Visiting V Slot Falls, Bear Creek In Arkansas
Ended my year with a hike to Bear Creek Canyon on New Year's Eve Day.
Find Country Road 1802 in Dover, Arkansas off of Arkansas Hwy 123. Travel about 2.2 miles down the road and park. Coordinates 35.68642, -93.17392
You'll head west and should find yourself on the right hand side of wet weather ravine. If you look closely you'll see pink markers hanging from tree branches as you descend deeper toward Bear Creek Canyon.
The first waterfall you'll approach is Swamp Falls and Sidewinder Falls (pictured below). Coordinates 35.68930, -93.18470
You'll also catch a glimpse of Swamp Falls (pictured below, taken from below). Swamp Falls is created from water flowing down the ravine that you walk along entering the Bear Creek Canyon.
Upstream is Baby Bear Falls (pictured below).
And downstream from Sidewinder Falls you'll come across this beauty (below). When it's raining the water forms a "V" around the large boulder. On this day Bear Creek was flowing descent, but not enough for the "V". A rope is recommended if you wish to take pictures in the slot.
Travel just a little further downstream and you'll come across one final waterfall. This one is Slot Pool Falls (below). Such a great swimming hole if you make this trek in the warmer months.
It was a great way to end 2016.
Be prepared for a big climb back up to where you parked. I think it's around 700 ft of elevation gain or more from the canyon floor.
Remember to leave no trace and enjoy this hike to a place that sees very little traffic.
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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