Glory Hole and Alum Cove Day Hikes

Day, Date: Saturday, Feb 8, 2025

Location:  Ozark National Forest along AR Hwy 16 (between AR Hwys 21 and 7)

Type of Hike:  Glory Hole, trail with optional short bushwhack; Alum Cove, trail.

Hiking Distance: Just over three miles round trip total for both hikes

Vertical Elevation Difference:  Glory Hole, 410 feet; Alum Cove, 270 feet.

Rating: Easy to moderate due to uphill grades, optional bushwhack and rocky descents.

Features:  Long drives for short hikes, but there’s a reason: both are iconic Ozark sights. Glory Hole features a waterfall Dismal Creek drilled through a bluff overhang and Alum Cove has one of the longest natural bridges in the region.

Leader:  Steve Singleton, (479) 283-9446, aerialobserver@gmail.com

Meeting Places and Times:

• Meet at Harp’s Grocery on Crossover in Fayetteville AR at Hwys 265/45 for an 8:00 am carpool departure;  Or,
• Meet at King’s River Country Store in Marble AR for a 9:00 am departure:  Or,
• Meet at Glory Hole Falls Traihead (Google Maps) for a rendezvous at 9:45 am

Google Map to Glory Hole Trailhead:  Click on “Location” below

Driving Distance:  One way from carpool via Marble (Hwy 45-412-21/16) to Glory Hole is 67 miles; to Alum Cove is 79 miles.

Food Note: My guesstimate is that we’ll spend maybe three hours in and out at Glory Hole, then drive 17 miles up the road to Alum Cove and spend about 90 minutes there, where we can have apres-hike snacks. On the return trip, my preference is to stop at Ozark Café in Jasper AR for a late lunch/early supper on the way home, but that is up to drivers/passengers to consider when bringing either trail snacks or a full lunch. I would not expect to reach Fayetteville much before 5:00 pm on the return trip.

Comments: While each of these are short hikes, bring water, sturdy footwear, and possibly hiking poles for balance. No pets are allowed on Highlands Chapter hikes and a guardian must accompany all minor children. Hikers need not be Ozark Society members to attend, but every person must sign a liability release. We look out for each other, but you are responsible for your own safety.