The Happiness Function

Arkansas is home to some pretty stunning natural wonders, and Glory Hole Falls is another fantastic place that shouldn’t be missed while you’re exploring the Ozark National Forest near Buffalo National River.

The unique waterfall was created over time by water carving out a hole above the bluff shelter where the water falls below. We’re sharing everything you need to explore this off-the-beaten-path gem in Arkansas.

Hiking to the Famous Glory Hole Falls

Pack your camera and some clothes you don’t mind getting wet because you’re in for a treat.

Are you hiking near Buffalo National River? You might also enjoy these other hikes close by:

Whitaker Point Trail to Hawksbill Crag

Centerpoint to Big Bluff (Goat Trail)

Lost Valley Trail in Buffalo National River

Where is Glory Hole Falls in Arkansas?

The waterfall trail is in the Ozark National Forest near Deer, Arkansas.

On the south side of Highway 16 (AR-16/AR-21), a brown trailhead sign says Glory Hole Trail, which you can see from the side of the road. There is not a fancy or formal trailhead, just a gravel pull-off right next to the highway. Park off the highway, then head down the trail.

Google Maps will get you to the trailhead, but download directions and the route while you have service ahead of time. Cell phone reception is hit-and-miss in the area.

Glory Hole Falls Trail Details

• Distance: about 2 miles (1.9 miles) out and back
• Elevation Gain: 410 feet
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Are dogs allowed? Yes, dogs are allowed in the Ozark National Forest.
• Is there a fee to hike? The trail is free to use.
• Are restrooms available? There are no restrooms at the trailhead. Pack out what you pack in.

Most of the trail is an old road covered in leaf litter that is easy to walk. Once you get close to the sinkhole, you’ll hear the water running near the rocks. Hikers then scramble down the rocks to drop below into the bluff shelter. Under the bluff shelter, you’ll be able to see the waterfall up close and look up into the sinkhole.

It is a little steep getting below the bluff shelter, so be extra careful. You’ll have to climb on the rocks and down a little trail. It is not complicated but can be slippery when wet.

Once you get into the rock bluff shelter, the waterfall is spectacular.

Be sure to have supportive hiking shoes that you don’t mind getting wet or muddy. Depending on the time of year, the main creek will have more or less water, and the bluff shelter may be muddy.

Hiking Glory Hole Falls on YouTube

Get more hiking inspiration by watching our video on YouTube.

How Long is the Glory Hole Trail?

It takes about an hour or two to hike to the waterfall and back.

Plan to explore the waterfall, which makes for incredible photos.

Things To Consider While Hiking Here

Hiking in this part of Arkansas is incredible. The area is remote, so we wanted to share some things to consider while hiking.

• There are no restrooms at the trailhead.
• If hiking during the summer, bring bug spray.
• Know where the small towns are located so you can plan to fuel the car.
• Cell phone reception in this area is hit-and-miss. You might get reception on top of a tall hill.
• We recommend having a map.

The path to the waterfall from the parking area and the trailhead is all downhill, which means the hike is all uphill, coming back. So, it is not a technical hike but a steady uphill on the way back to the car.

Best Time of Year To Visit

Spring and early summer after rain are the best times of the year to see the water flowing. However, you might be met with more crowds.

We hiked in early December during the middle of the week and were the only ones on the trail to take photos. There was a subtle stream of water flowing. Hiking during the winter is peaceful and quiet.

Fall is also an excellent time to visit when the trees change colors, but there might not be as much water flowing.

Camping Nearby

There is excellent camping in the Buffalo River area.

Steel Creek Campground – If you are tent camping, Steel Creek is an excellent place to camp next to the Buffalo National River in Ponca, AR. Make reservations at Recreation.gov.

Buffalo Outdoor Center – If you have an RV, then check out the Buffalo Outdoor Center in Ponca. This is a private RV park with full hookups, WiFi, and running water (which we love after hiking all day).

Do you use apps to find the best hiking and camping? If so, check out 10 FREE apps we use to plan outdoor adventures. One of our favorite camping apps is Recreation.gov.

Final Thoughts

For years, we had seen images of this sinkhole waterfall, read reviews, and finally made it to hike in early December. It is a great hike, and since it is short, you can pair it with another trail in the Boxley area, such as the Whitaker Point Trail or Lost Valley Trail.

The location is beautiful and remote.

You’ll love checking it off your Arkansas hiking bucket list. It is one of the most unique waterfalls we have ever seen.

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