I made a hike, with my sister, to Kings River Falls over in Madison County last Thursday morning very early. I forget how beautiful Kings River Falls is, now I have visited it at every season (we will call this one winter; even thought it was a beautiful early spring day). Taking Highway 16 to the diminished town of Boston, we turmed north for about 5 miles and worked our way downhill to the Kings River near the old Dripping Springs School House (1921) . The schoolhouse is still on the river bank. There is a new parking area (about 2 years old for the Kings River Nature Area), enough space for maybe 4 cars. Nice ! The hike is easy and short and well worth every step. From the car to the falls is 1.2 miles; so the loop is 2.4 miles round trip. The trail is nice but full of boulders and water pools in spots due to the previous weekends rain. There has been attention paid to trail erosion in 2 areas with large boulders being set in place.
NOTE: Four major Arkansas Rivers have their origin within 10 miles of this spot. The Mulberry (flows SW), the Buffalo (flows E), the Kings (flows N), and the White (flows NW).
This is also a historic site, being the property of the Williams Family and the Ledbetters before them (1850’s to 1900’s). The original reasidence was burned by bushwackers after the Civil War and has gone through various stages recontruction with new barns and out buildings through the years. There is a nicely built “pioneer wall” alomg the trail. There were a few very early wildflowers in bloom along the trail; trout lillys, johnny jumps-ups, bluets, and spring beauties. Not many yet; just a few scattered around. The old overhand used as a home, barn, etc., is clearly visible on the hillside this time of the year.
The cascading waterfaill next to the major falls, was flowing much better than I had seen before, but the Kings River was maybe a foot or so lower than last April when I visited. It is really a scenic spot and rates very high on my list of “most loved” hikes. The Kings River enters a shut-in that last about 2 miles starting just upstream from the main falls.
Kings River Falls
Trout Lillys
Quad – Up is North
Thats an amazing looking river! Rarely see them that size down here in Africa! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Steve, by chance did you take any pictures of the Dripping Springs School House when you were in that area? My mother and uncle went to that school in the mid 20’s. Would love to get a picture of two if you took any.
HI Brenda, yes about a month ago I spent some time at the Dripping Springs schoolhouse on a creek near the Kings River headwaters; a beautiful place. I have a photo from the 1960’s and also one a month ago; I will repost them both this weekend. Such a idyllic place. The Madison County high country is one of the prettiest places in Arkansas. Thanks for looking, Steve
Thanks for the response, Steve. Would it be possible for you to send me copies of the pictures? I do have a picture of the children (including my mother and my uncle) in front of the Dripping Springs schoolhouse from 1928 and will send you a copy of that if you like.
Brenda, I’ll mail them Monday (one from the 60’s and one from a month ago). Steve
Thank you Steve … did you receive an e-mail from me, telling you about the different families who attended the Dripping Springs school back in the 1920’s?
Yes Brenda, they will ship out tomorrow as soon as I get back to St. Louis. Steve
Thanks again so much … this is very kind of you.