Falling Water Road still blocked?

I'm thinking I might head over to Richland Creek this weekend hoping to find some early color. Am I right in assuming the landslide from, what, a couple of years ago?, is still blocking access via Falling Water Road?

The slide is still there, Randy. When I was over doing some maintenance on our section of the trail last month, I drove over to see if any work had been started. It looks the same as it did two or three years ago. I thought the FS had been awarded some stimulus funds to reroute the road

Thanks, Bill. It's good to find out without having to go and look.

Having never been to Richland Creek but wanting to go this year what is the best access and best way to approach this creek to take full advantage of what it has to offer....I have never been quite clear on this.
Joe Rogers

You have to come around from the North to get to the campground. The campground is probably the best starting place to see the creek. I had a map saved on Google maps but it doesn't seem to be working right, I will try to redo one and post it.

I am planning on being in the Richland area myself this weekend.

Plan at the moment is to camp( if it's not being used) at the low water bridge leading into the campground (northside) Friday night only. Shoot late Friday into the night up around Richland Falls (light painting and star trails) and first thing Saturday morning back in the creek again. Matt, Karla, and me have to leave at some point Saturday. Look for a four door green jeep.

Hey Joe, the Arkansas Nature Lovers Guidebook has a map and descriptions to many scenic features inside this wilderness area, as well as other scenic areas in the area. It has descriptions for coming in from Hill Cemetery (including how to find the Sandstone Castle), as well as coming in from the trailhead just north of the campground, which is my favorite access point. Good to keep in the truck anytime you are traveling Arkansas!

This may be something like Matt had in mind. The path shown at the URL starts at the Hwy. 16/ Hwy. 7 junction south of Jasper, Arkansas. I'm not sure that the road signs you'll see when you get to forest service land match what's on google maps. The last time I paid any attention, they didn't. What was on the roads was the forest road designation, but maybe it's changed and I just haven't noticed.

north route to Richland campground

The Ernst guidebooks are a good idea regardless.

Here's another map you might find useful:
RichlandCreek

I was in the area yesterday - they haven't done anything to the road and may not for a while - this is our government, and they have gotten into the habit of not doing what they say they are going to do. Oops, sorry for the political statement. I did notice a new and quite illegal horse trail that is now painted red and crosses the road and nearby OHT - I suspect someone in the forest service continues to receive bribe money from the big horse camp nearby to allow this illegal activity - amazing they just keep turning their heads. They have added a blank bulletin board at both the Falling Water Falls parking area and on the road next to Six Finger Falls. They will probably post that horses are not allowed, ha!

There is some color in the area of both Falling Water and Richland drainages down low, but it is the sort right now that requires correct lighting and good technique to capture. Most of the rest of the surrounding area remains pretty green, especially up out of the drainage. It will be a grand weekend to be out and about no matter how much color though - enjoy!

And yup, the Arkansas Nature Lovers Guidebook has tons of great info, also the Arkansas Waterfalls Guidebook, and even the Buffalo River Hiking Trails guidebook has a map and description of the wilderness - the newest edition of this guidebook (#4) also includes the new section of the Buffalo River Trail (just opened in April) with many terrific views and three really nice new waterfalls...

I decided to call the FS in Jasper yesterday, and here is what I found out.

1) The agency that got the stimulus money was FEMA. Of course, it's no secret how long it takes them to get anything done! The FS will be doing the inspection work.

2) A contract has been awarded for the work. They will be meeting with the FS later this month to determine, among other things, a START DATE!

3) Plans are to close off the lower part of the area to camping. Day-use only. After the catastrophic flood at Albert Pike earlier this year, I think this is a wise decision. They do plan to expand the actual campground on top to replace those few campsites that will be lost along the creek.

4) They are going to put in pilings to brace the new road, which will be located the same as where the road is now. I'd heard rumors they were going to re-route it, but the flagging I saw higher up the hill last year may be a re-route for the OHT. At least that's what the FS told me yesterday. I worked with a few folks last year to clean that section up, and I see no reason to re-route it. So I don't know what's going on with that. Once they get a passable surface, they're going to open it up to allow traffic.

Good news Bill. I will miss camping in that lower section by the creek, one of my favorite places to camp anywhere. It does make sense though after what happened at Albert Pike.

Thank all of you for helping me with this location...I always find people on this forum to be helpful and knowledgable. Joe Rogers