OK, avoiding these spots is not a good idea. You should go forth and explore the Natural State’s breathtaking beauty. It’s the spring, and there’s no better place in the world to be. What you should actually avoid is engaging in risky behavior. It’s not a good idea to lean over the top of a mountain, for example. One should not jump off of cliffs. And for goodness sake, please don’t drink and boat.
- Beaver Lake
Flickr/James Huckaby Every year residents of Northwest Arkansas and the river valley hear about Beaver Lake tragedies on the local news. As of last count, Beaver Lake had claimed 120 lives. Nine of those deaths took place in 2014. Enjoy the lake, folks, but be careful.
- Goat Trail, Big Bluff, Buffalo National River
Flickr/Jonathan Ball The view from the top is spectacular, but the hike has its dangers. The ledge trail to the big bluff, called Goat Trail, is not maintained by the National Park Service. It’s very steep, and very dangerous. It is not advisable to bring children, liquor, or reckless behavior on this hike.
- The Bluffs along Buffalo National River
Flickr/Buffalo Outdoor Center Good grief, don’t try to jump off a cliff into the river. That’s not a joke. In 2007, a man really did that. He lived, but it still wasn’t a good idea.
- White Rock Mountain
Wikimedia/Brandonrush Yes, it’s beautiful. Just don’t fall off. Keep your footing.
- Yellow Rock, Devil’s Den State Park
Flickr/Jonathan Ball Please do go and enjoy the view. But please don’t lean over and topple onto the ground below.
- Clear Creek after heavy rain
Flickr/MRHSFan This creek level is OK. Feel free to splash around in water levels two or three times this high—just know that flash flooding is a real problem in the springtime, and water levels can rise suddenly. Lots of unsuspecting swimmers have been washed away.
- Any creek during flash flooding season
Flickr/Granger Meador Seriously, watch that water coming down out of the mountains. This is the Little Missouri near Little Rock. Twenty campers died in a flash flood in 2010.
- Glory Hole Falls
Flickr/AR Nature Gal It’s pretty safe from down below, but climbing the bluff to see it from the top may endanger your neck. In 2015, an intrepid hiker tried just that, fell through the hole, and had to be airlifted to the hospital.
- The spillway at Devil’s Den
Flickr/Tanya Impeartrice It’s nice to look at, but don’t try to walk across it. You should especially avoid that when the water is high.
- Natural Dam
Flickr/Jonathan Ball Same song, different spillway. A slip could break your leg or neck.
Again, “avoid” is a strong word. Don’t avoid these gorgeous places. Just avoid the risky behaviors that could endanger your life, health, and safety.
Flickr/James Huckaby
Every year residents of Northwest Arkansas and the river valley hear about Beaver Lake tragedies on the local news. As of last count, Beaver Lake had claimed 120 lives. Nine of those deaths took place in 2014. Enjoy the lake, folks, but be careful.
Flickr/Jonathan Ball
The view from the top is spectacular, but the hike has its dangers. The ledge trail to the big bluff, called Goat Trail, is not maintained by the National Park Service. It’s very steep, and very dangerous. It is not advisable to bring children, liquor, or reckless behavior on this hike.
Flickr/Buffalo Outdoor Center
Good grief, don’t try to jump off a cliff into the river. That’s not a joke. In 2007, a man really did that. He lived, but it still wasn’t a good idea.
Wikimedia/Brandonrush
Yes, it’s beautiful. Just don’t fall off. Keep your footing.
Please do go and enjoy the view. But please don’t lean over and topple onto the ground below.
Flickr/MRHSFan
This creek level is OK. Feel free to splash around in water levels two or three times this high—just know that flash flooding is a real problem in the springtime, and water levels can rise suddenly. Lots of unsuspecting swimmers have been washed away.
Flickr/Granger Meador
Seriously, watch that water coming down out of the mountains. This is the Little Missouri near Little Rock. Twenty campers died in a flash flood in 2010.
Flickr/AR Nature Gal
It’s pretty safe from down below, but climbing the bluff to see it from the top may endanger your neck. In 2015, an intrepid hiker tried just that, fell through the hole, and had to be airlifted to the hospital.
Flickr/Tanya Impeartrice
It’s nice to look at, but don’t try to walk across it. You should especially avoid that when the water is high.
Same song, different spillway. A slip could break your leg or neck.
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