Glory Hole Falls

Glory Hole Falls amanderson2 / CC BY 2.0

Dismal Creek carved out the top of a bluff over time. Through the technical natural bridge, the modest 31-foot drop Glory Hole Falls is one of the most recognizable waterfalls in the Ozarks. Usually a trickle, it transforms into a full gushing fall in the rainy season.

The best time to view might be during the frigid winter, when the falls freeze into a column of ice worthy of a giant yeti wizard king’s staff.

The sedimentary rocks of the Ozarks are filled with high-density materials like limestone. This creates a defense to erosion, yielding more vertical drops for waterfalls. The hike passes through many of these cascades before reaching the storied hole, where both the bottom and top can be seen.

Know Before You Go

The hike is rated as moderate. There is a 500-foot elevation gain in the last half of 2.5 miles. The trail can get busy, so it's best to visit during the morning on weekdays.