Alum Cove National Recreation Trail
Attraction
The Big Piney Ranger District - Jasper Office is located within the
heart of the Ozarks. Visitors can view picturesque rock bluffs and
hike wooded hillsides. Outstanding among the many natural features
of the Ozark Natural Forest is the huge stone arch that forms a natural
bridge at Alum Cove National Recreation Trail.  The
natural arch is all that remains of what was a quartz sandstone cave.
The arch is 130 feet long and 20 feet wide. The weathering process
of wind, rain and ice formed the opening between the arch and the
rock overhang. The Alum Cove Natural Bridge Recreation Area is designed
primarily for visitors to be close nature. The area offers picnic
facilities and the Alum Cove National Recreation Trail for your enjoyment.
This looping trail wanders past the natural arch, across a small stream
and to the
bluff
line with overhangs. The entire trail is 1.1 miles long and take about 1 hour
to walk. Visitors may also take a short 30-minute round trip hike for 0.4 miles
to view the arch. Exercise caution while hiking along the bluff line. Early settlers
reportedly used this arch to move their wagons and livestock across the streambed
during wet weather. Water and wind also shaped other interesting rock formations
along the bluff line across the cove, including the cave (or "rooms" as they
are often called) or overhangs. Native Americans used these rock overhangs
for shelter while on extended hunting trips. At one time, free-roaming goats
inhabited the caves, giving the formations the local name, "goat houses."
Facilities
- Group Picnic Pavilion
- 7 picnic tables with fireplaces
- Vault toilets
- Drinking water available April through October
- 1.1 mile nature trail
- Accessible trail in picnic area
- Camping not permitted
Fees
Current user fees and regulations are posted at the self-service pay station
or by clicking here.
Directions
Alum Cove National Recreation Trail is located
near the community of Deer, Arkansas, west of the intersection of Arkansas
State Highways 7 and 16. Signs at intersection and on Highway 16 give directions
to the Natural Bridge Area.
Surrounding Areas
Other scenic areas
nearby are the Upper Buffalo Wilderness, Richland Creek Wilderness,
and Arkansas Scenic 7 and 21 Byway and Ozark Highlands National Recreation Trail. Points
of interest include Sam's Throne and Glory Hole.
For more information, contact
Big Piney Ranger District
- Jasper Office
P.O. Box 427
Jasper, AR 72641
(870) 446-5122
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