Alum Cove Natural Bridge Trail Hiking Guide
Alum Cove's natural bridge is a sandstone arch 130 feet long and 20 feet wide, which the Forest Service says is all that remains of an old quartz sandstone cave. A short National Recreation Trail crosses the top of the arch, drops below it, and returns past a bluff line full of overhangs. It is a quick, free stop that pairs well with a longer hike elsewhere in Newton County.
The Loop
AllTrails lists the Alum Cove Loop at 1.2 miles with 285 feet of gain and rates it moderate, with an estimate of half an hour to an hour. The 1979 National Recreation Trail record gives 1.1 miles. The route walks across the top of the arch, descends into the cove to view it from below, crosses a small stream, then follows the bluffs back up to the parking area. Expect rocky, uneven footing on the descent.
What the Forest Service Says to Look For
According to the agency, wind, rain and ice opened the gap between the arch and the rock overhang, and early settlers reportedly used the bridge to move wagons and livestock across the streambed in wet weather. Across the cove, weathering carved overhangs and shallow caves, sometimes called rooms. Native Americans sheltered in them on long hunting trips, and free-roaming goats later lived there, earning them the local name goat houses. The agency asks for caution along the bluff line.
Getting There
From Jasper, the Forest Service directs you south on Arkansas 7 for 15 miles, west on Arkansas 16 for 1 mile, then northwest on Newton County Road 28 for 3 miles to the recreation area. There is a vault toilet and there are picnic tables, but the site has no drinking water and no trash service, so pack out everything. It is day use only; a forest order bans camping here and requires following posted parking instructions.
Trail Rules and Dogs
A separate forest order covering the Alum Cove trail system bans bikes, horses, pack animals and motor vehicles, and it prohibits cutting switchbacks. The Forest Service lists no pet ban for the site, so leashed dogs can walk the loop, but keep them close on the bridge and near the bluffs. Visitor questions go to the Big Piney Ranger District, which answers its phone Monday through Friday.
Seasons
Because the loop is so short, it works in more weather than the long Buffalo River hikes nearby, including summer mornings. The trail's National Recreation Trail record notes stands of American beech, other hardwoods and wild magnolias, which make fall color and spring green-up the prettiest times, and spring is also when the stream under the arch is most likely to be running. After rain the rock steps below the arch get slick, so slow down there.
Hiking tips for Alum Cove Natural Bridge Trail
- Walk across the top of the arch first, then circle below it for the full view.
- Bring water; the recreation area has none.
- Pack out trash, since there is no trash service.
- Leave bikes on the car rack; they are banned on the Alum Cove trails.
- Pair it with Glory Hole Falls or another Newton County hike for a full day.
Nearby trails to explore
- Glory Hole Falls Trail
- Whitaker Point Trail (Hawksbill Crag)
- Lost Valley Trail (Buffalo National River)
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Alum Cove is short enough to fit into a day of Ozark waterfalls and overlooks. Use TrailMates to find hikers planning a Newton County loop, map out the stops in the event's group chat, and share the drive down Highway 7. Download TrailMates on the App Store or Google Play.