hemmed-in-hollow falls

If you go prepared and at the right time of year, this could be a great hike. But it was not worth it because the reward was supposed to be a view of the waterfall, but the waterfall was dried up. Wear good hiking boots, use two hiking poles, use a backpack to take water -lots of water- and a protein snack. This is a very steep & rocky trail with a steep drop-off close to the end, you really need a rope for the drop-off. We did not have cell phone service on most of this trail. We hiked it on 11/3/14 and the falls were dried up. Go in the Spring, start early in the day, be prepared. Give yourself about 4 to 5 hours to hike down, look around and hike back up. Use bug spray. There's no bathrooms so you will "go" in the woods (if needed). If you have a bad knee, use a knee brace. You are going to bang up your knee joints on this hike. Very bad signage trying to get to the trail head (if using GPS). Follow the Buffalo River signs.

We took the compton trail head to Hemmed in Hollow and then the side hike to Buffalo River. It is about 6.5 miles round trip. When driving to the trail head, turn at the post office and then go right when the road splits. The hike down isn't bad. There are steps to help on the steep inclines. However, the climb out was tough. The falls were not running very much since it was summer but the views were well worth the trip. The canyon where the falls come down is very cool to see. The side trip to the river was not worth the trip. The river at this point is not that impressive. Highly recommend this hike but bring plenty of water if it is hot.

One of the best hikes I have been on. Second trip to the waterfall. Very beautiful and well worth the trip. Hike down is not too difficult, but the hike back out is very strenuous. But about 1/2 way out, you get another glimpse of the falls and it makes it all worthwhile. Will take about 1 1/4 hours going in to get to the falls and about 2 hours to get back out. Overall the trip will take about 4 hours. Be sure to take plenty of water and possibly a snack and, if possible, go early in the day for the best picture opportunity.

It's my opinion, but, I enjoy the sights here more than Whitaker Point, although that is an awesome trail to visit. The hike down has its moments but is worth the wait, the hike back up to compton is a little tiring, take plenty of water and some kinds of fruit and jerky perhaps to keep your energy. I first discovered it in February of 2013 and find it to be a new experience each time I go back.

This is a wonderful hike. From Compton, take the dirt road opposite JB Trading Company (where you can get anything you need, from drinks, snacks and meals to gas and camping gear). Take the bend to the right, then the first right turn. The trailhead is at the top of the hill about a mile and a half from Compton. The hike is mostly shaded and steep, and when it has rained the day before, as it had for us, it can be very slippery on the way down. You will go down steep inclines as well as many stairs. There are a couple of places where the trail to follow is not obvious. We used Tim Ernst's Buffalo River Hiking Trails #4 book and were glad to have it. When you get to the hollow and the falls, it's an enchanting place. We hiked on a Friday morning in May and were the only people there for 20 minutes before a few other hikers arrived. Be sure to take time to enjoy it, have a snack and explore behind the waterfall. It was disappointing that the waterfall was rather weak, but it's still a beautiful place. The hike out is difficult in spots and we got very hot, but with plenty of water and a few rest breaks, it was well worth the effort. There are no facilities at the trail.

My husband and sons have hiked here many times on overnight back pack trips. A bit challenging, but extremely scenic area. The falls are wonderful, but go when it is not hot and dry to see lots of water action. They've even had Dec. 31 hikes here and polar bear plunges. A great bonding experience for father/sons. I guess mom's too :) I think this is the highest waterfall between Appalachian's and Rocky Mountains. Top 5 hiking spot in Arkansas. Oops, now everyone knows.

It's about a mile hike from the river. Well worth it. It's a much harder hike from your car, but have never done it.