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Hamilton Pool Waterfall

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Hamilton Pool Waterfall is named after the shallow pond the water flows into. The river runs over limestone cliffs dropping fifty feet into the shallow pool that sparkles green in the sunlight. Near Austin, hikers and swimmers can visit the relaxing pool to cool off in the sweltering summer heat. Hamilton Pool Waterfall is not the widest or highest falls in North America, but the beauty, vegetation, and swimming area make it a place to see. Hamilton Pool in Travis County Park is a popular attraction; there is an $11 fee for entry. Visitors can visit between 8:30 and 6 pm. Reservations for the pool area can also be made between certain hours but pets are not allowed. For more information, click here.

McKinney Falls State Park

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McKinney Falls is part of the state park of the same name. While the height is not awe-inspiring, the water pressure – particularly, after rain – is extremely strong. There are two rivers that come together at the falls, which is why people need to be careful of the strong, rushing water. Williamson and Onion Creeks meet, creating small falls that run over limestone rock. The park fee is $6. The height of the falls is unknown, however, there are lower and upper falls, with a hiking distance of 700 feet. For more information, click here.

Mexicano Falls

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Mexicano Falls is 80 feet high, which makes the falls the third-highest in Texas. The falls are inside Big Bend Ranch State Park. Visitors can go to Ojito Adentro – the base of a small mountain – to see the falls, or hike the mile-long trail to the canyon and see them up close. There is a small trickle that creates an oasis in the canyon. For more information, click here.

Westcave Preserve Falls

Rick Mach / shutterstock

Westcave Preserve Falls is part of the 30 acres Preserve. The falls are reachable with a guide or by studying guidebooks. Westcave Preserve Falls creates a forty-foot drop going over the travertine columns (limestone deposits). Westcave Waterfalls are part of the Grotto and Texas Hill Country and visitors will need to take a guided tour to visit the savanna, limestone grottos, and waterfalls, with a pool below. There is also access to a cave and canyon area. Tours are weather-dependent and available on weekends. Fees are $15 for adults, $7 for children, or an annual pass is $75. For more information, click here.

Gorman Falls

JB Manning / shutterstock

Gorman Falls inside Colorado Bend State Park provides a great hike up a steep trail to see the beauty of Cyprus and fern trees, running down 65 feet of rock and plant-covered walls. The limestone around the falls is delicate, so don’t attempt to climb the ridge surrounding the water. The falls are secluded, taking visitors away from the world and into nature. Hiking to the top provides amazing views. Texas may have quite a few waterfalls, but this is one of a handful that flows year-round, even in the hot summer months when rainwater is scarce. Gorman Falls hike has a 200-foot elevation change. To enter the state park, you will either need a Texas State Parks pass or to pay $6. The hike is dog-friendly. For more information, click here.

The Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area is a magical place located deep in the Ozark National Forest.  This incredible area has not one, not two, but three breathtaking waterfalls!

This picture is owned by hiking the ozarks

The recreation area has a primitive campground with 9 spacious sites. Campers are allowed, but no special hook-ups are available.  There are no restrooms, and you will need to bring your own water. Each campsite is equipped with picnic tables and pedestal grills.

Keep Arkansas Beautiful

The campground is surrounded by a beautiful mature hardwood forest, and is located on a small mountain stream with picturesque falls, rocks, and a bluff, making this the perfect setting for your next family outing!

It’s the views, that make this park truly special.  The campground is located within sight of Haw Creek Falls, and its only a short hike to Pam’s Grotto Falls and Pack Rat Falls.

Keep Arkansas Beautiful

While this is a great place to camp, its also an incredible place to enjoy the beautiful Arkansas nature.

Keep Arkansas Beautiful

Hiking, swimming, fishing, camping, animal spotting, and taking in the breathtaking scenery are just some of the highlights this area has to offer.

Jonathon Ball

Or you can just enjoy a picnic surrounded by beautiful scenery.

Flickr/Just too lazy

For more information about this recreation area, visit the U.S. Forest Service website by clicking here.

For directions to Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area, click here.

Branson Treehouse Adventures

Branson Treehouse Adventures is the perfect location for your next family vacation.  Located in the heart of the Ozarks, this is the perfect place to let loose, unwind, and getaway from it all. This heavily wooded area is an outdoor paradise featuring 7 absolutely breathtaking tree-houses, as well as 6 gorgeous ground level cabins, there is also an RV campground featuring 67  sites with electricity, and 6 primitive sites perfect for tent camping! These charming log cabins very in size and style, so weather your looking for a great location for your next family reunion,  an amazing vacation destination , or just a romantic get away with that special someone you’re sure to find exactly what your looking for at Branson Treehouse Adventures. For more information, click here.

The Silo

Wanderlust with Lacey

The uniqueness and beauty is endless from custom brick walls, 100 year old logs, custom architectural ceiling, to a large walk in marble shower! And it doesn’t stop there.. two story deck over a new pond with over hanging hammock, two swings, and a claw foot tub.. you have so much to take in!! The Silo is located on 5 private acres with a double decker deck overlooking the water! This house makes the ultimate escape! SO many close off property activities as well! For more information, click here.

Big Cedar Lodge

The Big Cedar Lodge is a hidden gem in the area that definitely calls for a visit. Big Cedar Lodge is a world-class resort where you and your family will make memories to last a lifetime. Built to embrace the natural landscape of the beautiful Ozark Mountains, Big Cedar Lodge offers 302 private accommodations, including grand lodges, cozy cottages, private log cabins, and inviting camp-style units. From a state-of-the-art fitness center to numerous pools and hot tubs, the goal is to make your stay as unforgettable and fun-filled as possible. The Big Cedar Lodge is ranked by Travel & Leisure Magazine as the #1 resort in the Midwest. Big Cedar Lodge is located at 190 Top of the Rock Rd. in Ridgedale. For more information, click here.

Fair Winds Cabins

Fair Winds Cabins was founded in 2002, and is home to some of Missouri’s most beautiful cabins! This family owned business located in Cherryville Missouri, is the perfect place to go to get away from it all. There are 6 different cabins available, each with its own unique theme.  All cabins are fully furnished, and feature some remarkable amenities within. The cabins are climate controlled, with a full kitchen, and include a Jacuzzi style hot tub, a gas fireplace, and satellite television! Located at 123 Highway 49, Cherryville. For more information, click here.

River of Life Farm

River of Life Farm, located in southern Missouri, is the perfect vacation place! You will stay in a real Treehouse Cabin with all of the best up-to-date amenities.  River of Life Farm is one of those special places you’re sure to plan return trips to time and time again. For more information, click here.

If you love the outdoors, check out these 5 Amazing Parks in Missouri, by clicking here.

Blanchard Springs Recreation Area

This picture is owned by Keith Freeman

The Blanchard Springs Recreation Area offers a rich outdoor experience.  Located in the beautiful Ozark National Forest. The spring starts at the Blanchard Springs Cavern with a cool waterfall, that feeds into the Sylamore Creek, which is a popular swimming hole during the summer months. The Blanchard Springs Recreation Area is a perfect place to camp, with 32 different campsites to choose from. Two historic dams enclose the waters of Blanchard Springs, forming Mirror Lake. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout, and is an excellent fishing destination. The North Sylamore Hiking Trail, guides hikers along wooded hillsides,  past picturesque rock bluffs. For more information, click here.

Petit Jean State Park 

This picture is owned by Hilton Simpson

Petit Jean State Park is an Arkansas classic, a natural and historic treasure that has welcomed travelers for decades. The natural beauty and ancient geology of the legendary Petit Jean Mountain inspired the creation of Arkansas’s first state park and with it our state park system. The park mirrors the mountain’s rugged beauty with its rustic-style, native log and stone facilities constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Two swimming pools, picnic areas, playgrounds, pavilions, boat launch ramp, tennis and basketball court, and an amphitheater are also on site. Hiking trails lead through forests and meadows, over canyons, and along streams and the mountainside. See where nature formed sheer bluffs, the spectacular 95-foot Cedar Falls, Seven Hollows, and such distinctive features as Bear Cave, the Grotto, Natural Bridge, and other formations like carpet rocks and turtle rocks. For more information, click here.

Lake Catherine State Park

This peaceful park is located on Lake Catherine, one of five lakes in the beautiful Ouachita Mountain region. The only full-service marina on the lake is here at the park and open in the summertime for bait, snacks/drinks, and fuel. The park also includes a launch ramp, pavilion, picnic sites, playgrounds, and a well-marked trail that leads to a waterfall. The park has 20 fully equipped cabins, including one two-bedroom cabin with a patio overlooking the water and private access to the lake from its own fishing pier. The park offers 70 campsites, six primitive tent sites, and one Rent-A-Yurt. Many of these sites are on the lake-shore. Park interpreters offer hikes, lake tours, and programs year-round. Guided horseback rides are offered seasonally. Open daily at 10 a.m. from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Fall & Winter: Open 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday through Thanksgiving.  For more information, click here.

Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area

This picture is owned by hiking the ozarks

The Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area is a magical place located deep in the Ozark National Forest.  This incredible area has not one, not two, but three breathtaking waterfalls! The campground is surrounded by a beautiful mature hardwood forest, and is located on a small mountain stream with picturesque falls, rocks, and a bluff, making this the perfect setting for your next family outing! While this is a great place to camp, its also an incredible place to enjoy the beautiful Arkansas nature. Hiking, swimming, fishing, camping, animal spotting, and taking in the breathtaking scenery are just some of the highlights this area has to offer. For more information, click here.

Mount Magazine State Park

Arkansas The Beautiful

At the peak of the state park experience is Mount Magazine, Arkansas’s highest point at 2,753 feet. People come for the sweeping views alone, but there is much to see and do from this unique spot. Mount Magazine State Park is a place of relaxation, exploration, nature study, and is within the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests. It is a destination for outdoor sports and extreme adventures with mountain biking, horseback riding, backpacking, and ATV riding. Mount Magazine is the state park system’s most dramatic location for technical rock climbing, and it’s one of only two parks to offer hang gliding launch areas. Scenic overlooks, hiking trails, picnic area, pavilion, and visitor center with gift shop add to the amenities. The Lodge at Mount Magazine features 60 guest rooms, Skycrest Restaurant, a conference center, business center, heated indoor swimming pool, fitness center, and game room. For more information, click here.

Foster Falls

Rob Du Bois / shutterstock

Foster Falls is also part of Cumberland State Park; however, to reach this waterfall, hikers need to start at Foster Falls Visitor Center in Sequatchie, Tennessee. The waterfall is 60 feet high and just two miles from the parking lot. The hike is of medium difficulty and loops from the parking lot back around. The best time of year to go is during spring, summer, or fall. It is possible to rock climb, swim, and camp in the park. The path has a drop down into a gorge, which brings you to the bottom of the falls. With the refreshing water, many swim near the cascades and feel the power of how much water is actually plunging over the cliff into the gorge. For more information, click here.

Burgess Falls

TheTennesseeAdventurer / shutterstock

Burgess Falls in Sparta, Tennessee is an amazing trek. It will take a bit of a hike for you to reach the stunning falls; take the River Trail on the Service Loop Road to get to the top of the falls. It is important to note that the hike down is treacherous and steep. Burgess Falls is part of Burgess Falls State Park and the most magnificent of four waterfalls. The four waterfalls take a 250-foot trip from the top of the mountain to the lowest point in the river. The most spectacular is the 130-foot waterfall – Burgess – that plunges into an amazing gorge. For more information, click here.

Altamont Falls

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Altamont Falls – close to Altamont, Tennessee – is one of the prettiest and most moderate of hikes. Visitors can pick up on Greeter Falls Loop and Trail, walking the 3.2 miles to reach the falls. The park allows dogs, as long as they are on the leash. There is an elevation gain of 485 feet. The lower Greeter Falls is about 30 minutes from the parking area in South Cumberland State Park. A side trail from the lower falls will bring hikers to a Blue Hole swimming spot or one can continue up to Altamont Falls. For more information, click here.

Scott Alan Ritchie / shutterstock

Twin Falls waterfall is in Rock Island State Park. It straddles White and Warren Counties, with Collins and Caney river forks coming together. The park boasts several waterfalls but Twin Falls is the largest, with an 80-foot drop. The hike to the falls is one mile. It is not a loop, but an out and back type of trail. The elevation gain is minimal and the terrain is pleasant, offering an easy hike to the magnificent waterfall. It is possible to reach the falls throughout the year since the climate is mild. For more information, click here.

Coon Creek Falls

Dan Lewis / shutterstock

Fall Creek Falls State Park – as mentioned previously – has more than one waterfall, including the impressive Coon Creek Falls. This has a 250-foot drop, which is almost as great as Fall Creek Falls’ total drop of 256 feet. Hikers can visit an overlook to see both falls or take a gentle walk along a hedged path. The fun part is that both Fall Creek and Coon Creek Falls hit the same pool beneath; however, there is no way to walk to the bottom and it is never a good idea to cliff dive into the plunge pool – there are too many rocks and it is not possible to tell how deep the pool is at any given time. For more information, click here.