Hiking to Hemmed-In-Hollow Falls via the Sneeds Creek Trail and Hemmed-In-Hollow Trail Loop
Hemmed-In Hollow, located in the Buffalo National River area of Arkansas, is a striking natural wonder known for its towering waterfall, the tallest between the Rockies and Appalachians at 209 feet tall.
Nestled in the rugged Ozark Mountains, Hemmed-in-Hollow is accessible via the Hemmed-in-Hollow Trail, which is a moderate to challenging hike that rewards hikers with breathtaking views of the cascading waterfall.
The hike can be done as an in and out hike from the trailhead, but you can also utilize the Sneeds Creek Trail, which also begins at the Compton Trailhead to create a roughly 8.5 mile loop hike, which will take you down to Sneeds Creek, along the creek and its many cascades, past the Henderson Homestead, up to Hemmed-In-Hollow Falls, and then back up to the Compton Trailhead.
Trail Description: Beginning at the Compton Trailhead, you’ll follow the Sneeds Creek Trail (the trail to the right of the informational kiosk) and begin descending towards Sneed Creek. Over about three miles you’ll descend approximatley 1,150 feet down to Sneeds Creek. From here you’ll continue almost a mile descending more gently, following Sneeds Creek and at 4 miles, you’ll come to the Henderson Homestead - a remnant of the farming community that used to exist in this area before becoming National Forest.
From the Homestead you’ll follow the unnamed trail to Sneeds Creek where you’ll join up with the Hemmed-in-Hollow Trail, and follow that to the intersection with the Hemmed-in-Hollow Falls Trail (about a mile overall). Follow the falls trail 0.7 miles to the base of Hemmed-in-Hollow Falls, where the trail ends. This trail has a few rock scramble sections, and places where it is on the edge of a signficant drop - especially just before you reach the base of Hemmed-in-Hollow Falls.
After seeing the Falls, you’ll return to the intersection with the Hemmed-in-Hollow Trail and turn right to continue climbing back the 1.7 miles to the Compton Trailhead. The climb is steep and there are rocky sections to climb, some of which have been improved through trail work with rock steps. Other places require some rock scrambling.
Trail Details
Distance: Roughly 8.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,650 feet
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous - some may find the rock scrambles and side drop offs difficult and the climb back up to the Compton Trailhead is long and steep.
For More Information About This Hike
You can find out more about this hike here:
Our Hiking Advice and Hiking Gear Recommendations
Gear we used on this hike:
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Important Hiking Considerations:
Weather: Check the weather forecast before your hike and be prepared for changes in conditions.
Safety: Some sections of the trail can be steep and rocky, so always use caution and watch your footing.
Leave No Trace: As with any outdoor activity, remember to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Pack out any trash, stay on the trail, and be respectful of the natural environment.
