Generated illustration of a natural swimming setting; not a photograph of this location
RiverAR

Little Missouri River Swimming Spots

By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated

Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.

Plan a Little Missouri River outing with Albert Pike day-use rules, separate waterfall destinations, flood cautions and no directions to the closed private quarry.

Water type
River
Access
Informal
Fee
Albert Pike day use is free in the current Forest Service listing. Other destinations and overnight arrangements must be checked separately.
Best season
Stable weather and suitable river levels
Nearby towns
Glenwood, Langley
Water body
Little Missouri River

Location

Map & Directions

AR
Nearby towns
Glenwood, Langley
Recreation-area reference location
34.3765977, -93.8775722
Recorded coordinates have not been source-checked. Confirm the entrance and legal access before using directions.

Sources & checks

This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.

Swimming rules
Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
Recreation-area reference location
The map uses a recreation-area reference coordinate from the manager, not a surveyed entrance, parking space or safe water-entry point. Follow current signs and confirm access before travelling.
Record updated
· This is a data update, not a field visit.

Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.

Little Missouri River: start with the right destination

This listing covers a wider river corridor, not one swimming pool. The map identifies Albert Pike Day Use. Winding Stairs and Little Missouri Falls are separate outings with different access and preparation needs.

Albert Pike is day use, not overnight camping

The current Forest Service page lists free day use, vault toilets, water and picnic tables. Do not plan an overnight stay at the former campground. Approach via AR-369 north from Langley and follow current entrance signs rather than using old instructions into a particular campground loop.

Plan waterfall visits independently

Little Missouri Falls has a separate trailhead and waterfall-overlook destination. Winding Stairs is not a roadside extension of the Albert Pike picnic stop. We have not reverified the old page's exact crossing count, trail mileage or informal pools, so they are not presented as reliable directions. Carry a current map and turn back when a crossing is unsafe.

Flood conditions matter more than a scenic photograph

Check weather across the watershed, not just overhead. Avoid rising water, storm forecasts and crossings that exceed your ability. Do not use the old recommendation to tube down cascades or jump into deep-looking pools. A photograph cannot show hidden rocks, current or today's depth.

The private Blue Hole Quarry is not an alternative

The archived listing recorded that quarry as closed private property. This page does not recommend visiting it or provide a route into it. Use established public recreation destinations and confirm their current access with the Caddo-Womble district at 870-867-2101.

Getting There

Navigate to Albert Pike Day Use via AR-369 north from Langley, using current Forest Service directions. The pin represents the day-use area. Winding Stairs and Little Missouri Falls need separate routes and weather checks. Do not use the former private Blue Hole Quarry destination.

Access Notes

Day use does not authorize overnight camping or entry to all former campground loops. Backcountry trails and river crossings require a current map and conditions assessment. The old quarry was recorded as closed private property; it is not a public recommendation.

Plan Your Visit

Parking & Access

Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.

Regulations & Fees

Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check official rules, fees, hours, and closures before visiting. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.

Seasonality & Flow

Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.

What to Bring

Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.

Nearby Facilities

Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.

Map data retrieved 2026-06-15

Little Missouri Falls

Scenic spot

4.8 (685)

AR-369, Langley, AR 71952

Eagle Rock Loop

Hiking area

4.8 (118)

Umpire, AR 71971

Little Missouri Trailhead

Park

5 (18)

Mena, AR 71953

Albert Pike Recreation Area

Campground

4.7 (397)

Nfw 106, Umpire, AR 71971

Barbecue grillPicnic tablesPublic restroom

Daisy State Park

State park

4.7 (875)

103 E Park Rd, Kirby, AR 71950

A scenic camping & picnic spot on mountain, lake & river terrain with trails, fishing & kayaking.

Barbecue grillPicnic tablesPublic restroomSlides

Arrowhead Cabins and Camping

Cabin rental agency

4.5 (291)

69 Arrowhead Dr, Caddo Gap, AR 71935

Public Bathrooms

Public bathroom

5 (2)

19 Cemetery Rd, Hatfield, AR 71945

Restroom

Public bathroom

5 (2)

61 Bullshoals Park, Lakeview, AR 72642

Live Conditions Nearby

Checking nearby USGS water conditions…

Frequently Asked Questions About Little Missouri River Swimming Spots

Can I camp at Albert Pike?

No. The current Forest Service listing identifies Albert Pike as day-use only. Arrange permitted overnight accommodation elsewhere.

Which destination does the map identify?

Albert Pike Day Use, not Winding Stairs, Little Missouri Falls or every informal river pool.

Is Albert Pike day use free?

The current Forest Service page lists no day-use fee. Confirm current notices and operating facilities before travel.

Can I use the old Blue Hole Quarry swimming location?

No public recommendation is made. The archived listing recorded it as closed private property; do not enter without landowner permission.

Highlights

Albert Pike day-use river setting
Picnic facilities at the primary destination
Separate waterfall and backcountry planning
No quarry or jumping recommendations

Unique Features

Little Missouri River corridor in the Ouachita National Forest

Location & Area Map

Safety Information

Important Safety Tips

  • Flash flooding can be life-threatening
  • Do not camp at Albert Pike, cross high water, slide down cascades or jump into unknown pools
  • Check weather upstream and supervise children directly

Cultural & Historical Context

Historical Background

Albert Pike is managed as a Forest Service day-use destination following the area's flood history.

Photography Guide

Photo Opportunities

Reviewed gallery photos come from the separate Little Missouri Falls collection, not the Albert Pike map destination. Views include layered falls, autumn creek reflections, narrow cascades and whitewater. Historical photos do not prove current flow, safe depth or authorized pool access; photograph from permitted locations.

Conservation & Ethics

Protect This Place

Respect day-use limits, private-property closures and posted rules; take litter home.

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At a Glance

Best Time to Visit
Stable weather and suitable river levels; cancel crossings when water rises or storms threaten.
Difficulty Level
Albert Pike is road-access day use; backcountry routes have different demands and may involve hazardous river crossings.
Fee
Albert Pike day use is free in the current Forest Service listing. Other destinations and overnight arrangements must be checked separately.
Facilities
Confirm operating water and toilets before travel and carry drinking water for any hike.
Activities
Day-use river outing, picnicking, hiking and waterfall viewing; water entry is conditions-dependent
Phone
870-867-2101

Safety & Access Notice

This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.

You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.

Camping Information

Albert Pike is day-use only, not an operating overnight campground. Arrange permitted camping separately.

Loading weather data…

Safety & Access Notice

This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.

  • Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
  • Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
  • Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
  • Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
  • Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
  • Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.

You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.

J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes

Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.

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