Mount Magazine Cascade and Falls

Before the Tumble.   Mount Magazine Cascade  KSJ 

On May 9, Arkansas Tourism photographer Casey Crocker and I set out to explore several waterfalls in and about Mount Magazine.

I have concluded that dynamic waterfalls form when 1) terrain showcases a rapid descent in elevation, 2) waters are gathered together -- and 3) there are sufficient headwaters to feed the Fall.

The very tops of mountains often challenge part #3.  A mountain-scape may feature rapid plunges and grooves, but if the descending geography is too near the top of a given apex, rain lacks room to collect. That said, Mount Magazine and Mount Nebo both feature near-the-top waterfalls that draw from high, rounded acreage and which come alive after heavy rains.  

After days of steady May rain, we thought we might try our luck with several of Mount Magazine’s seasonal cascades. Casey took one trail, I took the other:

Mount Magazine Cascade.
(Tim Ernst Waterfall Guide 2nd Edition, p 268)


Consider this one highly seasonal, easy to get to and somewhat challenging once you arrive. MM Cascade forms almost directly from the top of Mount Magazine and can be found by traveling from the back of the Brown Spring Picnic Area. Signage points the way. The walk to the to of the cascaded is level and and less than a mile round trip. That part is easy. Once you hit the head, the cascade - listed as over 100 feet in length plunges quickly. It so happens that the weather conditions that make for a great cascade, also make for a challenging descent. I walked down a steep muddy trail, parallel to the cascade. There are places where you can cut over to the cascade itself, but better sense told me to watch my step and keep to the flat spots and perimeters. It wouldn't take much of slip then take a tumble down the entire yardage. 

Photographing the cascade in is pretty much impossible from ground level. The cascade's channel is long and narrow and flanked by heavy vegetation. There is simply no way to back up to get the whole thing, so I snagged pictures of several segments.  I wonder if this may be an easier winter capture.

Part 2: Mount Magazine Falls. (images by Casey Crocker) (Tim Ernst Waterfall Guide 2nd Edition, p 268)

The 28 foot long cascade-style Mount Magazine Falls is accessed from the final pull-off on the one-way = Cameron Loop Like the Mount Magazine Cascade, the Mount Magazine Waterfall forms pretty close to the mountain's top. The unmarked trail is short, but rigorousness, and quickly becomes downright steep. As is, Mount Magazine Falls is not suggested for folks who haven't gone rogue before. There are reasons some trails aren't marked.

Mount Magazine Falls: Casey Crocker