Rocky Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.1 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Rocky Falls
Rocky Falls is a picturesque cascading waterfall located in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways in Missouri. It is part of Rocky Creek, which flows over rhyolite rock formations, creating a stunning natural feature. The area is popular for picnicking, photography, and enjoying the serene surroundings.
The Setting
Rocky Falls sits at 758 feet within Ozark National Scenic Riverways, in the foothills of Missouri.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Rocky Falls is very short and easy, making it accessible for most visitors. It leads directly from the parking area to the base of the falls, with minimal elevation gain. The path is well-maintained and suitable for families and individuals of all fitness levels.
What to Expect
Swimming is permitted. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Rocky Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Leashed dogs are welcome on almost all Ozark National Scenic Riverways trails, except horse trails, and may not enter springs, spring branches or caves.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Rocky Falls?
✅ Swimming is allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the water flow is typically stronger due to seasonal rains. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer is great for wading and cooling off.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check the National Park Service website for current conditions.
Safety Information
The rocks around the falls can be slippery, so wear appropriate footwear and exercise caution. Be mindful of water levels, especially after heavy rains, as the creek may flow more rapidly. Always supervise children near the water.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Jacks Fork, 9.2 miles away, not on Rocky Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
159 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 105 years of record
1.61 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Jacks Fork at Eminence, MO (15 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
162 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
160 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
161 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
164 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
165 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
162 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
165 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to late May, peaking in May.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Eminence hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Rocky Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Rocky Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 72°F to 42°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 159 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
The bare-earth surface loses about 135 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 772 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 149 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 26 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 772 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 135 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Rocky Falls is located near Eminence, Missouri, and can be accessed via Highway 106 and Shannon County Road NN-522. The falls are part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways and are well-marked with signs leading to the parking area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the falls, which provides easy access to the site. Parking is free but may be limited during peak seasons.
Elevation
758 feet above sea level
Coordinates
37.093383° N, -91.209575° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during weekends or holidays to secure parking, as the area can get busy. Bring water shoes if you plan to wade in the creek, as the rocks can be slippery. Pack a picnic to enjoy the scenic surroundings.
Where to Stay
Secluded Ranch House Cabin in Eminence Ozarks
Secluded Ozarks Cabin in the woods Eminence MO
Montauk Pines
Honeysuckle Inn
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
TWO RIVERS
8 miles away · 22 sites
Overview In the rolling, forested landscape of Two Rivers, two of America's most beautiful spring-fed rivers combine to make up the Ozark National Scenic Riverways.As the first national park area to protect a wild river system, visitors have plenty of scenic water activities to enjoy as well as hiking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing. Recreation The crystal clear Current River flows past the campground, offering excellent canoeing, tubing, swimming, and fishing. Jacks Fork meets the Current
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Doniphan, Missouri
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Doniphan, Missouri on SoakingSprings.
Explore Missouri springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Alley Spring and Mill, Blue Spring, and the Current River, all of which are part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors may also see fish and aquatic life in the creek.
Cities near Rocky Falls
Other waterfalls named Rocky Falls
2 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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