Tea Kettle Falls Trail

During this time of social distancing, a great way to mentally cope with these changes has been to take hikes outside. I am always happier after taking a break from screens and listening to the sounds of nature. I have been going to more secluded trails that are not as popular to avoid overcrowding and taking extra precautions to keep my distance.

Tea Kettle Falls is another trail close to Huntsville, AR. It is located at the bottom of a very steep gravel road. I would not recommend driving here unless you have 4-wheel drive because it took us a few tries to make it back up the hill. The trail is 2.2 miles and flat as it follows along a creek. In early spring, the red buds and violets along with the crystal clear water made the hike very beautiful.

At the end of the trail you have to cross the creek to get to the waterfall. Someone had placed a limb down to cross the creek because it is too wide to jump. The waterfall itself was not flowing very well even though it rained two days ago. Based on the natural debre line, I could tell that the waterfall had recently been flowing much faster.

It is named Tea Kettle after the unique formation. The water made two holes in the bluff: one in the top and in the side. When the water is flowing, it looks like it’s coming out of a kettle. You can climb to the top of the 46 ft waterfall by going up a crack in the bluff that’s closer to the creek. At the top of the waterfall you can see where the water has cut a crevice into the rock.

I read that this was one of the most impressive waterfalls in Arkansas (which is saying a lot), but I was disappointed. The waterwall would probably be more beautiful with higher water levels, but the trail itself is nice and still worth taking. I would suggest checking this trail out after it rains.

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