Tea Kettle Falls
Madison County, Arkansas
Your visit at a glance
- Waterfall height
- 46 ft (14 m)
- Location
- Madison County, Arkansas
- Access status
- Partial: route is poorly marked and two reviewers reported a private-property problem near the access road
- The walk
- About 3 miles return
- Ground & access
- Poorly marked trail with some bushwhacking and several creek crossings. Wet feet are likely; water shoes or sandals are suggested.
A 46-foot waterfall that cuts through a limestone bluff in a small hollow off Warm Fork Creek, inside McIlroy Madison County Wildlife Management Area.
Plan your visit
From Forum, drive 6.5 miles north on Highway 23 to unsigned gravel road 447 (look for a large shed on the east side). Drive to the bottom and park at the small parking area in the meadow on the right. Walk through the field to the tree line to find the trailhead. Then either follow the poorly marked trail on the right side of Warm Fork Creek, or walk the creek downstream. About 1 mile along, pass the smaller Reynolds Falls. Shortly after, turn up the next drainage on the left. Tea Kettle Falls is about 100 yards up.
The Outbound lists 2.97 miles out and back with 289 feet of gain. This is one user-submitted track.
Poorly marked trail with some bushwhacking and several creek crossings. Wet feet are likely; water shoes or sandals are suggested.
Where to start
A small parking area in a meadow at the bottom of unsigned gravel road 447. Two reviewers said directions led to a private driveway with a no-trespassing sign, so confirm the gate and road before driving in.
Timing & water
Runs only after a good rain; early spring is best. Check AGFC hunting-season information before visiting this actively hunted WMA.
Before you go
Effective July 1, 2026, AGFC requires visitors age 16 or older without a current Arkansas hunting or fishing license to have the annual $10.50 WMA/Lake Conservation Permit. McIlroy Madison County WMA is included.
Visitor informationVisit sources
More waterfalls nearby
Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.
- Road 299 FallsResearched walking route21 ft (6.4 m) · Madison County, AR3.3 miE
- Eagle's Nest FallsSource-reviewed route and parking41 ft (12.5 m) · Madison County, AR4.5 miSE
- Glory B FallsCurrent parking access unconfirmed16 ft (4.9 m) · Madison County, AR5.0 miS
- Sweden Creek FallsOfficial trail and current designated parking documented81 ft (24.7 m) · Madison County, AR25 miSE
Eden FallsResearched visit notes53 ft (16.2 m) · Newton County, AR25 miSE- Upper Armadillo FallsNewton County, AR25 miSE
- Middle Armadillo FallsPartial guide: hazardous historical off-trail approach; NPS advises designated trails18 ft (5.5 m) · Newton County, AR25 miSE
- Lower Armadillo FallsLocation only: waterfall tier mismatch24 ft (7.3 m) · Newton County, AR25 miSE
- Diamond FallsPartial guide: unsafe historical ledge approach; no verified safe current route148 ft (45.1 m) · Newton County, AR26 miSE