There is nothing like the drama and beauty of a waterfall at flood stage!

Back on April 4, 2026, following a period of heavy rain, I headed up to northwest Crawford County, Arkansas, to check out Natural Dam Falls. This stunning 187-foot-wide natural rock wall spans the entirety of Mountain Fork Creek.

Typically, like here, you’ll just see some flow at just a few sections of the rock wall.

Not on this morning.

The recent downpours had caused the creek to be roaring! In fact, the volume of water completely covered the low-water bridge on Natural Dam Road just south of the falls.

 Since the road to get across was impassable in that area, I just stayed on the east side (closer to Highway 59).

These are some of the shots I got that morning.

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Glory Hole Falls is one of the most unique waterfalls in the Ozarks. The waterfall is formed by a stream that flows through the ceiling of an overhang cave.

When the water is really flowing, the hike to this unique adds to the spectacular appeal of this short trail.

Getting to Glory Hole Falls Trail

The Glory Hole Falls trail is in Newton County in the Big Piney District of the Ozark National Forest.

This is a well-maintained trail, much of it following along old jeep roads. However, there is no official trailhead and no official parking area.

The trailhead is off of Highway 16, about 5.7 miles east of Fallsville. The trailhead is about .5 miles east of a red barn on the north side of the road with a large white “E” on its side. The trail is on the right (south) side of the road.

You should notice a large dirt/gravel area on the side of the road which is used as a parking area.

There is now some good signage here that indicates an official trail head for the “Glory Hole” which has made access more visible and added to the popularity of this trail. V

The Trail

The trail starts off down an old road for a stretch and then hits a trail intersection. Take the road to the right, which then curves to the right and drops down a pretty steep slope. (It won’t feel like much going down, but you’ll definitely notice it more coming back!) Eventually, you cross the stream that leads to the falls. If the stream is really moving here, you’re in for a real treat at the falls.

The main trail stays up high from the creek, but there is a place where you can venture down and follow along the main creek to the falls itself. This pathway is a bit rougher than the maintained trail above, but there are some gorgeous smaller waterfalls and cascades along this stretch that themselves would be worth hiking to.

After about a mile, you get to the top of Glory Hole Falls.  You can get pretty close to the hole itself, but the rocks around the area are very slick. Be very careful here. Falling in this area could result in serious injury.

After taking a few pictures from the top of the falls, you can loop around and venture down to the bottom of the falls.

When the water is high, there is also a nice little waterfall here. (The sixth picture on this page is of my wife Michelle, squatting down next to the top of that waterfall.)

As you loop back around to the right, you get to the base of the Glory Hole Falls and can see the water pouring through the hole above.

This really is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the area. Its height is about 30 feet and the uniqueness of it flowing through a hole literally burrowed through rock is very impressive!

Plan to spend a little time in the area. We usually like to pack a picnic lunch and hang out here for a bit before heading back up the hill to the car.

The hike out is tougher (and more uphill) than the hike down, but it’s not too bad. Seeing this amazing and unique waterfall area is well worth the 2-mile round trip.

Final Notes

The day I took most of these pictures in May 2011 we had high water after a previous day of rain.

I would strongly recommend checking out this area during the rainy season (winter and spring) for the best water flow.

As for footware, I recommend trail shoes or hiking boots, although tennis shoes would be fine.

Below are some pics of the trail that Mike took in June 2014 and December 2020.

You can read more about this falls in Tim Ernst’s Arkansas Waterfalls.

Check out these posts for more photos (and video):

• Glory Hole Trail (Ozark Forest) in Winter
• Glory Hole Falls Trail (Ozark Forest) Summer Pics
• Glory Hole Falls Trail (Ozark Forest) Winter Pics
• Glory Hole Falls (Ozark Forest) Video Winter

Photo Gallery

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Map

A version of this post was originally published on June 16, 2011 on the blog “Exploring Northwest Arkansas.”

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At 209 feet tall, Hemmed-in Hollow Falls (Buffalo River Upper District, Newton County near Compton) is the tallest waterfall between the Appalachian Mountains and the Rocky Mountains.  While the hike isn’t easy, it is very popular as hikers are eager to see this towering beauty of the falls, and the Compton trailhead is easy to get to.

While the trail to the falls is usually in good condition, at 1,300 feet of elevation change, the hike is not for the faint of heart. But a breathtaking waterfall and secluded canyon await those who make the challenging 5-mile out-and-back hike (2.4 mi each way).

Getting to Compton Trailhead

To get to the Compton Trailhead, go to the community of Compton (8.3 miles north of Ponca on Highway 43) about 15 miles southwest of Harrison. Turn east on the gravel road immediately across from JB Trading Co. (Watch for the sign.)

After about 1/10 of a mile, turn right onto the gravel road and follow it .8 miles and then turn right onto another gravel road. (There is a sign here.)

The parking area and trailhead are just up the hill.

By the way, the nearby JB Trading Co is a fantastic establishment in Compton. They make a great sandwich, and also have maps, trail guides, outerwear, socks, camping supplies and virtually anything you need to make your hike and camp a success.

The Hike

There are two trails at the trailhead — the one to the right is a horse trail that heads down through Sneeds Creek. The one on the left is the main hiking trail. That is our trail.

The trail heads down the hill gradually at first. Off to the left, you will begin to notice a small creek. This is the creek that feeds Hemmed-in Hollow Falls.

At about .7 miles, there is an intersection. Stay straight at this intersection. The trail to the left takes you to Wild Vic’s Cabin, and to the right connects with the horse trail.

The trail continues going down the hill. In some steep parts, there are stone stairs built to make it easier. There are other places that the steep slope has caused the trail to wash out a little and makes for some less-than-sure-footed hiking.

There are great views all around (particularly during leaf-off), so be sure to enjoy them.

While the excitement of getting to the falls is usually prominent, at some point as you may realize that hiking back out of here is going to be hard.

At about 1.5, after a few switchbacks, the trail turns right at a rock slab right along the top of an overlook. It’s a beautiful overlook, and if you look closely you will see a notched out “U” in the bluff on the other side of the valley and you can see the top of Hemmed-in Hollow Falls flowing over the ridge.

This is a great spot to enjoy, and even a better spot to stop and rest to catch your breath on the way back up! Keep going though, the best views are only a mile away.

Caution: Be very careful at bluffs. A fall could be fatal or result in serious injury.

At 1.8 miles there is an intersection. Turn left here. The trail coming from the right is the trail that comes in past Big Bluff and the Goat Trail from Centerpoint Trailhead. 

When you turn left, the trail goes downhill and back below ridge of the the trail you have just hiked down.

At 2.3 you reach a creek that is downstream from Hemmed in Hollow and another trail intersection. Stay straight (left) on the trail.  The trail to the right goes .5 miles to the Buffalo River (and this is the trail that comes in from the river if you choose to float and then hike back to the falls).

Follow the trail as it now goes back uphill to the big falls. After a bit, you will cross a small creek that comes in from your left. Below here is a very nice twin waterfall that is approximately 14 feet tall (note on the pic above that the falls coming in from the left has pretty low flow on this day).

Continue on the trail and you will come across yet another nice, 18-foot(ish) tall waterfall on the main creek.

The Waterfall

At about 2.5 miles, you reach Hemmed in Hollow Falls. It’s a beautiful 209 foot tall falls that pours off into an amazing canyon.

It really worth spending the time here to enjoy the area and have a sandwich or some snacks. You’ve earned it. And you’re going to need to refuel before the trip back up.

You can easily climb back up behind the falls (but be careful, the rocks are very slick here). And notice that when the wind blows, it often makes the falls move from side to side and around almost like it’s dancing in the wind.

After enjoying one of the finest places in the Ozarks, you turn around and head back the way you came.

The hike back up is quite challenging. With 1,300 feet of elevation gain in just 2 miles you’ll feel the burn. Take your time, and drink plenty of water.

Final Notes

I rate the trail difficulty as very strenuous (5 of 5).

This is a wet-weather falls, so it is usually best enjoyed in the winter and spring and when there has been a fair amount of moisture.

As for footwear, I recommend sturdy hiking boots.

You can read more about this trail in Tim Ernst’s “Buffalo River Hiking Trails” and “Arkansas Hiking Trails” books.

The pics are from my January 1, 2016 hike (except for the indicated Mike Newman pics).

Photo Gallery

Map

Hemmed-in Hollow Falls Trail (Via Compton) (Buffalo River)
Location	Buffalo National River - Compton, Newton County, Arkansas
Length/Type	4.8 miles out and back (2.4 miles each way).
Difficulty	Very strenuous (5 of 5).
Gpx file (by Mike)	Link
Date Hiked	January 1, 2016
Directions	Google Maps Directions to Compton Trailhead
Official Info	(870) 439-2502 (Tyler Bend Visitor Center Information) Website NPS Trail Map (pdf)

[A version of this post was originally published on January 31, 2016 on the blog “Exploring Northwest Arkansas.”]

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Hideout Hollow Trail is a scenic little trail in the Buffalo River Upper District (Newton County near Compton). It features some beautiful views and ends in a great bluff and waterfall area.

It is a 1.8-mile out-and-back hike (.9 miles each way). There is a lot to see and enjoy on this short trail.

Getting to Hideout Hollow Trail

The trail starts at the Shermerhorn Trailhead in the Compton area. To get there, go to the community of Compton, about 5 miles north of Ponca on Highway 43. Turn onto the dirt road at the Compton Trailhead sign. (This road is County Road 19. If you have a four-wheel drive, it will eventually lead to Erbie. You won’t need a four-wheel drive to get to this trailhead though.)

You will come to a sign directing you to the right for the Compton Trailhead. Keep going straight.

At about 3.5 miles from the highway (the road will narrow, so it will seem longer), you will see a small parking area on your left and potentially a “Shermerhorn trailhead” sign (although the sign was gone last time I was there in fall of 2018). Park in the parking area.

The trail begins behind the sign.

The Hideout Hollow Trail

The first part of the trail isn’t terribly scenic. It heads downhill a bit (the trail is pretty rocky here), and it crosses a couple of small, mostly dry, stream beds.

It heads back uphill and then through a group of pine trees.

At about 3/4 of a mile, the trail begins to get really interesting.

At this point, you pass a large flat rock with several other neat rocks around.

The trail then heads down the hill. In about 35 yards, you reach the top of the bluff line with expansive views over the Cecil Creek area.

The trail continues on to your left, but there are several volunteer trails to your right. Feel free to explore along these volunteer trails as they follow the bluff line to a lot of neat rock features and excellent views.

Caution: Be very careful in the bluff area. A fall could be fatal or result in serious injury.

Back on the trail, it stays near the bluff line for a few hundred yards until crossing a small stream. The stream tumbles over the edge of the bluff creating Hideout Hollow Falls. The waterfall is 37 feet tall.

So at this point, you have a couple of options.

The first is to follow the bluff line around to the other side of the Hollow. The trail here is a volunteer trail, but it is very easy to follow. It crosses over some rocks and up a hill.

At the top of the hill is a spectacular view of the Cecil Creek Valley.

Also, if you look down, you’ll see a couple of huge boulders that were once part of the bluff.

Getting to the Bottom of Hideout Hollow Falls

Once you take in the full view of the waterfall, you may wonder how to get down to the bottom of the falls.

Going to the bottom of the waterfall is a challenge and not a part of a sanctioned trail, so you would be doing it at your own risk.

Here’s how you would get down there if you wanted to try it. Go back to the top of the falls. If you look out over the falls, you will see a ledge on your left. Follow this ledge out.

The ledge is fairly wide, but it has an overhang. So the two options here are to crawl on your hands and knees, or be on the very edge close to the ledge.

Follow this for about 40 yards or so.

At the end of the ledge, there are some rocks that have been stacked up to make some “stairs” that you can climb down. Again, be very careful.

Once at the bottom, there are a lot of interesting things to see. The highlight, of course, is the waterfall itself.

If you then follow the bluff line to the opposite side of where you came down, there are the remains of an old dwelling. This spot is pretty cool. This wouldn’t have been a bad place to live!

Take your time and explore; then head back to the trailhead the way you came in.

Final Notes

This is a great little hike with a lot of scenic views, rock formations, and a waterfall. There’s a little something for everyone.

I rate the difficulty of the trail as mildly challenging (2 of 5). The elevation change is about 150 feet.

As for footwear, I recommend hiking boots on this trail. The beginning of this trail is hard on the ankles without them.

You can read more about this trail in Tim Ernst’s “Buffalo River Hiking Trails.”

While in the area, you may want to check out the Hemmed-in Hollow Trail. 

Most of these photos are from my October 31, 2013 hike. The other photos (as indicated) were taken by Mike Newman on May 10, 2015.

Photo Gallery

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Map

[A version of this post was originally published on November 1, 2013 on the blog “Exploring Northwest Arkansas.”]

Last updated 9-16-2019. (Updated gallery.)

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