Balanced Rock Falls

Current conditions

The falls

Balanced Rock Falls is a secluded cascade on Leatherwood Creek in the Boxley Valley area of the Upper Buffalo River district. Its defining feature is a massive boulder suspended in a V-shaped gorge crevice, with the waterfall flowing behind and underneath it. The hike follows an unmarked trail alongside Leatherwood Creek, requiring a creek crossing and a steep, sometimes muddy final approach to the falls. The trail is lesser-known but has gained popularity in recent years. Flow is highly dependent on recent rainfall — the falls can dry up completely during dry periods.

What makes it special

The fall's namesake is the massive multi-ton boulder wedged into a narrow rock crevice directly above the drop — the waterfall actually flows behind and beneath the suspended rock, a 'balanced rock' effect found at no other named falls on the Buffalo.

History

The falls sit in Boxley Valley near Ponca, the historic heart of the Upper Buffalo and the site of Arkansas's successful elk reintroduction in the 1980s. The valley itself is preserved as a cultural landscape full of pioneer farmsteads, churches, and pasture still grazed today.

Caves & springs

The suspended boulder is wedged in a natural V-shaped crevice formed where Leatherwood Creek has cut down through the sandstone and limestone of the bluff — effectively a short, narrow rock-shelter setting.

Best time to go

Best after ample rainfall. Late fall and winter offer the clearest trails with fewer leaves on the ground. Spring is also beautiful with lush greenery. Summer visits require bug spray and are only worthwhile if there has been recent rain.

The trail

The 1.1-mile out-and-back trail begins at the Ponca Low-Water Bridge parking area. Cross the bridge and look for the brown Buffalo River Trail sign — do not take that trail. Instead, a few paces beyond the sign, an unmarked path leads to the left. This is the trail to Balanced Rock Falls. The path meanders alongside Leatherwood Creek, initially on the right bank. You will need to cross the creek to reach the falls. The final segment is a steep, muddy, and sometimes slick incline. Waterproof hiking boots are recommended.

Getting there

Trailhead: Ponca Low-Water Bridge parking area (36.0213701, -93.3541832). Park at the bridge parking area, cross the bridge on foot, and look for the unmarked trail to the left of the Buffalo River Trail sign. Use the map link below for turn-by-turn directions.

By river

Duration: Allow about 45 minutes round trip from the river.

Reachable from the Buffalo River by pulling out at the mouth of Leatherwood Creek (downstream of the Ponca low-water bridge) and walking roughly half a mile up the creek to the falls.