One of the very first hikes I made in the Buffalo River area 14 years was to Hemmed In Hollow Falls from the Compton Trailhead. At 209 feet tall, Hemmed in Hollow Falls is the tallest waterfall between the Appalachian Mountains and the Rocky Mountains, and while the hike isn't easy, it is very popular as hikers are eager to see this towering beauty of the falls with a trailhead that is easy to get to without a 4WD. While the trail to the falls is maintained, at nearly 1500 feet of elevation change the hike is not for the faint of heart, but a breathtaking waterfall and secluded canyon awaits those who make the trek.
Getting there
To get to the Compton Trailhead, go to the community of Compton (8.3 miles north of Ponca on Highway 43) and turn EAST on the gravel road immediately across from JB Trading Post. After about 1/10 of a mile, turn RIGHT onto the gravel road and follow it .8 miles and then turn RIGHT onto another gravel road. The parking area and trail head are just up the hill. There are signs at the turnoff of Highway 43 and the 2nd gravel road that point to the Compton Trailhead.
Also, it's worth noting that JB Trading Post is a fantastic establishment here in Compton. They make a great sandwich, and also have maps, trail guides, outerwear, socks, camping supplies and virtually anything you need to make your hike and camp a success - -and it usually pretty quality equipment that you'll be glad to keep long after your hike.
This is a wet-weather falls, so it is usually best enjoyed in the winter and spring, and during times where there has been a fair amount of moisture.
The Hike
There are two trails at the trailhead -- the one to the right is a horse trail that heads down through Sneads Creek; the one on the left is the main hiking trail. Today we took off on the hiking trail.
The trail heads down the hill gradually at first. Off to the left you'll begin to notice a small creek -- this is the creek that feeds Hemmed in Hollow Falls.
At about .7 miles, there is an intersection. Stay STRAIGHT at this intersection. The tail to the left takes you to Wild Vic's Cabin, and to the Right connects with the horse trail.
The trail continues going down the hill. In some steep parts there are stone stairs built to make it easier - there are other places that the steep slope has caused the trail to wash out a little and makes for some less-than-sure-footed hiking. There will be great views all around (particularly during leaf-off) so be sure to enjoy them. While the excitement of getting to the falls is usually prominent, at some point as you continue down thoughts about hiking back out of here is going to be HARD.
At about 1.5, after a few switchbacks, the trail turns right at a rock slab right along the top of an overlook. It's a beautiful overlook and if you look closely you will see a notched out "U" in the bluff and you can see the top of Hemmed in Hollow Falls flowing over the ridge. This is a great spot to enjoy -- and even a better spot to stop and rest to catch your breath on the way back up!
Keep going though, the best views are only a mile away.
At 1.8 miles there is an intersection -- at this intersection, turn LEFT. To trail coming in from the right is the trail that comes in past Big Bluff and the Goat Trail from Centerpoint Trailhead.
When you turn left, the trail goes downhill and back below ridge of the the trail you have just hiked down.
At 2.3 you reach a creek that is downstream from Hemmed in Hollow and another trail intersection. Stay straight (left) on the trail. The trail to the right goes .5 miles to the Buffalo River (and this is the trail that comes in from the river if you choose to float and then hike back to the falls).
Follow the trail as it now goes back uphill to the big falls. After a bit you will cross a small creek that comes in from your left. Below here is a very nice double waterfall that is approximately 14 feet tall (note on the pic above that the falls coming in from the left has pretty low flow on this day).
Continue on the trail and you'll come across yet another nice, 18 foot (ish) tall waterfall on the main creek.
After 2.5 miles you'll reach Hemmed in Hollow Falls. It's a beautiful 209 foot tall falls that pours off into an amazing canyon. It really worth spending the time here to enjoy the area and have a sandwich or some snacks. You've earned it -- and you're going to need to refuel before the trip back up. You can easily climb back up behind falls (although, be careful, the rocks are VERY slick here). And notice that when the wind blows, it often makes the falls move from side to side and around almost like it's dancing in the wind.
After enjoying one of the finest places to in all of the Ozarks, you'll head back UP the trail the way you came. As mentioned before, the hike back up is no joke, and with 1500 feet of elevation gain in just 2 miles you'll feel the burn. Take your time, and drink plenty of water.
Trail Notes
Distance: 5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Difficult hike on maintained trails
Footwear: Sturdy Hiking boots preferred
Kids: Older kids will be ok
Guide Book: Tim Ernst's Buffalo River Hiking Trails has the best trail description, although it's also covered in Tim Ernst's Arkansas Hiking Trails
Stars: 5 out of 5.
Nearby: Hideout Hollow Trail, McFerrin Point, Paige Falls and Broadwater Hollow Falls, and the Centerpoint Trailhead to Big Bluff.
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