Natural Bathtub

Whether Natural Bathtub is itself a waterfall is unconfirmed: the NPS map labels it as a separate creek feature from the trail's mapped waterfall. Start at the Indian Rockhouse/Overlook trailhead at Buffalo Point. Follow the marked Indian Rockhouse circuit toward the rock shelter, then use its Return Trail to complete the loop. The NPS map places Natural Bathtub beside Panther Creek where the return route branches toward the parking area.

NPS lists 3.5 miles round-trip for the full Indian Rockhouse circuit: 1.9-mile outward trail plus 1.6-mile return trail. This includes Natural Bathtub; no separate shorter bathtub-only distance is published in these sources.

Narrow, rocky, uneven trail with steep sections and about 400 feet of elevation change between trailhead and rockhouse. Pets are prohibited.

Where to start

Use Indian Rockhouse/Overlook trailhead parking on Highway 268 beyond Buffalo Point Ranger Station; the trail begins across the road. The 2016 NPS leaflet gives trailhead coordinates 36.08142653, -92.5690563. Follow signs: the leaflet says a quarter-mile beyond the station, while the current web page estimates half a mile.

Timing & water

Listed year-round by NPS. Same-day trail condition and creek flow are unverified.

Before you go

NPS lists no activity fee and no reservation requirement for this hike.