Highlands Chapter Dayhike:  Hideout Hollow and McFerrin Point, BNR

The first hike of the season is traditionally not very demanding, and this one fits the pattern. Getting to Hideout Hollow Falls is a one mile trail hike out and back. Those who wish may duck walk along a ledge under an overhang and climb down into the hollow, but this is optional. Regardless, the day promises to be sunny and mild and the scenery lovely.

Name of Hike:  Hideout Hollow and McFerrin Point

Date:  Sunday, October 12, 2025

Location:  Ponca Wilderness along Compton-Erbie Road near Compton AR.

Type of Hike:  Dayhike, trail & optional climb down into Hideout Hollow; rough trail at McFerrin Point.

Hike Distance:  4.0 miles total (2.0 miles Hideout Hollow, 2.0 miles McFerrin Point).

Maximum Elevation Difference:  400 ft Hideout Hollow; 40 ft McFerrin Point.

Rating:  Easy to moderate.

Features:  From the Schermerhorn parking area on the Compton-Erbie road, we follow the one-mile trail to Hideout Hollow, a spectacular box-canyon with a massive 75 ft high horseshoe bluff and waterfall.  Those who wish can traverse a ledge under an overhang and climb down into the hollow to see the falls from below and visit the ruins of a shelter where local boys hid out from the WW1 draft until late in the war.  Back at the Schermerhorn parking area we’ll walk another mile along the road (or climb in the back of a pickup if offered) and downhill to the rough trail out to McFerrin Point, a promontory which narrows to 8-ft wide with nearly 100 ft drop-offs and spectacular 270-degree views of the Cecil Creek Valley.  More info can be found in Ken Smith (Buffalo River Handbook, pp. 340-344) and Tim Ernst (Buffalo River Hiking Trails, pp. 54-56 or Arkansas Hiking Trails, p. 80).

Comment:  Bring water, snack, lunch, rain gear, gloves, and wear hiking boots/shoes.  Hiking poles may be helpful.  No pets are allowed on any hikes, and children under 12 years are discouraged and must be accompanied by a guardian.   Participants are required to sign a liability release at the trailhead to take part in any Ozark Society outing.  Everyone is welcome to hike with the OSHC, whether an Ozark Society member or not. We look out for each other, but you are responsible for your own safety.

Hike Leader:  Steve Singleton. Telephone and Email:  479-283-9446 or aerialobserver@gmail.com

Meeting Places and Times:

• Meet on Sunday, 12 October 2025 at Root School on Mission Blvd in Fayetteville to carpool for an 8:45 am departure; or,
• Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Kings River Country Store in Marble AR; or,
• Meet at 10:15 a.m. at the JB Trading Company Store on AR Hwy 43 in Compton AR.  There is limited parking space at the trailhead, so consolidating riders is a good idea.
• Click on “Location” below for Google Map to JB Trading Company

Driving Distance:  Driving distance from the Fayetteville carpool to the Hideout Hollow-Schermerhorn trailhead is 65 miles via AR Hwy 45/US Hwy 412/AR Hwy 21/Firetower Road/AR Hwy 43.  The last three miles are on dirt road.