Blue Hole - Wolf Den
Swimming hole in Little Rock, Arkansas · Waterfall
Find hiking directions to the remote Blue Hole - Wolf Den swimming area on Hurricane Creek. Learn about trail navigation, safety, and what to expect.
About Blue Hole - Wolf Den
Tucked deep within the Ozark National Forest, Blue Hole at Wolf Den Hollow is the kind of place that rewards the curious and the persistent. This unofficial, natural swimming destination sits along Hurricane Creek, where the hollow meets the main channel and the water pools into a clear, inviting basin surrounded by towering bluffs and dense Ozark woodland. There are no crowds here, no parking attendants, no concession stands — just the sound of moving water, birdsong, and the crunch of leaves beneath your boots.
The Setting and Landscape
The journey to Blue Hole is part of the experience. The roughly 2.5-mile hike into the site is moderately challenging, taking you across uneven terrain and through sections that may require a bit of bushwhacking. Sturdy footwear is essential, and a sense of navigation helps. As you push deeper into the hollow, the forest closes in around you — mossy boulders line the creek corridor, ferns spill across the understory, and the light filters green and gold through a canopy that shifts with the seasons. Spring and early summer bring the most dramatic scenery, with wildflowers threading through the undergrowth and the creek running high and fast from seasonal rains. Come autumn, the surrounding hillsides erupt in amber, crimson, and orange — making this one of the more striking photography destinations in the region.
Swimming in Hurricane Creek
Hurricane Creek is known for its clarity, and at Blue Hole, that reputation holds. The water runs cold and clean, pooling at the base of the hollow into a natural swimming area with enough depth for jumping from the surrounding rocks — though conditions vary with rainfall and season, and visitors should always assess jump points carefully before leaping. The creek bottom shifts between smooth stone and gravel, and the water carries the particular chill of a mountain spring-fed stream, refreshing on a warm Ozark afternoon. This is an unofficial site with no lifeguards or safety infrastructure on record, so swimming here requires sound judgment and awareness of current conditions. The best swimming windows are spring through early summer when water levels are generous but the current remains manageable.
Practical
The experience
- Best time to visit Spring and early summer offer the best conditions, with higher water levels and vibrant foliage. Autumn also provides stunning scenery with colorful leaves.
- Access Moderately challenging due to uneven terrain and potential bushwhacking. Sturdy footwear and navigation skills are recommended.
- Facilities Minimal facilities at the site. Nearby camping options available at Bayou Bluff Campground.
- Camping nearby Camp west of here at Bayou Bluff N. F. Campground on RT 27.
Highlights & features
- Crystal-clear waters of Hurricane Creek
- Remote and scenic location in Ozark National Forest
- Moderately challenging 2.5-mile hike
- Opportunities for jumping and swimming
- Spectacular photography spots
- Remote location far from urban areas
- Natural swimming hole fed by Hurricane Creek
- Blend of adventure and tranquility
How to get there
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From Little Rock
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Take Interstate 40 (I-40) west for approximately 47 miles.
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Take Exit 107 for Morrilton.
From Morrilton: Turn right onto State Route 95 (RT 95) and head north for about 12 miles.
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Turn left (west) onto State Route 124 (RT 124). Follow RT 124 for approximately 12 miles, making several turns to stay on RT 124 as you pass through Jerusalem and continue to Appleton.
From Appleton: Continue straight onto Evans Mountain Road (Evans Mtn. Rd.) and drive for about 6 miles. At the fork, keep right onto Forest Road 1301 (FR 1301), also known as White Oak Mountain Road. Drive approximately 0.6 miles to the trailhead, which will be on your left. There is parking available near the trailhead. Trail Information: The trail begins by hiking north along a ridge for approximately 1.5 miles. After the ridge, the trail descends eastward toward a creek. You may need to bushwhack slightly to reach the creek at approximately GPS coordinates 35.51260, -92.8746 . Once you reach the creek, follow it downstream (northwest) for about 0.75 miles. The creek will meet a larger creek coming in from the east (right) at approximately GPS coordinates 35.52094, -92.8806 . This larger creek is Hurricane Creek at Wolf Den Hollow. Swimming Hole Details: The falls and swimming hole are located at the junction of Hurricane Creek and Wolf Den Hollow or possibly a short distance downstream along Hurricane Creek.
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Helpful Notes
The hike is estimated to be about 2.5 miles each way. It is recommended to obtain a local trail map and confirm trail conditions before your visit, as the route may require navigation skills and bushwhacking. Ensure you wear appropriate footwear and bring water, as the terrain can be uneven and remote.
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Parking
Parking is available at the trailhead located off Forest Road 1301 (White Oak Mountain Road). Please park responsibly and avoid blocking the road or trail access. Enjoy your visit to Blue Hole - Wolf Den!
Plan your visit
Blue Hole – Wolf Den is most easily approached from the surrounding communities of Morrilton, Jerusalem, and Little Rock, which serve as the nearest hubs for fuel, supplies, and lodging before you head into the forest. Little Rock, the largest of the three, offers the widest range of accommodations and services if you're driving in from a distance. Jerusalem and Morrilton put you closer to the trailhead and give you a genuine sense of the rural Ozark character that defines this part of Arkansas. Whenever you arrive, leave early, move slowly, and let Hurricane Creek do the rest.
Blue Hole – Wolf Den is most easily approached from the surrounding communities of Morrilton, Jerusalem, and Little Rock, which serve as the nearest hubs for fuel, supplies, and lodging before you head into the forest. Little Rock, the largest of the three, offers the widest range of accommodations and services if you're driving in from a distance. Jerusalem and Morrilton put you closer to the trailhead and give you a genuine sense of the rural Ozark character that defines this part of Arkansas. Whenever you arrive, leave early, move slowly, and let Hurricane Creek do the rest.
Access & fees
This is an unofficial, remote natural area with no fees or known facilities. Access requires hiking with off-trail navigation and creek walking. The route is not marked; using GPS coordinates and a detailed map is strongly advised. Parking is at an unmarked trailhead on Forest Road 1301.
This is an unofficial, remote natural area with no fees or known facilities. Access requires hiking with off-trail navigation and creek walking. The route is not marked; using GPS coordinates and a detailed map is strongly advised. Parking is at an unmarked trailhead on Forest Road 1301.
Frequently asked questions
Is BLUE HOLE - WOLF DEN free to visit?
BLUE HOLE - WOLF DEN is generally free to access. No entry fee is commonly reported, though parking passes or day-use fees can be introduced — always confirm current rules before heading out.
Is swimming allowed at BLUE HOLE - WOLF DEN?
Yes, BLUE HOLE - WOLF DEN is an officially sanctioned recreation area where swimming is permitted. Reported activities include: Swimming, Jumping?. Always respect posted closures and seasonal restrictions.
What type of swimming spot is BLUE HOLE - WOLF DEN?
BLUE HOLE - WOLF DEN is a creek/falls on Hurricane Creek located in AR, near LITTLE ROCK. Find hiking directions to the remote Blue Hole - Wolf Den swimming area on Hurricane Creek. Learn about trail navigation, safety, and what to expect.
When is the best time to visit BLUE HOLE - WOLF DEN?
The best time to visit BLUE HOLE - WOLF DEN is Spring and early summer offer the best conditions, with higher water levels and vibrant foliage. Autumn also provides stunning scenery with colorful leaves.. Water levels, clarity, and temperature vary with recent weather — always check conditions before going, especially after rain or snowmelt.
What facilities are available at BLUE HOLE - WOLF DEN?
Reported facilities at BLUE HOLE - WOLF DEN include: Minimal facilities at the site. Nearby camping options available at Bayou Bluff Campground.. Amenities can change — contact the managing agency or check recent visitor reports to confirm current availability.
Is camping available near BLUE HOLE - WOLF DEN?
Camp west of here at Bayou Bluff N. F. Campground on RT 27.
Nearby swimming holes
Map & location
Culture & history
Area steeped in history, with ties to Native Americans and early settlers who relied on Hurricane Creek for water and sustenance.
Conservation
Practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the fragile ecosystem. Avoid littering and respect the local flora and fauna.