Lake Catherine State Park

Taking in a beautiful sunrise in Hot Springs National Park was a great start to our Sunday. Following a hearty breakfast and a brief nap, Taryn and I continued on with our whirlwind tour of Central Arkansas. Next stop: Lake Catherine State Park.

The sole purpose of our visit was to see Falls Creek Falls, which is found along a two-and-a-half-mile loop trail.  These are not the waterfall -- just a small cascade near the trail.

Even small cascades can take on a grand appearance when you shoot in close.

Some water striders in the creek were the only wildlife we saw.  Neat little creatures.  I didn't even notice that this was a mating pair at first.

Also not the waterfall.  These cascades were only about two feet high.

THIS is the waterfall.  It was actually pretty crowded, which wasn't that surprising for a beautiful Sunday afternoon.  But with a little patience to wait for a moment when all the other tourists are out of your shot, it can appear completely isolated.

We hung out here for a while, just enjoying the warm weather and the roar of the splashing water.  These falls are actually about 15 feet high, and completely worth the walk.

Barely noon, and already two scenic spots down.  But more was still to come!