Richland Falls

Current conditions

Richland Creek Wilderness, Ozark National Forest

Richland Falls is unlike any other waterfall in the Buffalo River region. At only 8 feet tall it wouldn't win any height contests, but it spans the entire width of Richland Creek — a wide, sweeping curtain of water that's nearly impossible to photograph in a single frame. In high water it becomes one continuous rushing wall. In low water it breaks apart into a series of individual drops, each fed by pools of different depths upstream — and in warm weather those pools actually vary in temperature, the shallower ones warmed by the sun, the deeper ones staying cool. It's one of the most geologically interesting waterfall experiences on the entire river.

What makes it special

Only about 8 feet tall, but stretching the full width of Richland Creek — a powerful 'wall of water' that contrasts with the narrow ribbon falls common in the Ozarks. Most hikers pair it with nearby Twin Falls of Richland for a full day of waterfall bagging.

History

Richland Falls lies within the Richland Creek Wilderness, a once heavily-logged 19th-century landscape that has been allowed to return to wild forest since wilderness designation in 1984.

Caves & springs

The ridges above the creek hide the 'Sandstone Castles' — large bluff shelters and cave-like formations carved into sandstone and St. Joe limestone, a worthwhile off-trail destination for confident navigators.

Getting there

Trailhead: Richland Falls, Richland Creek Wilderness (Hill Cemetery TH 35.83848, -92.97277) (35.80075, -92.96010). Coordinates are researched references — verify with a map app before driving.