Fern Falls
An accessible 42-foot plunge off Scenic Highway 7 that holds water better than most Ozark falls.
- Height
- 42 ft
- Type
- Plunge
- District
- Middle
- Round trip
- 1.4 mi
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Best season
- Spring
- Est. time
- 1–2 hours
- Flow-dependent
- Yes
- Pet friendly
- No
- Coordinates
- 35.89760, -93.19249
Current conditions
- Rain 24h
- 0.00″
- Rain 72h
- 0.00″
- Rain 7d
- 0.00″
Next 3 days (preview)
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Ozark National Forest, near Jasper
One of the most accessible waterfall hikes in the entire Buffalo River region — and one of the most rewarding for the effort. A 42-foot plunge over a high bluff into a narrow canyon gorge, Fern Falls is fed by a convergence of several small creeks including what appears to be a partial spring source, meaning it holds water better than most Ozark falls even in drier conditions.
The trail
The trailhead sits right on Highway 7, about 11 miles south of Jasper — look for the Ozark National Forest Scenic 7 Byway sign. The 1.4-mile out-and-back trail follows an old trace road downhill through hardwood forest, crossing small creeks before reaching the top of the falls. From the top, agile hikers can scramble down a steep but manageable bluff to the base for the full view. Dogs welcome on leash.
Getting there
From Jasper, head south on Scenic Highway 7 for about 11 miles. Look for the Ozark National Forest Scenic 7 Byway sign and pull off into the grassy parking area near the sign — limited spots. Trailhead GPS: 35.89287, -93.19024. Falls GPS: 35.89760, -93.19249.
