We’re all about family adventures over here, especially when they involve time outdoors and little expense. I fully believe that one of the key components of finding joy is taking the trip to make the memories, and that doesn’t have to involve forking over lots of money. Weekend excursions can fill your cup and can help a lot when you catch the wanderlust bug.

One of my favorite outdoor activities is hiking, and I can even get my kids on board when they get to go someplace new. Bonus if there are waterfalls involved. 

Since the weather has started ‘springing up’, and we’re seeing some beautiful days, we decided to make the trek to the Ozark National Forest in Arkansas, which is known for its gorgeous scenery and bountiful hiking adventures. There are trails of all levels in this area, but we chose to stick to some family-friendly hikes to ensure happiness all around.

Glory Hole Falls – Rated ‘Moderate’, this is a 2-mile out-and-back hike with falls that come through a hole that the water formed in solid rock. It’s a pretty cool site, and well worth the steady climb out when you head back to the road.

Magnolia Falls – This is another 2-mile out-and-back hike just down the road from Glory Hole, but it’s much easier since the elevation remains pretty steady throughout. There are actually two falls at the end, one just downstream from the other, and apparently two other falls that you can hike to on side trails, but we only visited Magnolia (stayed to the left every time the trail split). This is such a pretty, easy hike, and the reward at the end is stunning.

Alum Cove Natural Bridge Recreation Area – This is a mile-long loop trail that features a natural bridge and several small caves to explore. The kids had a lot of fun climbing around the rock formations. We did this hike around mid-morning, and it was starting to get busier by the time we finished, so it’s definitely a popular one!

Big Creek Cave Trail – A few miles down a county road, this 3-mile out-and-back trail is a little off the beaten path (AWD or 4WD is recommended), but so worth it. I think this was the favorite for all of us because there are so many falls and caves to explore. Though it’s a little longer than the other trails we did, the elevation is pretty steady, so I’d rate it an easy trail. The two main waterfalls, Big Creek and Wolf Creek, are so worth the trek, and there’s so much more to see on side trails – other waterfalls and caves that have paths marked with flagging. You even get to walk through a meadow, which is a nice change of scenery in the woods.

Triple Falls – This isn’t exactly a hike, but a really cool triple waterfall that’s pretty much right off the road. The road, however, is another where AWD or 4WD is recommended (some folks have had trouble getting their vehicles back up the steep climb out), but it is pretty well maintained since there is a boy scout camp at the end of it. It’s a great option for the end of the day when you’re done hiking and are looking for an easy reward.

I would have had more photos to show you, but my phone bit the dust at the end of our second day. However, there are tons of great photos on the AllTrails app to get you more interested!

Also, if you’re hungry after all that activity, I highly recommend the Ozark Cafe in Jasper. We had delicious burgers and great service on our visit. The little town of Jasper has shops to explore as well.

There’s so much beauty to be found in the Ozark National Forest and not just in the hikes, but in scenic drives, creeks, the Buffalo River, elk-spotting opportunities in the fall, and swimming holes in the summer. We will definitely be back for more adventures.