Trail Overview
Carwash Falls is an incredibly scenic, 14.7-mile point-to-point trail in the Ozark National Forest, ideal for beginners and seasoned overlanders looking for a relaxing, picturesque drive along Big Piney Creek. The route predominantly winds through the dense hardwood forests of the Boston Mountains, climbing from an elevation of 728 feet to a peak of 2,123 feet. Along the way, travelers will experience a smooth dirt and gravel surface, interspersed with occasional shallow water crossings and minor rock ledges. High-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles or capable side-by-sides (SxSs) are recommended to comfortably navigate these small obstacles, which add just enough variety to keep the drive engaging without being overly technical.
Numerous primitive campsites are scattered along the creek, making this an exceptional route for multi-day overlanding trips or quick weekend getaways. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, as black bears and bald eagles are frequently spotted soaring above the water or foraging in the valleys. This trail shines during the spring when water flow is high, creating lush scenery and beautiful active falls, or in the autumn when the hardwood canopy bursts into vibrant orange and red hues. To extend the adventure, offroaders can easily pair this trail with a visit to the nearby Haw Creek Falls, located just to the west along Highway 123.
Difficulty
This is a simple, easy, scenic route along the Big Piney Creek. The vast majority is little more than a smooth dirt road, however, there are a handful of water crossings and small rock ledges that will require high clearance 4x4 vehicles.
