Haw Creek Falls Swimming And Recreation Area
Swimming hole in Russellville, Arkansas · Waterfall
Plan a visit to the Haw Creek Falls recreation area. Find directions to the Fort Douglas Bridge and Haw Creek Falls swimming holes, plus safety tips for this unofficial Arkansas spot.
About Haw Creek Falls Swimming And Recreation Area
Tucked inside the sprawling Ozark National Forest, the Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area is one of Arkansas's most rewarding unofficial swimming destinations. Situated within easy reach of Russellville, Dover, and Pelsor, this creek-and-falls corridor draws swimmers, anglers, and photographers seeking the kind of unhurried, wild-feeling escape that the Arkansas Ozarks do so well. The site is free to visit, and the surrounding forest rewards anyone willing to slow down and pay attention.
The Setting and Landscape
Two features anchor the experience here. The first is the Fort Douglas Bridge swimming hole, where a vintage steel truss bridge frames the creek below in a scene that feels almost too picturesque to be real. The second is Haw Creek Falls itself, where layered Ozark rock formations step down through curtains of cascading water — especially dramatic after a good rain, when the falls roar and a rope swing dangles invitingly nearby. The surrounding forest closes in with dense greenery in spring and summer, then erupts into golds, oranges, and deep reds come autumn. Birdsong is nearly constant, and the patient visitor may spot deer, herons, or other native wildlife along the creek corridor.
Swimming and Water Character
Haw Creek and Big Piney Creek together create a varied swimming experience. Spring and early summer bring the best water levels — cool, lively flows that pool beneath the falls and along the bends below the bridge. The creek runs over smooth and layered rock, creating natural wading shelves and deeper pockets ideal for a full swim. Be aware that rocks throughout the area can be slippery, and high water during or after heavy rainfall calls for caution and good judgment. This is an unofficial swimming area, so there are no lifeguards or safety staff on site — swimmers should assess conditions carefully before entering the water.
Practical
The experience
- Best time to visit Spring and early summer for optimal water levels and vibrant scenery; autumn for stunning fall foliage; winter for solitude and stark beauty.
- Access Moderate: Accessible via well-maintained rural roads; care required on slippery rocks and during high water levels.
- Facilities Vault toilets available at Haw Creek Falls campground; limited amenities, so come prepared with camping gear and supplies.
- Camping nearby Camping at Haw Creek Falls site.
Highlights & features
- Historic Fort Douglas Bridge swimming hole
- Picturesque Haw Creek Falls
- Abundant wildlife and lush greenery
- Opportunities for fishing and photography
- Accessible camping at Haw Creek Falls campground
- Vintage steel truss bridge swimming spot
- Layered rock formations at Haw Creek Falls
- Rope swing and cascading waterfalls after rain
How to get there
Haw Creek Falls Swimming and Recreation Area is located in Arkansas, near the towns of Russellville, Dover, and Pelsor. This area offers two notable swimming spots: the Fort Douglas Bridge swimming hole in Big Piney Creek and the Haw Creek Falls swimming hole. Follow the directions below to reach these locations.
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Step-by-Step Directions from Russellville
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Start in Russellville, located off Interstate 40 (I-40), approximately 70 miles northwest of Little Rock.
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Take State Route 7 (RT 7) north. You will pass through the town of Dover and continue past the Long Pool Recreation Area.
Stay on RT 7 for approximately 65 miles until you reach the town of Pelsor, also known as Sand Gap. Directions to Fort Douglas Bridge Swimming Hole: In Pelsor, turn onto State Route 123 (RT 123) heading southwest toward the Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area. Continue on RT 123 through the small community of Dillen. Shortly after passing through Dillen, you will cross the Fort Douglas Bridge, an old steel truss bridge over Big Piney Creek. Immediately after crossing the bridge, turn right onto a small access road that leads down to the area under the bridge. Details: The swimming hole under the bridge spans nearly 1/4 mile upstream, offering ample space for swimming, fishing, canoeing, and relaxing. On the eastern side of the bridge, there is an access road leading to the "high side" of the creek, which features boulders for jumping and, after rainfall, waterfalls cascading down the mountainside. A rope swing is located slightly upstream on the western bank ("low side"). This area is popular for fishing, with Spotted and Smallmouth bass commonly found. This is a public access site with no oversight. Please pack out all trash and leave no trace to help preserve the area for future generations. Directions to Haw Creek Falls Swimming Hole: After crossing the Fort Douglas Bridge, continue on RT 123 for a short distance until you reach the Haw Creek Falls Campground.
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The campground is located on the right side of RT 123, just across the road from the vault toilets. Details
Haw Creek Falls is a scenic waterfall with a shallow swimming hole at its base. The falls are easily accessible from the campground, making it a great spot for swimming, relaxing, and photography. Parking is available at the campground, and the falls are located just a short walk from the parking area.
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Additional Notes
Both swimming holes are public access areas with no formal oversight. Please respect the environment by packing out all trash and leaving no trace. These locations are ideal for swimming, fishing, and enjoying the natural beauty of Arkansas.
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For navigation assistance, you can use the following Google Maps coordinates
Fort Douglas Bridge Swimming Hole: 35.67694, -93.235 Haw Creek Falls Swimming Hole: 35.6772, -93.2554 Enjoy your visit to Haw Creek Falls Swimming and Recreation Area!
Plan your visit
Haw Creek Falls sits within the Ozark National Forest and is most easily approached from the towns of Russellville to the south, Dover nearby, or the small community of Pelsor to the north. Russellville offers the most complete range of lodging, fuel, and dining options before you head into the forest. Load up on supplies in town, give yourself a full half-day at minimum, and let the creek set the pace once you arrive.
Haw Creek Falls sits within the Ozark National Forest and is most easily approached from the towns of Russellville to the south, Dover nearby, or the small community of Pelsor to the north. Russellville offers the most complete range of lodging, fuel, and dining options before you head into the forest. Load up on supplies in town, give yourself a full half-day at minimum, and let the creek set the pace once you arrive.
Access & fees
This is an unofficial, public-access recreation area with no oversight or known facilities. There is no stated fee, but visitors must pack out all trash. Parking is informal near the bridge and at the Haw Creek Falls Campground. Conditions are natural and can change with weather and water levels.
This is an unofficial, public-access recreation area with no oversight or known facilities. There is no stated fee, but visitors must pack out all trash. Parking is informal near the bridge and at the Haw Creek Falls Campground. Conditions are natural and can change with weather and water levels.
Frequently asked questions
Is Haw Creek Falls Swimming and Recreation Area free to visit?
Haw Creek Falls Swimming and Recreation Area is generally free to access. No entry fee is commonly reported, though parking passes or day-use fees can be introduced — always confirm current rules before heading out.
Is swimming allowed at Haw Creek Falls Swimming and Recreation Area?
Yes, Haw Creek Falls Swimming and Recreation Area is an officially sanctioned recreation area where swimming is permitted. Reported activities include: Swimming. Always respect posted closures and seasonal restrictions.
What type of swimming spot is Haw Creek Falls Swimming and Recreation Area?
Haw Creek Falls Swimming and Recreation Area is a creek/falls on Haw Creek/Big Piney Creek located in AR, near RUSSELLVILLE. Plan a visit to the Haw Creek Falls recreation area. Find directions to the Fort Douglas Bridge and Haw Creek Falls swimming holes, plus safety tips for this unofficial Arkansas spot.
When is the best time to visit Haw Creek Falls Swimming and Recreation Area?
The best time to visit Haw Creek Falls Swimming and Recreation Area is Spring and early summer for optimal water levels and vibrant scenery; autumn for stunning fall foliage; winter for solitude and stark beauty.. Water levels, clarity, and temperature vary with recent weather — always check conditions before going, especially after rain or snowmelt.
What facilities are available at Haw Creek Falls Swimming and Recreation Area?
Reported facilities at Haw Creek Falls Swimming and Recreation Area include: Vault toilets available at Haw Creek Falls campground; limited amenities, so come prepared with camping gear and supplies.. Amenities can change — contact the managing agency or check recent visitor reports to confirm current availability.
Is camping available near Haw Creek Falls Swimming and Recreation Area?
Camping at Haw Creek Falls site.
Nearby swimming holes
Culture & history
Part of the Ozark National Forest, this area reflects the rich natural heritage of Arkansas and has been a beloved recreational site for generations.
Conservation
Follow Leave No Trace principles. Pack out trash, minimize impact, and respect local wildlife to preserve the area's natural beauty.