Bridal Veil Falls

by Georgie McIrvin

Secluded from view, just on the outskirts of Heber Springs, Arkansas is an area so remote and wild, that while there, I felt as if I had been transported to another world. For decades Bridal Veil Falls has been a cherished area for the young at heart and strong of body. Photographs of the falls from as far back as 1902 may be seen in books at the Historical Society and the Heber Springs Library.. In one, the falls are frozen, looking like icing dripping down the side of a cake as young men are posed below. In another, young women in Gibson Girl clothing are picnicking. I had to wonder how they got to the bottom of the falls in those long skirts. But Bridal Veil Falls is no longer accessible to the public.

As in many situations where the many pay for the actions of a few, Bridal Veil Falls, which is now the private property of the Young Business Men's Organization, is no longer open to the community. They purchased the twenty acres containing Bridal Veil Falls from Julian and Reda Frauenthal in 1976 in hopes of protecting this natural wonder. At one time permission was granted to the Boy Scouts to maintain and use this property for their outings. Where once there was a drive into a well equipped picnic area, now there are only overturned cement benches and vandalized tables to attest to the ambiance that it once had. People who cared enough for themselves to bring bottled water, did not care enough for the beauty of this unique area to take out the bottles when they left. McDonald's cartons and soft drink cans litter each side of the drive. Someone even left a pair of socks. Loud noises and other disturbances, which annoyed the neighbors, have resulted in the drive being chained shut.

It seems that those who litter and vandalize, are not among the stout hearted, as there was nothing to mar the beauty once I ventured beyond the picnic area. This is nature at its best. It is virgin forest as the Indians must have seen it. The raw beauty of the area is truly awesome. Tall trees soar overhead creating a green cathedral as a worn path over natural stones leads sharply down toward the upper falls. I felt it necessary to whisper.

As the water was very low that day, it was possible to walk out into the stream bed. Looking to my right, I marveled at the mass of cascading rocks. Large boulders, each the size of a school bus, flowed down the mountain side creating the platforms on which the waters danced their way toward the precipice. For about twenty-five feet to my left, there is a sheer drop of approximately sixty feet to the pool below. This is Bridal Veil Fall.

Up to this point this has been a rigorous trek, but not especially dangerous. However, to reach the bottom of the falls, one has to be in very good physical condition. The path was almost non-existent as I wended my way around fallen trees, boulders, briers, and countless tumbled rocks. Standing at the bottom of one imposing wall of rock, I leaned far back, while holding onto a tree trunk for support, to see the top which must have soared at least thirty feet toward the sky. It was made of layers and layers of rock, stacked together like a torte with thin layers of soil for filling. Here and there tiny purple wildflowers had found enough light to bloom. As I went deeper into the gorge, the air became heavy, hot and humid. Not a leaf stirred. There was no sound except for a distant faint roar from the highway, and the exuberant birds calling to one another as they flitted from tree to tree.

On this day the falls were little more than a trickle. It had been several days since the last rain. Bridal Veil Falls is not on a creek, but is a watercourse draining the mountain after rain. However, on a previous visit, immediately after a rain, it had thundered and roared as the water cascaded over the precipice and plunged to the pool below. The face of the fall is not smooth. Large rocks jut out, interrupting the flow of water, creating a broad spray effect, which no doubt gave rise to the name, Bridal Veil. As late as 1910, according to the caption under one picture, the falls were named Cornelius Falls. I find no record of when or why the name was changed.

Amazingly there is a cool breeze generated by the falling water. It would be a lovely place for a picnic, if one were willing to carry the load down the trail. It was certainly time for a water break.

Leaving the fall, I made my way down the stream bed by jumping from boulder to boulder, only occasionally having to detour to the bank because of the water. I found that getting the soles of my shoes wet, resulted in some Olympic caliber skating on the rocks. I don't advise it. The stream bed gradually slopes until it intercepts a stream originating at an additional fall located at a right angle to Bridal Veil.. Together they go on their way, probably eventually reaching Greers Ferry Lake or the Little Red River. .

Climbing back to the top is the really difficult part. Straight up is about a 45 degree angle, so it was necessary to snake back and forth to minimize the degree of climb, but frequent rest stops, leaning against a tree for support, were still necessary. At the summit a massive flat boulder seemed placed there just to hold collapsing hikers. I say "hikers" as I was not alone. It would be extremely foolhardy for anyone to attempt this trek without a companion. There are too many places where you can slip, fall, or tumble. It is necessary to have a helping hand up the ascent.

If you should ever have the privilege of viewing Bridal Veil Falls, there are some things that are a must. Wear long pants to guard against scratches and hiking boots to grip the slippery surfaces. Take bottled water as you will perspire profusely. Have lots of film in your camera for this is a photographers paradise. I would advise viewing the falls in late Fall to early Spring. Even though in Summer the area is still beautiful, the view is obstructed by the heavy foliage. Most important, allow enough time to savor the adventure. It has been there for centuries. It can't be appreciated in an hour. Last, but certainly not least, be sure you leave nothing but footprints behind.

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