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Nature|Waterfalls

The 1-Mile Terry Keefe Falls Trail In Arkansas Is Full Of Jaw-Dropping Natural Creeks And Bluffs

Terry Keefe Falls offers a moderately easy 1.1-mile hike with stunning bluffs and a 78-foot waterfall in the Ozark National Forest.

Published Jul 14, 2022

Written by 

Melanie Johnson

Richland Creek Wilderness Area is a popular hiking destination with lots of breathtaking waterfalls. Most widely known include the Twin Falls, Fuzzy Butt Falls, and the Richland Falls. But have you heard of the Terry Keefe Falls? If not, take the 1.1-mile hike that is full of jaw-dropping bluffs, and you’ll be amazed at the end of the trek.

Nestled inside the Ozark National Forest near Witts Spring is Terry Keefe Falls. The 78-foot waterfall is the tallest in the Richland Creek Wilderness Area.

A waterfall cascades down rocky cliffs, surrounded by lush green trees and a bright blue sky.
Robert Henry/Google

Not only are the falls breathtaking, but the 1.1-mile hike to the falls is equally amazing.

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A waterfall cascades down a rocky cliff surrounded by trees under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
Angie McClure/AllTrails

The trail is moderately easy with a 200-foot gain in elevation, which makes it great for kids and your furry friends. Be sure to keep the pup on its leash.

Along the trail, there will be several creek crossings. If there was no rainfall, the creek bed might be dry in certain places.

A serene forest scene featuring a rocky stream surrounded by lush green trees and foliage.
Aaron Cates/Google

But if not, you should wear proper hiking boots just in case.

While the trail is laced with the scenic creeks, it’s the jaw-dropping bluffs that will take your breath away.

A serene stream flows through a lush, green forest, surrounded by moss-covered rocks and vibrant foliage.
kameron richter/AllTrails

Be sure to have your camera ready to capture the sweeping rock walls along the trail.

A steep rock formation rises above a forested area, with bare trees and fallen branches in the foreground.
Ed Minton/AllTrails

Of course, the towering bluffs from which the falls flow is just as breathtaking. It’s the ultimate reward after this short and easy hike inside the Ozark Forest.

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A serene waterfall cascades down rocky cliffs, surrounded by lush green trees and a calm pool below.
Dora Poage/AllTrails

Best of all, you’ll enjoy getting close to the falls to admire it all. The jaw-dropping 78-foot plunge into a small pool will leave you mesmerized.

So, have you ever hiked the Terry Keefe Falls Trail? We’d love to hear your thoughts about the jaw-dropping natural bluffs and creeks along the way. The trail might be a bit challenging to find, so use this interactive map to pinpoint the exact location of it.

And while you’re in the Richland Creek Wilderness Area, be sure to check out the other breathtaking waterfalls nearby.

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Nature|Hiking

The Iconic Trail in Arkansas Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime

You'll love this hike to this incredible waterfall in Arkansas. It's truly unique!

Published Oct 15, 2024

Written by 

Christy Articola
Colorful shot of the Glory Hole Waterfall at the end of the Glory Hole Waterfall Trail in Arkansas
Kaleb Hensley/AllTrails.com

If you have an hour to spare, then you have enough time to hike this iconic waterfall trail in Arkansas. Glory Hole Waterfall is beautiful and unique. This waterfall is like none you've ever visited before and it's worth the moderately challenging hike it takes to reach it.

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The trail to Glory Hole Waterfall is an out-and-back trail that's a little under a mile long in each direction. Unlike many trails you'll encounter in Arkansas and elsewhere, this trail is downhill on the way out and is uphill on the way back, but it's not super tough - it only requires 400 feet of elevation gain altogether.

The trailhead for the Glory Hole Waterfall Trail is just a few miles south of Edwards Junction. The parking area is on Highway 16 and it will be on your left as you travel south. Be sure to keep an eye out for it, as it's not well-marked. Although this trail and waterfall are quite popular, you'll find plenty of parking.

The trail itself is fairly flat and wide to start out, but as it starts to descend, it will become narrower. Along your journey, you'll pass interesting rock formations. The trail can be a bit rocky, and it can also be slippery, so it's wise to wear hiking boots, and you may want a walking stick to help you with the steep scramble toward the end.

Glory Hole Waterfall is interesting and different. Instead of water cascading over a ledge, it instead descends from a hole in the rock. When it's really running hard, it looks like someone has turned on a faucet above it. If you want to be sure to see Glory Hole Waterfall in action, it's best to hike to it in the spring or fall, especially after there's been a good rain. The hike is lovely even when the waterfall is dry, but if it's the waterfall you want to see, you'll have to visit it under the proper conditions.

This waterfall is very unusual. If you decide to explore the area above the waterfall, use extreme caution, as it's easy and dangerous to slip into the water flow here. When the waterfall is dry, you can look through the circular hole from above or below and get some cool photos.

The Ozark - St. Francis National Forest is absolutely spectacular and the Glory Hole Waterfall is just one of many adventures that you can enjoy within its boundaries. This is the true heart of Arkansas and there are countless trails to explore and waterfalls to see. Start your visit to this region with a hike to Glory Hole Waterfall and you'll be inspired to dive in and see the rest of this incredible area. Have a great time!

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Nature|Waterfalls

A Bit Of An Unexpected Natural Wonder, Few People Know There Is A Waterfall Grotto Hiding In Arkansas

Short Grotto Falls in the Arkansas Ozarks is a hidden natural wonder worth exploring for its beauty and unique setting.

Updated Aug 9, 2024

Written by 

Melanie Johnson

If I were to ask you, what are your favorite waterfalls in Arkansas? Would you answer Hemmed-in-Hollow, Cedar Falls, or Pam’s Grotto? While those are some of the most spectacular cascades in the state, there’s one that is guaranteed to leave you awestruck. Short Grotto Falls is one of the loveliest natural wonders in Arkansas and it’s one of the most magnificent waterfalls that you can imagine. And there’s no doubt that you’ll want to explore this unexpected, hidden gem in Oark, AR for yourself. So, grab your hiking gear, and let's go!

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Even if you’re a wanderlust explorer of the Natural State, chances are, you’ve never heard of Short Grotto Falls. This pretty little grotto waterfall is nestled inside the Ozarks near the tiny town of Oark, Arkansas.

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Dave Outdoors/Google

Since the area isn’t well-traversed, it might be a bit tricky to locate this hidden gem. So, we provided an

" target="_blank">interactive map for you as well as the coordinates for your convenience: 35.66817, -93.62830.

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Google Maps/35.66817, -93.62830

If you would like to make this a weekend adventure, Short Grotto Falls is only 7 miles from Wolf Pen Recreation Area. Here you’ll have access to the Mulberry River where you can camp, hike, kayak, and so much more.

Three kayaks in vibrant colors rest on a grassy bank by a serene, green river surrounded by lush trees.
Kris Allee/Google

The falls are located in an area known as Engagement Hollow. The drive is along unpaved and unmaintained roads. So, it’s best to use a Jeep or 4-wheel drive vehicle.

An old white camper parked beside a rocky cliff on a narrow, tree-lined dirt road.
David H/Google

In the area, you’ll find a flowing creek as well as lots of other waterfalls to explore. In fact, there are over 7 waterfalls that you will encounter and many of them are unnamed cascades. But you'll agree that they’re worth the adventure.

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Dave Outdoors/YouTube

Follow alongside the creek, and you’ll eventually get to Short Grotto Falls, and be prepared to be amazed. Not only is it a cool waterfall, but it is an unexpected natural wonder in Arkansas.

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Dave Outdoors/Google

At only approximately five feet tall, this waterfall is tiny, but what it lacks in height, it makes up for it with its beauty.

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Dave Outdoors/Google

Between the carved-out grotto, the majestic trees, the pool as well as the falls flowing over the bluff, chances are, you’ll be captivated by the enchantment of it all.

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Eric Hostetler/Google

Have your camera ready because naturally, you’ll want to experience this hidden gem from different perspectives.

Here’s a quick video by explorer Dave Outdoors showing you more of the falls as well as the gorgeous area.

https://youtu.be/I2OBwa0Wrjc

So, have you ever heard of Short Grotto Falls in the Arkansas Ozarks? If so, tell us in the comments about your experience exploring one of the best waterfalls in Arkansas. If you'd like to explore more wonderful waterfalls in Arkansas, check out this hiking trail that leads to another beautiful waterfall in the Ozarks:

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/arkansas/easy-trail-capital-of-waterfall-ar/

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