Discover Glory Hole Falls: Nature’s Hidden Gem
Adventure Destination

Discover Glory Hole Falls: Nature’s Hidden Gem

Explore the 2-mile trail to Glory Hole Falls in Arkansas's Ozark National Forest. Rated as moderate, it offers a unique waterfall and peaceful retreat for hikers and photographers, especially after rain. Perfect for photography and a serene escape.

Hiking7.8/10Moderate
Photo Gallery

Category

Hiking

Typical Duration

2-4 hours

Difficulty

Moderate

About This Adventure Destination

Glory Hole Falls, located near Ozone in the scenic region of Arkansas, offers an unusual and captivating feature that makes it stand out among the Ozark National Forest landmarks. This waterfall is famous for its rare geological formation—a stream plunges through a large, circular hole carved into a sandstone ledge, creating a natural “glory hole” effect that is seldom found in the area. Visitors are drawn to this remarkable spectacle for its blend of rugged beauty and unexpected wonder, a refreshing change from typical waterfall scenes.

The site is accessible via a popular hiking trail beginning just off Arkansas Highway 16. The trail leads through mixed hardwood forests and reveals impressive rock formations along the way, including exposed sandstone and unique mushroom growths in moist seasons. The hike grows moderately steep near the end, rewarding adventurers with a breathtaking view of the falls from below. During wetter periods, water flows strongly through the hole, enhancing the experience with a cool mist and the soothing sound of rushing water. Even in drier months, the area’s geological features and peaceful forest setting offer plenty to admire.

This waterfall has attracted visitors for decades and remains a cherished natural highlight in the Ozarks. Its distinct formation invites photography, quiet reflection, and a chance to connect with a lesser-known side of Arkansas’s outdoor offerings. Families, photographers, and casual hikers alike find the location both accessible and memorable—a hidden gem with just the right mix of challenge and charm.


Editorial Assessment

Glory Hole Falls is a remarkable and unique natural feature known for its beauty and geological interest. While not among the world’s most iconic landmarks, it offers unique experiences and a serene escape, making it a standout adventure in Arkansas.

Discover Glory Hole Falls: Nature’s Hidden Gem

Adventure Guide to Discover Glory Hole Falls: Nature’s Hidden Gem

1

1. Hiking Glory Hole Trail

  • Location:

    Trailhead near Arkansas Highway 16, Ozone, AR

  • Special Features:

    Moderate 2-mile round-trip hike through forested terrain with rocky, steeper sections near the falls.

  • Amenities:

    Parking near highway; no restrooms on site.

  • Local Insights:

    Expect good views of sandstone rock formations and mushrooms along the moist trail in spring and fall. The steep final stretch requires good footwear.

  • Visitor Tips:
  • Details:

    Best time: Spring or just after rain for strong waterfall flow.

  • Details:

    Bring sturdy hiking shoes, water, snacks, and a camera.

  • Details:

    Allow about 1.5 hours’ drive from Fayetteville, AR.

2

2. Photography at the Falls

  • Location:

    Base of Glory Hole Falls

  • Special Features:

    Rare view of water flowing through a natural circular rock opening, excellent for striking photos.

  • Local Insights:

    Overcast days balance lighting well; peak water flow occurs after rainfall.

  • Visitor Tips:

    Pack a tripod, waterproof gear, and take care on slippery, rocky surfaces.

3

3. Picnic in the Ozark Forest

  • Location:

    Nearby forest clearings along the trail

  • Special Features:

    Secluded spots for resting and dining surrounded by natural beauty.

  • Visitor Tips:
  • Details:

    Bring a picnic blanket and waste bags to keep the area clean.

  • Details:

    Spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures.

  • Details:

    No facilities, so prepare accordingly. --- Glory Hole Falls makes a fantastic day trip for anyone seeking a memorable natural landmark with an adventurous hike, exceptional photo opportunities, and peaceful forest settings in the Arkansas Ozarks.

Reviews

D
Deborah Morrisa week ago

Parking is just asking the highway and first part of hike is a dirt road, however it takes you to a lovely hike and this beautiful sight. It was quite busy when I went. Worth a stop if you are traveling in that area. No restrooms.

M
Myranda Tabares2 weeks ago

Absolutely beautiful 😍. Second hike down. It had been almost 20 years.

R
Rachelle Conlon2 weeks ago

Super unique waterfall! Went during the summer after a good rain and it was cool to stand under the waterfall. The hike down to it is all downhill, so coming back up was a task.

S
Saey McClurkan3 weeks ago

Great spot for a good little hike. Recommend good hiking shoes and water!

A
Andrew Powell4 weeks ago

Really cool waterfall. Usually dry in the fall. No signage for the trailhead when I went. Tons of mushrooms on the trail.

Nearby Adventures

Bookable Experiences

Under the Red Cliffs of Boxley: Brookside Hollow Camp’s Simple, Stargazing Escape3.32 mi
Kingston, Arkansas

Under the Red Cliffs of Boxley: Brookside Hollow Camp’s Simple, Stargazing Escape

A compact campsite outside Kingston that pairs cliff-top views and dark night skies with options for tents or off-road campers—this guide explains access, rates, and what to expect.

3.32 miView Trips & Details →
Moonstruck Pond Camp A — A primitive, pondside campsite shaded beneath a grove in Kingston, Arkansas4.06 mi
Kingston, Arkansas

Moonstruck Pond Camp A — A primitive, pondside campsite shaded beneath a grove in Kingston, Arkansas

A small, easily accessed primitive campsite for an RV or up to two tents—this guide collects the on-site facts, rates, and booking notes you need to plan a stay.

4.06 miView Trips & Details →
Sunsets & Wide Open Sites: Primitive RV, Tent, and Van Camping at Wilderness Rider Buffalo Ranch5.41 mi
Kingston, Arkansas

Sunsets & Wide Open Sites: Primitive RV, Tent, and Van Camping at Wilderness Rider Buffalo Ranch

Eight spacious primitive sites near Kingston, AR — book solo nights, family stays, or reserve sites A–H for your group; this guide covers arrival windows, rates, and vehicle access so you can plan your stay.

5.41 miView Trips & Details →
Ride Year-Round: An Annual 4x4 Pass at Wilderness Rider Buffalo Ranch6.01 mi
Kingston, Arkansas

Ride Year-Round: An Annual 4x4 Pass at Wilderness Rider Buffalo Ranch

An annual membership that grants an individual access to ATVs, side-by-sides and Jeeps on park trails plus up to 18 days of free camping—this guide explains what the pass includes and the rules riders must know.

6.01 miView Trips & Details →
Primitive nights and trail-side privacy at OK Corral Camp B6.06 mi
Kingston, Arkansas

Primitive nights and trail-side privacy at OK Corral Camp B

A concise field guide to camping at OK Corral “B” in Kingston — what the site offers, how many tents fit, and the practical details to plan your stay.

6.06 miView Trips & Details →
Sunset Camps and Wide-Open Sites at Buffalo Pines Pasture Camp D6.92 mi
Kingston, Arkansas

Sunset Camps and Wide-Open Sites at Buffalo Pines Pasture Camp D

A primitive campsite in Kingston, Arkansas with roomy sites for RVs, tents, or vans, family rates, and the option to reserve multiple sites for group privacy.

6.92 miView Trips & Details →