Just when you think you’ve hiked all the postcard-worthy trails the Ozark Mountains have to offer, your friend sends you an AllTrails link to a stunning hike you’ve never heard of. I’m not sure where this hidden gem of a trail is, but the out-and-back Big Creek Cave Falls trail is a true treasure.
Once you’ve braved the rugged switchbacks to the trailhead, the three-mile hike begins along a worn-down vehicle path behind a gray gate. (Coordinates are 35.87695, -93.15877.) The trail quickly takes you through open pasture and water crossings – my waterproof boots held up well while stepping on rocks and fallen trees, but it wouldn’t hurt to pack water shoes or sandals. Who complains about a refreshing foot dip during the scorching heat of summer, anyway?
Waterfalls are my favorite natural feature, but I love when a stunning vista accompanies it. Here, the hiker trades mountaintop outlooks for views of the expansive valley – one that made me feel small in the best way. When the trail opened up and butterflies surrounded me in the field, I couldn’t help but do a little skip and cartwheel in celebration.
Most of the trail follows alongside Big Creek, but look for pink or orange tied cloth to help you stay on course as it can be misleading at times, and it will only get harder to follow as the underbrush grows thicker. There’s no official signage, so relying on the trail map is crucial. There are two main falls on this hike, and the first one is the trail’s namesake, pouring out of a narrow, horizontal cave opening. It’s just under 30 feet tall, and the wind blowing its cool water on my skin is something I’ll cherish for years to come.
If you can pry yourself away from the refreshing spray of the falls, continue on the trail a bit further to the second attraction, a wide-mouthed cave formation. The caves are closed to preserve what’s left of the bat population, but the entrance is worth the visit, amplifying the roaring rush of water from its dark interior. The cascading water down tiered rocks covered in moss is enchanting and picturesque.
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While challenging with water crossings, this trail is moderate with an overall 203-foot elevation gain. I always bring more water than I think I’ll need and a protein-packed snack for good measure. This trail can easily become a day trip or the start of an amazing weekend hopping between other nearby trails. To extend your stay, there are many options around Jasper for short-term rental sites such as Airbnb and Vrbo. Prices vary, but when you think about it, can you put a price on waking up in a cabin to the mist rolling off the Ozark Mountains?
Where to Eat:
Ozark Cafe
107 E. Court St., Jasper
If you have time to spare and a stomach to fill after your hike, the 15-mile detour to Jasper’s Ozark Cafe will not disappoint. Don’t be afraid to stop and soak in the view along the way. The road takes you past the Arkansas Grand Canyon, which truly lives up to its name.
Character oozes from the walls of the 100-year-old Ozark Cafe. The welcoming staffwears visually appropriate Patagonia gear and Blundstone boots, and the menu resembles a newspaper, giving the diner a nostalgic feel. The food is satisfying, affordable, and delicious. It’s no wonder that the location was honored as a 2023 inductee into the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame.
It was everything I could have asked for after the hike through the woods. The chicken tenders were perfectly crispy, juicy, and flavorful. The mashed potatoes were delightfully creamy and accompanied by a generous serving of white gravy. The salad bar had all the extras I yearned for. The strawberry milkshake was authentically strawberry and didn’t taste like it was mixed with any filler. Half the meal filled me up, and I’m thrilled to report that it reheated as a perfect meal the following day.
Mary Hannigan is a reporter for the Illinois Times in Little Mountain, Illinois. She has covered housing, public safety, urban development and local government in Illinois.
