The story behind the photograph.
Nestled within the Ozarks, Hideout Hollow stands as a living testament to a bygone era, echoing with whispers of clandestine activities and tales of those seeking refuge from the tumultuous pages of history.
According to the National Park Service, this enigmatic shelter beneath the bluff earned its notoriety as the refuge of a group of nine World War I draft dodgers known as “The Slacker Gang.” In the shadows of the Hollow, they hid for months, braving the harsh elements. No doubt frostbite, hypothermia and the discomforts of the icy winter played a role in their decision to surrender in 1918. The Hideout Hollow trail established in 1972, pays homage to this historical act that unfolded within the rugged embrace of the Ozarks.
According to the National Park Service, this enigmatic shelter beneath the bluff earned its notoriety as the refuge of a group of nine World War I draft dodgers known as “The Slacker Gang.” In the shadows of the Hollow, they hid for months, braving the harsh elements. No doubt frostbite, hypothermia and the discomforts of the icy winter played a role in their decision to surrender in 1918. The Hideout Hollow trail established in 1972, pays homage to this historical act that unfolded within the rugged embrace of the Ozarks.
As I reflect on a chilly New Year’s Day in 2021, captured in the photographs, the ice-coated branches and limbs painted a picture of serene beauty. The frozen landscape made the descent to the waterfall base impractical, but the desire still lingers. I hope to return during the spring when the anemones, dogwood and azalea are in bloom.
Hideouts and Havens
The Slacker Gang wasn’t the only group to seek refuge in this secluded haven. Local lore weaves a tapestry of tales suggesting that decades earlier the infamous Jesse James gang sought sanctuary within these very hollows. If you look closely, you may see the remnants of metal, a silent witness to their presence long ago.
Growing up in Noel, Missouri– not far from Compton, Arkansas, my grandfather shared stories of the James gang’s visits to the area. My grandmother, with a glance steeped in secrecy, once pointed out a shack on their property where Jesse James allegedly hid. The building may be gone, but the legend lives on, a captivating thread in the rich fabric of the Ozark hills and hollers where secrets and stories that have endured generations are as captivating as the landscape itself.
If you go…
Best views: 1) Carefully stand on top of the 75 ft. tall cliffs to enjoy the panoramic view of Cedar Creek Valley in winter; 2) The Cedar Cove box canyon with a view of the 50 ft waterfall; 3) The numerous mini falls cascading over the creek rocks during the rainy season in spring.
Best time of year to hike this trail: Spring when the dogwood and azalea are in bloom. Autumn as the leaves change color. Elevation: 400 feet maximum.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: Two or more miles. Out and back hike.
Dress appropriately. Take/wear water shoes during rainy season.
Be kind. Grab a bag and pick up any litter you see. Please do not trespass (this trail borders private property on both sides).
About the author: LaDonna Greiner is an avid adventurer with a passion for hiking, kayaking, exploring the backroads, and caring for the earth all while capturing the beauty of nature through the lens of her Nikon camera. In 2017, she began a creative journey, starting with a line of notecards featuring stunning photos of the Ozarks and beyond. Over time, LaDonna expanded her artistic endeavors to include photographs on metal, creating vibrant and lifelike photos of her explorations.
You can discover LaDonna’s work online at 21 Reasons to Say Thank You and Barns, Backroads & Byways, in various galleries, and at art shows throughout the year. Beyond her visual artistry, LaDonna is a featured guest in print and on podcasts, where she shares insights as a photographer, author, and Advocate of Gratitude speaker. Stay connected with LaDonna and find out where her next adventure will take her by reaching out through her website or social media channels.
Explore the world through LaDonna’s lens and join her on a journey of gratitude, creativity, and discover the unlimited beauty of this bodacious world we call home.
