|
Directions: Trailhead is off Highway 16, 2.2 miles west of Edwards Junction (the intersection of highways 21 and 16). |
|
|
GPS: 35.82595, -93.39737 Printable Map |
Fees: None |
|
Facilities: None |
Nearest Gasoline: Ponca at Lost Valley Store or the village of Deer east on 16 |
| Photo Gallery: |
Activities: Hiking, photography, wildlife watching |
|
Special Issues: The Glory Hole is pretty remote. Don't hike alone and be sure to let someone know where you are going. |
|
|
Seasonal Opportunities: The small canyon and bluffs around the Glory Hole are ideal for spring and fall visits. For photographers this area offers many different attractions besides the falls. |
|
|
Emergency Numbers: National Forest Service (870) 754-2864 Newton County Sheriff (870) 446-5124 |
|
|
Relevant Offsite Links: |
|
Ozark National Forest
Upper Buffalo River Area
Upper Buffalo River Area
Glory Hole Trail
The Glory Hole Trail
One of the most famous waterfalls in Arkansas is the Glory Hole. The trail to the Glory Hole is in the Ozark National Forest off highway 16 east just under 6 miles from Fallsville, or alternately 2 miles west of Edwards Junction.
This is a fairly easy hike without great elevation changes. Other than the last stretch that winds down to the Glory Hole, the trail is flat. This is only a 2 mile hike. Be careful in the last section winding down to the "entrance" to the falls, it is uneven and can be damp near the creek.
The Glory Hole
Itinerary Builder -- Attractions Close to the Glory Hole
Smith Creek PreserveDirections WebPay By CC: Visa & MC GPS: 35.93548, -93.38612 ( 10.3 miles, 12 minutes) Nature Conservency, hiking trail 500 ft. descent in 1 mile. Two track road, hiking trail, very scenic spring fed creek with outstanding spring wildflower show. Popular with photographers. Remote, don't hike alone. |
Boxley Valley Elk Herd(Highway 43 & 21) Directions WebGPS: 35.97717, -93.40219 ( 13.9 miles, 7 mins) Home of Arkansas' famous elk herd, arguably the most viewable in the southern US. Mornings and evenings, fall rut exceptional. |
Hawksbill CragDirectionsGPS: 35.88816, -93.4698 ( 20 miles, 44 mins) Popular 3 mile round trip with 200 ft elevation change. Most photographed Arkansas Landmark. Trail can be rough, a few seasonal creeks. Hazardous around bluff edges, children need to be watched closely. Bear sightings now and then. |
Boxley Valley Mill PondDirectionsGPS: 35.98829, -93.40081 ( 14.7 miles, 19 mins) The historic spring fed Boxley Valley Mill Pond is home to a population of trumpeter swans, many different waterbirds, bald eagles in season, as well as beaver, mink, otters and the occaional raccoon. Popular with photographers and wildlife watchers. Very near the best elk viewing areas. |
Ponca Elk Education Center(in Ponca) DirectionsGPS: 36.02215, -93.36141 (18.5 miles, 23 mins) AGFC elk education center, nationally recognized facility. Open daily 10 - 4:30 PM, Closed Tuesday and Wednesday (870) 861-2432 |
Centerpoint TrailheadDirectionsGPS: 36.06368, -93.36017 (22.1 miles, 29 mins) This trailhead is popular with hikers and horsemen. It is one of two ways to famous Hemmed In Hollow, the dangerous Goat Trail, Sneeds Creek Trail, and Granny Henderson's cabin. Big elevation changes, not for out of shape hikers. 1,000 ft descent. For most, this is an all day hike requiring frequent rest stops. |
Compton TrailheadDirectionsGPS: 36.0817, -93.30536 (27.9 miles, 39 mins) Another trailhead down to Hemmed In Hollow, Granny Hendersons, and Sneeds Creek. Very tough hike, over 1,000 ft. descent on switchback trails. Plan to take all day for this one. Don't go alone, and don't go if you are not reasonably fit. Popular with hikers and horsemen. HIH easier hike from parked canoe. |
