#rockFormations
Hiking the Second Route to the Arkansas Sphinx
Some hikes are worth a re-visit. And a second viewing of that iconic monolith perched near the top of Hess Knob – known as the Arkansas Sphinx – is one such hike. There are two hiking routes you can take to the Sphinx. On my first trip there (read here), I opted for the shorter – but much steeper – route from parking area #1. While preparing for that hike, I read an article from the hiking blog of the late Rick Henry with info on a second route. Mr. Henry described the second route to the Arkansas Sphinx as longer, but less steep and strenuous than route #1. This route also hits the peak of Hess Knob with a magnificent vista view of the Sphinx and it’s scenic backdrop. So in my first Arkansas Sphinx article and video, I promised to come back to try the second ...
Hiking at Stem Rock Natural Area
In between float season and waterfall hiking season lies a season of dubious anticipation for many outdoor enthusiasts. When there’s not enough water to go floating, and waterfall hikes are non-existent. I call it the dry season. It’s one of the times of the year I often opt for mountain biking, even though I’m itching for a good hike. But there are some great non-waterfall day hikes out there to be had, like the one at Stem Rock Natural Area. Stem Rock is a cluster of rock formations, crevices, and small caves in Searcy County, AR, near the community of Oxley. If you enjoy hikes with cool rock formations, like Alum Cove or Kings Bluff, then you should enjoy this one. Although it’s not as big or impressive as those two, the short easy hike makes it definitely worth ...
The Arkansas Sphinx: A Natural Wonder in the Ozarks
Nestled in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, lies a natural wonder known locally as the Arkansas Sphinx. This sandstone monolith rises 20 feet above its perch near the top of Hess Knob. Its profile bears a resemblance to the iconic sphinx of ancient Egypt. Measuring approximately 20-30 feet tall and just as wide, the Arkansas Sphinx is believed to have been formed over millions of years through erosion. Wind, water, and ice carved away at the softer rock layers, leaving behind the Sphinx-like profile in the sandstone that we see today. Standing tall and proud, the Arkansas Sphinx offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. This popular destination for hikers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts stands as a testament to the power of nature’s artistry. This natura...
Tea Kettle Falls Hike (with Reynolds Hollow Falls)
Tea Kettle Falls is one of the more well-known and unique waterfalls in Arkansas. The base of the waterfall is a massive grotto style bluff that is quite an impressive sight on it’s own. The creek flowing over the top of the bluff has carved a hole in the rock at the top of it. Much like Glory Hole Falls, the water drops through this hole before ever making it to the edge of the bluff. But where the hole at Glory Hole falls drops straight down through the bluff, Tea Kettle is different. Instead of the hole coming out the bottom, it re-routes horizontally, shooting the water out the side of the bluff. This rock formation resembles the spout of a kettle, which is how Tea Kettle Falls gets its name. I’ve wanted to do the Tea Kettle Falls hike for quite a while, and finally got the...
Hiking the Kings Bluff Loop
Sometimes you just need a do-over. The third article I ever wrote for my blog was for a hike to Kings Bluff Falls. I did that hike years before I ever knew I would have an outdoors blog. I didn’t research the hike or even really know what to expect. We just showed up and hiked to the falls and back, not even knowing what else was out there. That was the case for several of my early articles, but this one only had a few pictures and no video! There’s so much more to hiking the Kings Bluff Loop than I covered the first time. So I think this hike deserves a do-over. After that first visit, I made a return trip there and hiked the Pedestal Rocks Loop. Both hikes are really one big loop, but you can hike them separately. The rock formations at Pedestal Rocks are amazing. It wasnR...
Hike to Buzzards Roost
I find something to enjoy about every hike that I do. But some hikes are better than others. And then there are the ones that really stand out from the rest. Those are usually the ones where I spend the whole time thinking “how am I just now visiting this place?!”. The hike to Buzzards Roost is the latest one that really blew me away. Maybe it’s because I geek out a little bit over crazy rock formations (see video below), and this hike is full of them. This geological wonderland has two natural bridges and a huge rock outcropping/vista full of caves and tunnels. I would compare it to the Bear Cave Trail area at Petit Jean State Park, but more impressive. It also didn’t hurt that we caught this area on the last weekend of peak leaf season this fall. This hike has a c...
Round Top Mountain Hiking Trails
There are many hikes in Arkansas that are better at certain times than others. And when you can’t do those, you need a backup plan. I have a list of hikes that I have been saving for times when rivers and waterfalls are dry. These are my “Plan B” hikes. Not because they are not good hikes, but because they can be done at any time. Hikes like Centerpoint/Goat Trail to Big Bluff or the Mt. Nebo Rim Trail for example. The latest Plan B hike I’ve checked off my list was a visit to Round Top Mountain hiking trails. I have passed by Round Top Mountain dozens of times on my way to Jasper or the Upper Buffalo River area. This Fall I finally had a good chance to stop in and hike it. I had been out waterfall hunting up Hwy 7 right after a rain. And after striking out on...
Hike to Winding Stairs on Eagle Rock Loop
I continue to be blown away by the natural beauty in our state. Just when I think I’ve seen the prettiest hike in Arkansas, I eventually go on another one that changes my mind. The hike to Winding Stairs on the Eagle Rock Loop Trail in the Ouachitas is the latest one. I’ll admit that I have not given enough attention to the Ouachita Mountain region so far. Sometimes I get in the habit of heading straight to the Ozarks for hiking waterfalls and paddling rivers. But there are areas of the Ouachitas that are just as great and in my opinion, very underrated. This area around the Eagle Rock Loop is right up there with some of the best spots in the Ozarks. Many people have gotten confused and lost trying to follow this trail. Unless you download a map, it can be easy to get off the t...
Alum Cove Natural Bridge
Many of the hikes I have written about so far are located in the areas between Russellville and Jasper, or Clarksville and Ponca. Nestled right in the middle of all those hills, creeks, and waterfalls lies Alum Cove Natural Bridge Recreation Area. In all my trips through this area, I’ve passed really close to Alum Cove probably a hundred times. And until recently, I had never stopped to visit – always in a rush to get somewhere else. But this past November, I made it a point to specifically stop in to check out Alum Cove. I was not disappointed. I had actually set out to do a different hike that day a little further north. But the road to that trailhead was flooded so I had to call an audible. I’d been saving the Alum Cove area trail as a backup plan for just such an occa...
