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Experience a great hike in the Ponca Wilderness Area with access to Thunder Canyon.


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Map Key

7.5

Miles

12.1

KM

Loop

1,513' 461 m

High

965' 294 m

Low

693' 211 m

Up

684' 209 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

14%

Max Grade (8°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

This is a great day hike forming a loop with a short extension to Thunder Canyon Falls and back to Erbie.

Description

The Cecil Cove Loop begins at the Erbie Trailhead parking lot. It winds down towards Cecil Creek and provides access to Thunder Canyon Falls.

Note: The hike to Thunder Canyon Falls is treacherous and requires rock scrambling and creek crossings past many very slippery areas when wet. Many of our group fell when attempting this part of the hike. It is more challenging than any other part of Cecil Cove. Thunder Canyon Falls are impressive and well worth the visit.

After returning from Thunder Canyon, head back towards Cecil Creek. The dirt path winds up the surrounding hills, past a cemetery and the foundations of old homesteads. The loop passes underneath McFerrin Point until it concludes at Erbie Road. On the way back, check out the views of the Buffalo River from the Goat Bluff.

Contacts

Shared By:

Missouri Hiker

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 7 votes

#3516

Overall
  4.0 from 7 votes
5 Star
29%
4 Star
43%
3 Star
29%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#15

in Arkansas

#3,516

Overall
44 Views Last Month
6,317 Since Nov 20, 2017
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

Thunder Canyon Falls (Fantasy Falls)
Dec 7, 2017 near Jasper, AR
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Current Trail Conditions

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Check-Ins

Oct 15, 2022
Nick Williams
7.5mi
Nov 26, 2021
Tracy Woodman
Nov 7, 2020
Lee Grant
Sep 21, 2019
Ben Brimhall
Only 2 hammock camping spots, no tent camping spots found due to groundcover & rocks.
May 10, 2019
Max Chandler
Oct 13, 2018
Andrew Klauck
Sep 15, 2018
W. Kyle White
First 2 night backpacking trip with the girls. 9mi — 43h 00m
May 27, 2018
Jordan Landen
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