It had been quite a while since we last visited here, the weather gods were in our favor, it's an easy hike - so why not!
For more of what to expect on this hike, read on. To skip to waypoints & other location info, scroll on down - but please consider SUBSCRIBING if you've found this FREE information useful. We'd appreciate that, thanks for watching!
Located 7-miles northwest of the intersection of AR-21 and AR-43 in the Boxley Valley area of the Upper Buffalo River, Sweden Creek Natural Area is a gem. On a trip powered by our new camping friends at Kingston Trails RV Park we just had to visit here again - our last time was wayyy back in 2019! A lot has changed since then - in particular the parking area is now a very obvious and well graveled addition, and the old home that once existed half way along the trail is now totally gone.
Getting here is easy - from AR-21, head west along Co Rd 9 / Madison 3795 for 1.7 miles. That 1.7 miles can be muddy though, so be advised - and you won’t miss the parking lot & trailhead when you arrive.
This is an Arkansas Heritage Commission Property, one of several around the state, and they do a wonderful job of everything that they do - including here. The trail from the parking area to the top of the unnamed, three tier fall set is marked, seemingly maintained and very easy to follow.
The slow but steady descent over the ½ mile to get to this point would be a very manageable task for most. Stay left for a further ½ mile for the top of Sweden Creek Falls, or forge on down below through the rocky little scramble for the unnamed falls (on the right) or for a below the bluff line hike on over to the base of the vey impressive big boy here.
I’ll describe this as “adventure kid friendly” - while not at all a difficult hike, there’s a few places below that you might want to be careful of. More notably, the very flat and easy hike up above to the top may lead to one of the coolest slot channels in the state, but it sure can be slick up there…and it’s a long way down!
Google maps will take you right to the parking spot. Before you go, keep in mind that phone signal is poor at best in most areas. Download digital maps you may need in advance. If you visit these places, please recreate responsibly and #leavenotrace
All pictures and clips are taken using my iPhone and right hand while hiking. ..apologies for picture wobbles!
Visit the NEARBY Amber & Compton's Double Falls: ua-cam.com/video/uzwppaZSfbQ/v-deo.html
OTHER RESOURCE LINKS FOR THIS HIKE -
Arkansas Heritage / Sweden Creek Natural Area Website:
www.arkansasheritage.com/arkansas-natural-heritage/naturalareas/find-a-natural-area/sweden-creek-falls-natural-area
WHERE WE STAYED: www.kingstontrailsrvpark.com/
MAP OF 80+ Easy Access / Kid Friendly Falls in AR (Google map link in description section) ua-cam.com/video/XGsJoxOuktw/v-deo.html
MAP OF 800+ Waterfalls in AR (Google map link in description section) ua-cam.com/video/s87YOltcUMI/v-deo.html
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Facebook: fallsinAR
Insta: waterfallsinar
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@gezrogers
AllTrails: www.alltrails.com/members/gez-rogers
CELL SIGNAL (AT&T): Somewhat
KID FRIENDLY: Yes, but always be mindful of small children!
STATS:
Date: 5.6.24
Distance: 2.7 miles (AllTrails)
Elevation Gain: 413'
VIEW OR DOWNLOAD:
My GAIA track:
www.gaiagps.com/public/IzO3am9PjVVX0fF0AlHa1Fyd/
My ALLTRAILS track:
www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/afternoon-hike-0f0d67e-303?u=i&sh=exhdhl
OVERALL TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Mostly easy
LINK FOR DIRECTIONS: www.google.com/maps/dir//35.9722778,-93.4513889/@35.9722778,-93.4513889,17z/data=!4m2!4m1!3e0?entry=ttu
GPS WAYPOINTS:
PARKING & TRAILHEAD AT: (2WD OK / HIGHER CLEARANCE RECOMMENDED)
35.97227, -93.45139
UNNAMED FALLS
35.97436, -93.45611
SWEDEN CREEK FALLS
35.97145, 93.45915
We respect LEAVE NO TRACE principles, please do likewise. We adventure often, Leeds is well trained (and patient with me) with regard to climbs and scrambles. Know the limits of your dog, and your ability to handle it if you elect to take it.
In these videos, you will sometimes see a small tribute to my son, Josh Rogers, who unexpectedly passed in June 2018. Rest in much Love Joshman.
"I remember him every day, I tell stories about him. We laugh with the stories. We remember him in the right way, a person only dies when the last person who loved him dies" - Jose Mourinho
#waterfallsinarkansas #arkansaswaterfalls #arkansaswaterfallmap #swedencreekfalls