Cell signal is unreliable at Triple Falls. You may get modest coverage near the main road and access points, but signal typically drops out near the water and in the deeper woods, so download offline maps before you go.
Conclusion
Triple Falls gives you a rewarding stop in the Buffalo River area, with a short hike, scenic water, and a trail that feels like a hidden gem. If you time your visit right after rain, you can catch all three cascades at their fullest and enjoy the quiet around you. Pack good shoes, watch the road conditions, leave pets at home, and bring your camera. Once you’ve seen Triple Falls, you’ll understand why this spot sticks in your mind like a postcard.
Sources
- Buffalo Outdoor Center — Hike to the Triple Falls — driving directions and trail overview
- National Park Service — Buffalo National River pet policy — confirms trail pet restrictions
- AllTrails — Triple Falls Trail — trail length, elevation, and falls height
- Arklahoma Hiker — Triple/Twin Falls via Kyles Landing — water source and naming background