Bear Hollow Natural Area includes a mile of the intermittent Bear Hollow Creek, beginning about 0.25 mile upstream from its confluence with Rockhouse Creek. The natural area is enclosed by ridges along most of its perimeter, with only one hilltop farm in prominent view. Located near the center of the site is the Ozark Natural Science Center. This center was established in 1990 to provide environmental education opportunities for the people of the Ozark Mountains region. The natural area is bounded on the north and south by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s (AGFC) Madison County Wildlife Management Area.
TRAIL
Length - 7.5 miles of trail
Difficulty - Moderate; not ADA accessible
Download Trail Map
The 7.5 miles of trail in the Bear Hollow Natural Area are open to the public for hiking on weekends only. Hikers may park at the small parking area outside our gate and walk 3/4 mile to the Ozark Natural Science Center (ONSC) main parking area. The trailhead and a kiosk are located in the main ONSC parking lot. ONSC assumes no responsibility for hikers, their personal belongings or vehicles, or their safety while on trails. Please note that our gate will be locked at 5 p.m. on weekdays; you risk being locked in if you park inside our gate.
DIRECTIONS
From Huntsville, follow State Highway 23 north. Pass through Withrow Springs State Park and the town of Forum. Approximately 3 miles north of Forum turn right onto County Road 1235 (formerly County Road 30) at the large brown Madison County Wildlife Management Area sign. Continue past the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Headquarters trailer and turn right onto County Road 1250 at a green rectangular Ozark Natural Science Center (ONSC) sign. Turn left on County Road 1305 at the brown ONSC sign. Continue for two miles to the ONSC. The natural area is adjacent to ONSC property to the south and east.
HUNTING
Hunting is prohibited on this natural area.