There’s something special about Arkansas in late fall: the air crisper, the sunlight a gold all over, erupting forests in a fiery display of amber, crimson, and gold. Recently, one morning on our road trip, we set out to hike the Falls Branch Trail at Lake Catherine State Park to see this seasonal spectacular up close and personal. The Falls Branch Trail fall foliage was breathtaking. Spoiler alert: It did not disappoint.

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Wooden sign for Lake Catherine State Park with reindeer figurines and a candy cane on hay bales in a forested area.

Directions to Falls Branch Trail (Lake Catherine State Park)

  1. Start in Hot Springs: Begin on Central Avenue (downtown Hot Springs) and head east toward US-270 E. Alternative starting point: If you’re near the Hot Springs National Park Visitor Center, take Park Avenue east to merge onto US-270 E.
  2. Drive east on US-270 E: Follow US-270 E for ~12 miles. You’ll pass through rolling hills and rural scenery. Look for signs for the Diamond Lakes Region as you approach the park.
  3. Turn left onto AR-171 S: After ~12 miles, turn left onto AR-171 S (signs for Lake Catherine State Park). Follow AR-171 S for ~3 miles. The road curves through wooded areas with occasional lake views.
  4. Arrive at Lake Catherine State Park: The park entrance will be on your right, marked by brown state park signage. Stop at the visitor center (on your left after entering) for maps, trail info, and permits.
View of a lake through trees of the Power Plant in Lake Catherine State Park, with a clear sky and autumn foliage.

Alternative Scenic Route (via Lake Hamilton): For a lakeside drive:

  1. Take AR-128 E (Carpenter Dam Road) from Hot Springs along the north shore of Lake Hamilton. Continue onto AR-84 E (Malvern Avenue) toward US-270 E. Merge onto US-270 E and follow the directions above to AR-171 S. Add ~5 miles but offered us picturesque lake views.
Trail map of Falls Creek Trail in Lake Catherine State Park showing trails, roads, and elevation with a
Trail Map Interactive Panel at the Trailhead

Falls Branch Trail Tidbits: What to Know Before You Go

  • Park Entrance Fee: $5 per vehicle (free for Arkansas State Parks Pass holders).
  • Operating Hours: the Visitor Center typically operates from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but hours may vary by season. Questions? Call the park at (501) 844-4176.
  • Parking: Available at the trailhead, but can fill up on busy fall weekends.
  • Timing: Fall is prime season! Aim for mid-October through early November for peak foliage.
  • Pets are allowed in the park, but you must keep them on a six-foot leash. This pet-friendly trail is great for dogs and Sage was ready to tackle today.
  • Footwear: Sturdy hiking shoes or boots—rocks can be slippery, especially near the waterfall.
  • Pack Smart: Water, snacks, binoculars (for birdwatching), and a camera. Don’t forget a light jacket—fall mornings can be chilly. In summer, insect repellent and sunscreen would be beneficial. Trekking Poles are helpful for stability on rocky sections.
  • Extend Your Adventure: Pair this hike with a picnic at the park’s lakeside tables or rent a kayak to explore Lake Catherine’s glassy waters afterward.
Autumn scene at Lake Catherine State Park with trees, a calm lake, and a parked vehicle with a camping trailer.
Trailhead at the Campground

Trailhead Falls Branch Trail: Where Adventure Begins

The Falls Branch trailhead sits close to the park’s campground, making it easily accessible. Before starting the hike, stop at the visitor center to grab a trail map. Taking a photo of the interpretive panel map can be helpful for reference during the hike. This ensures you stay on track and enjoy the scenery without getting lost.

Wooden bench overlooking a lake with surrounding trees in autumn at Lake Catherine State Park.

Once I had my boots tied and my backpack secured, we ventured out under a beautiful canopy of hickory, oak, and sweet-gum trees. The 2-mile round-trip loop trail is moderate, but I’d describe it as “remarkable” on this cool crisp fall morning.

We decided to start on the left side of the trail loop, following the white-blazed markers for the Dam Mountain Trail. The trail begins gently, meandering along Lake Catherine’s shoreline, winding through the sun-dappled woods. After ~0.5 miles, the white-blazed trail intersects with the red-blazed Falls Branch Trail.

A wooden footbridge over a rocky stream in a leaf-covered, forested area with a person and dog on the Falls branch Trail in Lake Catherine State Park.

PRO Tip: If you take the trail on the right, it slowly goes up over some difficult rocky spots before you get to the waterfall. If you take the trail in the clockwise direction like we did, you’ll get to the falls quicker.

Close-up of tree branches with red, orange, and yellow autumn leaves.

The Hike: A Symphony of Sights

Soon, we reach a 90-foot suspension bridge that gently sways with every step. It’s a fun challenge for most hikers—but not for our dog, Sage. He’s not a fan of anything that moves beneath his paws, and this wobbly crossing had him on high alert. If your pup prefers solid ground, be prepared for a cautious (and possibly comical) crossing! Sage might not love suspension bridges, but conquering this one? That’s a campfire story for years to come. Who’s a brave boy?

Person in a green hoodie walks a German Shepherd across a wooden suspension bridge in a forest along the Falls branch Trail in Lake Catherine State Park.

The fall-colored leaves in mid-October looked like a patchwork quilt of color. Sunlight filtered through golden yellow hickory leaves, red maple branches stretched overhead, and brown oak leaves covered the ground. Every turn was like walking into a pretty postcard. The earthy scent of soil and decaying leaves filled the air, while the only sounds were the crunching gravel beneath our feet and the playful chatter of squirrels teasing poor Sage.

A small waterfall on Falls Creek in Lake Catherine State Park with clear water, rocky cliffs, and autumn trees.

Best Fall Foliage Trail in Lake Catherine State Park: The Waterfall

Within a few short minutes, we could hear (and soon see) the 10-foot waterfall. They say this waterfall is especially lively after rain. Today, being a drier period, it reveals a delicate, trickling flow. The best views require a brief scramble down to the base (use caution—rocks are often slick with spray and fallen leaves). The water pouring over layered sandstone into a calm pool is a pleasant reprieve. Standing still for a minute. I listen to the water, watch leaves flutter down, and soak in the wild beauty of Arkansas in autumn. This is why we chose this trail.

PRO Tip: Always check recent weather—this trail’s star attraction, a 10-foot cascading waterfall, is most impressive after a good downpour.

View from a rocky outcrop overlooking an autumn forest with visible hiker's leg and boot.

Post-Waterfall Loop Challenge

The trail still has more to offer you! It’s an exciting climb after the falls as you finish the loop. As you keep following the path beyond the waterfalls, the trail rises steadily over rough rocks, making this the most challenging part. After climbing 400 feet to the top of the ridge, we noticed a boulder covered in lichen just off the path close to where the Horseshoe Mountain Trail meets. This lookout gave us panoramic views of the forest made up of hardwood trees below. The Falls Branch Trail fall foliage at its finest.

The last 0.6-miles of the trail descends, leveling off, looping back toward the lake, but not before crossing several wooden footbridges. Each crossing the gentle flow of Canyon Creek. The mossy boulders gave this fall scenery a whimsical touch.

Final Thought on Falls Branch Trail Fall Foliage Trek at Lake Catherine State Park

Lake Catherine State Park is a gem in Arkansas’s Ouachita Mountains and the Falls Branch Trail shines brightest in the fall. Don’t let distance deceive you—this loop has great experiences: a beautiful waterfall, brightly colored fall leaves, quiet woods and peaceful creek crossings.

"Hiking is a way of life. A mindset that takes you out of the ordinary and puts you in touch with something bigger." — Anonymous

It is great for families and canines (remember to keep them on a leash) so it’s perfect for a half-day outing to enjoy the view. In the fall, crisp air emphasizes vibrant leaves and the sound of flowing water makes it an awe-inspiring experience—it’s an absolute gem of Arkansas fall.

What’s your favorite fall hike or hidden gem in Arkansas? Drop a comment below—We’d love to hear your picks or answer any questions about the trail.