Clean and comfortable - natural beauty sitting just around the bend and over the next hill and under the placid water of Lake Catherine! It's fun and easy to reach/enjoy with family friendly opportunities for hiking, fishing, boating, swimming, grilling, camping (cabins available too) - very close to Hot Springs which has a lot of beauty from the National Park in downtown to the lookout tower atop the highest point in downtown - including the natural hot springs which makes this place famous for America's first off season professional baseball camps and the likes of gangsters and movie stars all mingled alongside the everyday persons enjoying the same or hanging out at the horse races. It's a cool place to visit and you'll have a super time at the park - with other states parks and lakes and rivers/hiking and nature all around! read more

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Lake Catherine-- We absolutely love this lake! Although, I felt like things were not labeled as they should have been during the hike of "Falls Creek Falls". There were marks on trees during the hike that were red, white and yellow, but I had no idea what those meant. Maybe this part of town is less touristy and more locals, because people had set up hammocks, and all of their things that they needed for the night/day around the waterfall after the hike. I spoke to a sweet man and woman on a golf cart who seemed to work there, as they were going around and changing papers for the reservations for there were trailers in the parking lot, and they advised us on where to go and park. They did advise us that if you go on the trails, if you go towards the left, the hike is shorter and it's about a 1/2 a mile, and if you go towards the right, it's about a mile and a 1/2 Which is a great tip because, of course, we wanted to take the shorter route. We had a toddler and an elderly person with us, and so we did not want to do a strenuous hike. This hike was just enough for us to feel better adventurous, and like we accomplished something when we got to the falls. The falls were beautiful, and the water looked gorgeous. Although, I did see later on another app, that a lot of times sewer water gets into the falls. Unfortunately, we had decided to take a dip even though we didn't have swim suits just because it looks so refreshing but it's just something to keep in mind. Overall, we would definitely come here again! It looks like a great place to bring lunch and hang out and eat after a great hike! read more

Lake Catherine State Park - Beautiful hike! - Hiking Near Me - Hot Springs, Arkansas

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Perfectly clean and waterfront location. Cabin 4 is pet friendly. The downside is that is is straight across from the power plant so don't expect it to be quiet while its operating read more

Lake Catherine State Park - Private dock - Hiking Near Me - Hot Springs, Arkansas

My fiancé and I were visiting from out of town and we decided to hike Falls Branch Trail. The hike was not too difficult. I would say it is moderate in terms of how challenging of a hike it was. It seems like a pretty popular place to hike. We did pass by quite a few people while on our walk but it wasn't crowded at all. We also saw a couple snakes. This was such a beautiful place to take in all the beautiful scenery. Plenty of trees that offer shade if going during the warmer weather and a beautiful view of the water as well. read more

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Kathrin on lake Catherine ... this park is beautiful! I could spend a week here . They have kayaking, a waterfall ... many trails .. boats , cabins ... bring a walking stick if you are going up the mountains. read more

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We loved it Free admission 2 + Mile hike was great Waterfalls Streams Not very hard to negotiate at all Wonderful clear trail markings Beautiful scenery a must see Check out the pics Think outside, not in a box! read more

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Excellent Place, nice views, excellent paved trail. The Park has Park Rangers there. It is excellent in security. It is excellent in views. It is great for nature lovers. I was looking for a place to go to for Prayer & meditation. This was the perfect place. Blessings, Sam (Luke 18:9-14) read more

Very well kept SP. the trails were well marked and water falls and brooks are beautiful.

This place was very clean! We relaxed there all day fishing and swimming. Just make sure you wear sunscreen!

This is a very clean, peaceful park. The cabins are clean and nice. The waterfall hike and beach is great.

This spot is the place to be if you're exploring the Hot Springs area. There are 3 trails at the time of visiting in winter/spring 2021, and as of then, they were all open and well-groomed. We took two paths but started with the popular Fall Branch Trail since it had the iconic waterfall at the end. There were actually a few lovely waterfalls leading to the big boy throughout the path which was so scenic and beautiful throughout. But of course, the flashy waterfall towards the end was spectacular and you can even walk the rock trail that's smack dab in the middle of the creek. I recommend that risk for the best photos! Since we went during January, it was way too cold to take a dip, but best believe if I come back over the warmer months I'm swimming for sure. We inadvertently took another trail called Horseshoe Mountain which had a small suspension bridge so that was also pretty cool. IMO both paths are doable if you're used to hiking but make sure to wear proper shoes for scrambling and sketch sections. There were even kind people cleaning up trash and keeping the area maintained, so don't make a mess y'all! Pick up your things and don't take away this place's (or anywhere else's) beauty. If you're nearby or visiting AK, definitely check this awesome place out! read more

Lake Catherine State Park - Just breathtaking - Hiking Near Me - Hot Springs, Arkansas

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So much fun. Rented a double kayak for like $12 for the afternoon and kayaked around the lake. It was beautiful. The employees there were super nice too. read more

We were in the state touring the state parks. This park is popular with the RV set. It appeared every slot was reserved. There is a very nice short simple walk to a waterfall. It is a tad confusing at the start but once you get going it is a good walk. A cool suspension bridge to walk over to get to the waterfall. Unfortunately, when we go to the waterfall there was a woman in the water with 10 dogs. They were going crazy. It sort of took away from the moment. The lake is beautiful. Appears to be a power plant or some industry facility on the other side. We enjoyed our walk and I love all the unique signs that each park has. I think you could kayak on the lake without issue very still. It is free to enter and explorer. Only pay if you are going to camp or use a service. Dogs are welcome. This park had a Yurt for rent but it was in the RV area so I don't think I would stay there. read more

Here for Hot Springs NP, but Lake Catherine SP is a GREAT deviation off that path. We didn't camp here or anything, just hiked. We parked right by the trails and checked out the map. We had the choice of Fall Branch, Horseshoe, and Dam Mountain. My partner wanted to see the waterfall, I wanted the summit. As a compromise, we started "backwards" on the trail for the shortest path on Fall Branch to the waterfall (they all start at the same point). A little bit passed the water fall, we switched over to Horseshoe Trail. Going "backwards" the climb up was gradual and a nice challenge. It was a pretty quiet hike with some variation in terrain. I enjoyed it. Going back down, there was one very steep, rocky part. I'm guessing if you were going right side up, that's the steep, rocky challenging part other reviews mentioned. Overall, beautiful, green (at least during March), easy to moderate trail, with friendly/respectful folks. I'd definitely hike it ag1ain. read more

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This a beautiful place to visit The rangers are awesome during the snow spell they worked very hard to keep the roads safe and the park open Beautiful lake , trails and water falls read more

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Marina is great. Much better value than the other local lakes. Lady and gentlemen are very professional and helpful

Love, Love, Love this Arkansas State Park. Campground is right next to the beautiful Lake Catherine with many lake front and forest view sites. Since we were only staying a couple nights and passing through we opted for the older Standard rv sites. It was still a very nice site with lake view. Not the most level site but we made do. Discovered that there were new sites that were more level and were nicer, you get what you pay for. As I was saying I love this park. There were at least 4 different picturesque hiking trails. It rained the second day of our stay so I only had the opportunity to hike the Waterfall trail. It was such a beautiful hike through lush forest with creeks and a waterfall. Along one section there were multiple bridges across the creek section and small Suspension bridge. There were rock formed step in a few different areas of this two mile loop trail. The highlight of the hike was the waterfall that on the weekend attracted lots of families who's children waded in the pool below the falls. The park has a small store that also act as the visitor center. There are ample bathroom facilities, large day use picnic area as well. I would highly recommend this gem of a park when looking for somewhere to stay near Hot Springs, AR read more

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The campsites are nice and spacious. The grounds are clean. The staff in the visitor center go above and beyond. A nice little gift shop on site. The hiking trails are maintained very well. read more

So my husband and I wanted to take a surprise getaway weekend for the family. Unfortunately, we didn't plan very well and ended up at a RV park with a tent in tow! After laughing until we cried, we traveled a little further south, called and failed to secure a campsite, and finally lucked into a cancellation at Lake Catherine State Park. We are currently planning to return in two weeks. The park is very well kept and the bathroom facilities will meet your needs. The lake, the trails, the easy access to Malvern or Hot Springs make this place sublime! Can't wait to go back!!!!! read more

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It was beautiful! We all enjoyed the hike. The people in the gift shop/visitor center were very nice too.

My husband and I did the Falls Branch Trail. Super easy trail and not crowded too. People were super friendly when it came to etiquette (moving over to the side, not taking forever with photos, and etc). Super short trail with an amazing view. I would say we spent about an hour here. The views were totally worth it. read more

Lake Catherine State Park - The end of the Falls Branch Trail - Hiking Near Me - Hot Springs, Arkansas

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Pretty crowded today, but what can you expect with such beautiful weather? This is a great spot for camping, kayaking, hiking and relaxing. For my fellow trail runners, Falls Branch is the easiest, but still challenging. The water level is currently very low at the falls. Just a trickle. Horseshoe Mountain trail is much steeper and less traveled. Looking forward to returning, staying longer and tackling all the routes! read more

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I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to this state park. We only went for the day, but I saw many families camping. The park is big and beautiful. It is clean and best of all, we didn't pay a day fee. We decided to do a short 2 mile hike that led us to a small waterfall. The hike is not strenuous. I think almost anyone can do it. There are some iffy spots, but not something that would need more than a helping hand. The trails are clearly marked by color. There is no way to get lost. The trails were clean Parking is not a problem. I would definitely recommend taking time to visit this park read more

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BEAUTIFUL PATHS TO WALK AROUND THE LAKE. FISHING AREA, too! The tree coverage help keep it cool during summer months. Nice place to hang out in the summer. read more

(August 2024) If you plan to rent a cabin, be aware that a new marina is being constructed by the boat ramp. The park is not informing visitors about this, and if I had known, I would have gone somewhere else. We stayed for four nights and listened to construction noise every day until the evening hours. The crew is routinely blocking the boat ramp, the road, and parking lots. Their materials are scattered on the grassy areas in front of the cabins. One worker helped himself to the seating on our porch. I've been to this park a couple times before and to several other Arkansas State Parks, and I normally have a great time. This is by far my worst experience at one. The employee I spoke to was totally unsympathetic. Highly recommend going elsewhere until this new marina is done. read more

The park staff were wonderful and the campground was clean. The trip to the waterfall was easy but the water is VERY LOW! The lake is also very very low and so none of the piers are accessible and the lake is basically nonexistent. Not sure where exactly the water all went but the park is safe and clean. read more

Lake Catherine State Park - Our campsite located next to a bathhouse - Hiking Near Me - Hot Springs, Arkansas

I cannot comment on the actual campground pricing and amenities other than what I saw in passing as I was just here for some day hiking. The camping areas did seem well kept up, was quiet and there were many spots that were directly on the lake. The have RV spots, tent camping and cabins to rent. Lake Catherine State Park doesn't charge any fees to just visit and hike. I'm not sure if you would pay a fee if you were there just to fish via boat. We came in to get a hike in and see a waterfall. We decided to hike the 2.1 mile Falls Branch trail which was considered somewhat easy with very little elevation change. (although there is a small climb in the beginning). Basically if you can walk, you can hike it. The pay off is a waterfall about 3/4 through the hike. Unfortunately there was no waterfall when I went as it hadn't rained in awhile. I'll have to go back and try it again. There are 3 other trails in the park that are a little longer if you have more time. There is also a golf course at a private club just before the park's entrance if you want to get in touch with your inner Happy Gilmore. Definitely a nice park to get your nature on read more

My rating is based mostly on our campsite, but was also influenced by the atrocious view of the electrical power station at the center of the lake. The campsite we were assigned in campground B rates 2 stars, featuring a dirt "pad" with a bad tire rut, a water hookup on the opposite side of the trailer from where the connection is and close to the street requiring two hoses in order to reach it, and no view of the lake. Also, the campground is overcrowded with multiple families per site and lots of kids, so although it is very family friendly, which is probably good for most, this park doesn't offer the peace and tranquility I seek when visiting a state park. Just about any campsite in Campground C is a 4; nice concrete pads, water/electric/sewer, water front or water view with several small boat docks. They do have a very nice Visitors Center with a mini-mart/gift shop and a swimming beach, cabins/yurts/tents for rent, and several walking trails. read more

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While in Hot Springs, go to Lake Catherine state park. This is a beautiful park with hiking, boating, kayaking, and more. I think the gem is the kayaking. Get there early and rent a kayak for the morning or the day. (Note, during the covid pandemic, they would only rent out each kayak once per day as they were trying to maintain increased sanitation. The restriction may be lifted by summer of 2021). The kayaks are inexpensive, very safe, and convenient. If you grab a kayak in the morning, you will enjoy the stillness of the lake with beautiful reflections on the water and great bird watching. Bring a sandwich and some snacks for a little picnic and rest, then continue kayaking for a full, relaxing day with some exercise. This all makes for a great change of pace, particularly if you have an office job during the week. read more

Beautiful scenery, quiet during the week. A perfect place to stay while visiting Hot Springs. The park is well maintained and all the amenities are clean. We really enjoyed our time in the Hot Springs area and would definitely recommend this state park and campground. read more

Lake Catherine State Park - Site 3 in loop A - Hiking Near Me - Hot Springs, Arkansas

Great cabin with great staff. Clean park with beautiful view. The below photos are of cabin 5. read more

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This place is absolutely beautiful. The paths are clearly marked and it was easy to find where we were supposed to drive to and park. We took the 2 mile "Fall Branch Trail" route, as I knew it has the waterfall in it. We were at first disappointed today not get to enjoy the waterfall view, as multiple families with young kids were swimming in it and we are being cautious with Covid about getting too near to people. However, there's an even more incredible view of the lake itself if you walk just a ways further. The path, even this shorter one, gets tough in the middle so I wouldn't bring your dogs (there were a few on the path who were struggling) or young kids if you want to hike a full trail. The views are worth the struggle you yourself may have on the steeper rocks. There's a marina where you can rent pedal boats and kayaks. We were so excited to do this post-hike, but it's only open until 4 and not until sun down so we missed it. I suggest doing the water activities first if you want to have plenty of time for both, as the park is open later than the marina activities. read more

The girls and I went for a hike here and loved it! Very peaceful hike! Wasn't too bad, I have a bad back and made it the whole 2 mile trail. The girls love to play in the creek during the hike and loved all the little waterfalls and the big one with the little pool of water if it were warmer we definitely would have taken a dip in the waterfall pool area read more

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Very busy with limited parking. Pedal boat rented for $22. Lots of things to do around and in the water- fishing, swimming, boating on pontoons or otherwise, jet skiing, etc. Various nice cabins to rent. Plenty of trails. Waterfall was dry. read more

I loved the waterfall trail and it looks like a beautiful and peaceful spot for camping. Will definitely come back for camping. read more

Lake Catherine State Park - Catherine lake - Hiking Near Me - Hot Springs, Arkansas

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I can here for a family reunion and I have to say it was excellent. The water on the lake was calm and relaxing alongside the welcoming trails. We rented out the majority of the cabins and there were virtually no issues in regards to any of them. The only real negatives I would say is that the raccoons will destroy anything left out during the night that potentially is food (to be expected), and the geese and ducks relieve themselves within 10ft of the cabins constantly. Would I recommend? Yes Would I go back? Yes read more

Lake Catherine State Park - This duck was literally within a no zoom iPhone camera pic and possessed no fear of humans. - Hiking Near Me - Hot Springs, Arkansas

We arrived at Lake Catherine State Park April 1, 2018. The weather report said that the area was in for some inclement weather, but that proved wrong. That day we went on a 2 mile hike to the waterfall. The hike is reported to be an "easy" hike, with two other hikes available branded as "rugged and steep" 4 miles and 5 miles long, respectively. The 2 mile hike may not be the best hike for those with knee problems, back problems, or very small children as there are portions of the hike that require a very sure footing and maneuvering around rocks. The waterfall at the end is very picturesque. The campsite is normally filled with a steady cacophony of geese, ducks, and other assorted birds. You definitely know you're in the wilderness. The geese were quite impressive and sounded like they were performing some sort of alien concert most days . Accommodations for 30 Amp electrical hook up with water campsite are very reasonable at $22 per night. The campsite includes a fire pit, a grill, and a wooden picnic table. We stayed at Campsite B, lot number 27. It was closest to the water's edge and little more remote from the other campsites available. The campsites are more geared towards RVs and campers versus tents. It appears that not all campsites have suitable ground to pitch a tent. There's not a lot of soft, flat level ground to put one up. The tent I put up was slanted down towards the water with my head up higher so it was OK. An air mattress and blankets made it cozy. Lake Catherine State Park takes reservations ahead of time and you're able to book online with a card. Reservations are recommended for you may be disappointed when you arrive. Each individual campsite has enough room to park two cars or whatever RV you may be driving. Pets are welcome. Cabinets and our yard are available, although we did not look into securing either of those. Other activities include horseback rentals, boating on the lake, swimming, and fishing. Bathroom and shower facilities are very close. The bathrooms are clean, three toilet stalls, one of which is for handicap use. Two sinks, large mirror, electric hand dryer and no paper towels. There is no hot water in the sinks, soap dispensers are provided. There are two showers, both of which are operated by pressing a button for a 45 second stream of very warm/mildly hot water. I think it's a smart way to run showers at a state park; it gives you just enough time to get wet before it stops, lather up, press the button down to rinse off. Bathrooms are heated, however, yesterday morning a maintenance person commented on how it was colder than he thought it would be so he turned the heater on. The heaters do not come on by themselves and need to be manually turned on by maintenance. The only reason this review receives four stars instead of five is because the camping sites are located immediately across the lake from a power plant. The power plant is unsightly, an eyesore, and has no place in a state park. Additionally, the plant emits a constant hum that is audible above the other wildlife in the area. After a little while your ear becomes accustomed to it and tunes out the noise. I would definitely come back here again. Nice, quiet stay, surrounded by nature despite the fact that my ears were assaulted by the hum of a power plant :). Kid friendly and pet friendly area. It would be wise to check the average temperatures in the Hot Springs, Arkansas area prior to planning a trip. The summer month highs look to be around the mid 90s with high humidity. In the beginning of April, nights can get down to the low 40s, but the highs rarely top over 83°, and humidity was low with a constant breeze coming off of the lake. read more

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The damn mountain hike is a great hike hike a bit of difficult areas but not bad ....beautiful view !

We had a beautiful 4 night stay over Father's Day weekend, the weather was perfect- no humidity, cool in the morning and night to the point of needing leggings and a light jacket. The water reminded me of Barton springs in Austin, cold as ever but if you sat in the sun for long enough it felt great. Our first night we were robbed by raccoons, we ratchet 2 tarp covers over the "camping cupboards" and turned the chest without the latches showing, took out the trash every night. They don't care if you leave the light on, they'll still come or the rats with tails (squirrels). If you feed them they will come. The trail to the falls was beautiful, you can swim at the waterfall if you want- it's not a large area and not sure the final depth. You can actually go further on the trail to go to the dam but with little ones I wouldn't recommend it. At the beach front, be sure to bring your own floats and sand toys. You will want to wear water shoes, after a while the sand starts to tear up your arches. We also rented a pedal boat, I forgot how much effort you actually have to give to get somewhere. But you can rent pedal boats, kayaks, John boat, pontoon...I've attached a pic for reference.The bathrooms are equipped with 2 showers, playscape has a nice area and small zip line for kids. They have cabins you can rent, and camp sites. Some of these camp sites have small docks. Advice: raccoon proof your area before nightfall, bring shoes for the shower, firewood, gas station down the road closes early or you have to drive into Malvern. read more

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Kayaking on Lake Catherine while spending the day in the park! The hiking is fantastic & we love to bring any of our guests when they visit. read more

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