Glory Hole Waterfall, Natural waterfall in Ozark National Forest, Arkansas
Glory Hole Waterfall is a waterfall in the Ozark National Forest in Arkansas that flows through a circular opening in a rock formation. The water drops roughly 30 feet (9 meters) into a grotto beneath a natural stone bridge.
Local hunters discovered this waterfall while exploring trails in the Ozark National Forest and found the natural formation. The site gradually became known to travelers who began seeking out this distinctive location.
Local photographers gather at Glory Hole during winter months to capture images of frozen water cascades forming natural ice sculptures through the rock opening.
The trail to the waterfall is about a mile long and starts from Highway 16 with parking at an unpaved gravel area. The parking area is located near a red barn marked with the letter E for easy identification.
The water forms a perfect circular cascade as it drops through the eroded limestone opening, creating a natural bridge above the grotto. This distinctive geometric shape results from thousands of years of natural erosion of the soft rock layers.
Location: Newton County
GPS coordinates: 35.82191,-93.39369
Latest update: December 6, 2025 19:08
Arkansas sits in the southern United States, where the Ozark and Ouachita mountains meet forested valleys and slow rivers. Away from the main highways, the state holds waterfalls hidden in national forests, abandoned settlements from mining days, and caves filled with limestone formations. Haw Creek Falls drops over a series of ledges in the Ozarks, while Blanchard Springs Caverns opens into chambers where underground streams have carved stone over thousands of years. Rush, once a zinc mining town, now stands empty along the Buffalo River. Boxley Valley offers open fields where elk graze beneath ridges, and the Cossatot River cuts through rocky rapids in the Ouachita range. These places show different chapters of the region's natural and human history. Historical sites and cultural centers add depth to the landscape. Monte Ne preserves the ruins of an early resort built beside Beaver Lake. The Hampson Archeological Museum holds artifacts from indigenous peoples who lived in the Mississippi River floodplain. Jacksonport once served as a river port on the White River, and the Delta Cultural Center documents the agricultural heritage of eastern Arkansas. From Sam's Throne, a rock outcrop with views across the Ozarks, to the old railway bridge in Clarendon, these locations lie off the usual routes and reward those who take the time to seek them out.
Dogpatch USA
39.5 km
Hemmed-In-Hollow Falls
28.9 km
Upper Buffalo Wilderness
10.2 km
Richland Creek Wilderness
10.2 km
Sam's Throne
30.7 km
Parker-Hickman Farm Historic District
31.8 km
Union School
21.7 km
Big Piney Creek Bridge
21.5 km
Shady Grove Delmar Church and School
38.3 km
Little Buffalo River Bridge
22.2 km
Harmony Presbyterian Church
34.2 km
Buffalo River Bridge
35.2 km
Villines Mill
18.8 km
Bank of Kingston
27.8 km
Newton County Courthouse
27.9 km
Harp Creek Bridge
37.1 km
Ozone School
21.7 km
Bunch-Walton Post No. 22 American Legion Hut
39.5 km
Jasper Commercial Historic District
28 km
Pettigrew School
23.1 km
MacLean Hall
39.1 km
Clarksville National Guard Armory
39.3 km
Thomas J. Hankins House
29.1 km
Pennington House
39.4 km
St. Paul School Building
33.6 km
Capt. Archibald S. McKennon House
39.4 km
Flowers Cabin
29.2 km
Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area
20.4 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes