Bridal Veil Falls trail in Heber Springs, Arkansas. Lookout point of the waterfall and walking behind the falls.
Arkansas has a lot of scenic beauty and hidden gems. If you’re not originally from the area then you might need to explore and find these little spots for yourself.
Bridal Veil Falls is a short walk through the woods to a lookout observation deck. So if you’re not up for a huge hike, then this little gem might be for you. However, did you know you can also walk behind this waterfall?
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Hiking in Arkansas can be dangerous. This information is not intended to give advise or directions on any trail. Hike at own risk.
Bridal Veil Falls is located in Heber Springs, Arkansas. You’ve most likely been this way to enjoy swimming at Dam Site, Old Hwy 25 or Sandy Beach. But for this adventure we were looking for waterfalls.
Bridal Veil Falls Trail
When you visit Bridal Veil Falls you’re actually visiting two waterfalls that are in close proximity of one another. Bridal Veil Falls and Cornelius Falls. Both trails to the falls are marked in the parking area with a blue sign.
Bridal Veil Falls trail leads you down a few stairs to the observation deck where you can easily enjoy the beauty of the falls from above, or take a side trail for a closer look.
The observation deck, however, is where any sign of a marked trail ends. To the left and right of the observation deck you see well traveled foot paths where people have made their own trails over time, but none of them seem official.
Be cautious and hike at your own risk.
We took the trail to the right that leads to the top of the fall.
Equipped with our waterproof hiking boots, we walked across the shallow water along rocks and found the continuation of the path on the other side.
At this point we were well away from the top of the falls and were cautious of any slippery rocks.
This path brought us to the other side of the water and we followed the trail while staying close to the stream. There is a drop off and this unofficial trail is narrow but you can see where people have traveled this path from the observation deck.
We followed this path all the way to the bottom of the waterfall. At times it does get very steep and rocky so hiking boots with good grip and ankle support is a must.
Once at the bottom we were met with a beautiful scenic waterfall with a small pool full of ice cold, blue-green water. Here you can sit, enjoy a snack, have some water or just listen to the sounds of nature.
Behind the waterfall
Did you know you can walk behind this waterfall? There is a trail over to the left of the falls where you can walk behind and enjoy the waterfall from a different point of view. This unofficial path hugs the rock wall and is a bit narrow.
At the time of our visit we were able to stay pretty dry behind the falls, but that may depended on the amount of water flowing. Again, shoes with good grip is important as I’m sure it can get slippery on the rocks.
The hike back up
We decided on the full experience and took the other trail (the one to the left of the observation deck) back up. This unofficial trail was very steep with a lot more loose rocks and tree roots since everyone that visits has made their own path down and back. It was much more eroded and we will not be traveling that path with children again.
Cornelius Falls
Also in the area is Cornelius Falls. You can find this trailhead in the parking lot to the left of Bridal Veil Falls. There is a blue marked sign where the trailhead starts.
Shortly after starting this hike the trail splits with a fork in the road. Taking a right at the fork will lead to down to the bottom of Cornelius Falls. Taking a left at the fork will lead you towards the top of the falls but it seems that the top may be on private property as there are signs asking you not to continue.
The hike down to the bottom is very steep, and again, not a marked trail. We decided to check out this trail back in the winter months and had the place to ourselves.
After we went around a couple of boulders, we found the trail to the bottom through two rock crevices.
The path down was steep and difficult, but once at the bottom we were met with a small waterfall with icicles dripping from the edges.
Tips on when to visit
-This is a very popular spot among many. Even though they do have a parking lot, it is small and can fill up quickly. The best time to visit is during the cooler months or earlier in the morning on the weekends.
-The best time to see a waterfall is after a good rainfall. During the hot summer months this waterfall can dry up and be nothing more than a trickle.
Location
Bridal Veil Falls, Heber Springs, AR 72543
Coming from the Little Rock area take route 5 North. Once you pass Red River Dodge and Ozark Country Store, it’ll be a left turn down Bridal Veil Falls Rd. just next to Cowboy Collisions and Customs. There is both a blue sign on the main road, and a small blue sign indicating the road to the parking lot.
Bridal Veil Falls is a beautiful waterfall just a short drive from the Little Rock area. With a few stairs and short hike to the observation deck, this hike can be easy for all ages and skill levels. However, if you do plan on exploring the area, proper shoes are a must.
Stay safe and we’ll see you on our next adventure.
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Hiking can be dangerous and conditions can change at any time. Always be prepared and understand your limits and skill level. The content on this website is for entertainment and informational purposes only. This information is not intended to give advice or directions on any trail. This website, and person writing this post, is not responsible for any accidents, inconvenience, injuries, rescues, or loss of life by anyone attempting any of the hikes. Hike at your own risk.