Updated July 2026
Hemmed-In Hollow Falls
At 209 feet, Hemmed-in Hollow is the tallest waterfall between the Rocky Mountains and the Appalachians, a wet-weather plunge over Ozark sandstone bluffs in the Ponca Wilderness, reached by a steep hike that descends roughly 1,400 feet from the Compton Trailhead.
Before you go
Waterfalls are hazardous by nature — wet rock, cold water, and unstable edges — and flow varies enormously with season and recent rain. Trail figures here describe the route as documented, not conditions today. Check Buffalo National River (NPS) for closures and current conditions, and confirm land status before setting out.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Hemmed-In Hollow Falls drops about 209 feet. That makes it the 77th-tallest documented waterfall in this inventory, taller than roughly 89% of the falls listed here. Height comes from published land-manager and survey records, not from our own measurement.
The Hemmed-in Hollow Trail (from Compton Trailhead) reaches it about 5 miles (out-and-back) with roughly 1,420 feet of elevation gain, rated strenuous. The nearest town is Ponca. That describes the route as documented, not conditions on the day — check with Buffalo National River (NPS) for closures and current conditions.
Late winter to spring after rain (Dec-Apr). Waterfall flow swings enormously with snowmelt and recent rain, so a fall that roars in spring can be a trickle by late summer.
More Arkansas waterfalls
- Big Creek Cave Falls · 29 ft
- Bowers Hollow Falls · 56 ft
- Bridal Veil Falls · 50 ft
- Cedar Falls · 95 ft
- Cossatot Falls · 33 ft
- Diamond Falls · 148 ft
- Eden Falls (Lower) · 53 ft
- Falling Water Falls · 10 ft
Sources
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