Last updated: April 12, 2025
Thing to Do
Williams Hollow Loop Hike
The Williams Hollow Trail loop is one of Pea Ridge National Military Park's most popular hiking trails on the park grounds. This trail loop starts near the Elkhorn Tavern and circles around back to the Tavern. This woodland path runs through both highlands and lowlands, a little over two miles with some large elevation changes. This trail is moderate to strenuous.
Details
Duration
45-90 Minutes
Depending upon how fast you are moving will determine the length of time it takes you to do the hike.
Activity
Hiking
A little over two miles with large elevation changes. For some poeple this will be a strenuous hike and or other it will me moderate. If the hike level depends on the preson on how good shape you are in. If you do a lot of walking or hiking it will be a nice hike for one to take.
Age(s)
7-70
Childen of 7 year of age or up should be able to take this hike. Parents may want to consider having a harness to carry children on their back. Takeing strollers on this hike is not recommended. Older persons should consider the terrain as a possible obstacle. One should know thier own limitations.
Pets Allowed
Yes
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Williams Hollow Loop
This hiking trail takes you along Broad Ridge and some of the steepest elevations changes in the park. The degree of the trail depends upon which direction you travel the loop. Hiking north from the Tavern on Telegraph Road will provide you with a steep decline along Narrow Ridge. Conversely, taking the trail southeast down Huntsville Road, past the Clemens House site and then turning to the left headed down the hiking trail, will offer a steep descent. Along this hiking trail is where the Confederates deployed on the first day of the battle, surprising the Union army along Huntsville Road- leading to the battle in Clemens Field that afternoon. There was a field hospital along Tanyard Creek, located at the far north tip of the trail. Nearby, the site of the Cross Hollows Tanyard, for which the creek was named, is also marked.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Persons taking this hike should consider the day's weather forecast before heading out on this hike. Hiking in the Fall and Winter would be the most preferable time of year to hike for the mild temperatures. Hiking this trail in the Spring and Summer temperatures can become very hot. Also, during the Spring and Summer, hikers will need to take precautionary measures for ticks and chiggers.
Time of Day
Day, Dawn
The park grounds are open from 6 am until sunset.
Accessibility Information
This trail is not recommended for wheelchairs. The soft ground could make it easy to get a wheelchair stuck. The trail is not paved and can be rocky in places.
NPS Photo.
Williams Hollow Hiking Loop
This is a woodland path through both highlands and lowlands, a little over two miles with some large elevation change. Moderate to strenuous.The trail starts at the Elkhorn Tavern. Hiking north from the tavern on Telegraph Road will provide you with a steep descent. The trail opens up at the Tanyard site and then continues down to the Williams Hollow Field Hospital site. The trail then heads south, uphill along Broad Ridge and towards Clemens Field and on to Huntsville Road. As you hike southwest on the old Huntsville road you will be brought back to the Elkhorn Tavern.