Seven Hollows Trail
A long Petit Jean loop threads forested hollows, a natural bridge, rock shelters, and a rain-fed grotto beyond the park’s busiest viewpoints.
Artwork inspired by Adrian Brewer
Seven Hollows is a roughly four-and-a-half-mile loop through the dissected sandstone interior of Petit Jean Mountain. Natural Bridge is the most obvious landmark, but the trail’s value lies in changing enclosure—open oak forest tightens into cool drainages, rock walls, shelters, and the side trip to a grotto whose waterfall depends on recent rain.
Allow more time than the mileage suggests because roots, rock, creek beds, and repeated short grades interrupt pace. Carry the park map, take the signed grotto spur only if time and footing allow, and do not climb fragile formations. In summer the hollows trap humidity; after rain they gain water and color but also slick surfaces and mosquitoes.
- Distance
- About 4.5-mile loop
- Landmark
- Natural Bridge
- Grotto
- Waterfall is rain dependent
Quick guide
- Allow
- 3–4 unhurried hours
- Watch
- Blazes at drainages and spur junction
Make the visit count
- Follow the loop markers
- Drainages and social paths can blur direction; check blazes whenever the tread crosses rock or water.
- Take the grotto deliberately
- Compare the side trip adds time and slippery terrain, while its waterfall may be slight after dry weather.
- Notice each hollow
- Trace changes in moisture, plants, rock shelter, and light are the trail’s subject—not merely the named bridge.
- Leave formations untouched
- Do not climb, carve, stack stone, or enter sensitive shelters beyond established routes
Good to know
Seven Hollows is substantially longer and quieter than Petit Jean’s short overlook stops. Bring the trail map, water, and insect protection, and reserve enough daylight for the full loop; the grotto waterfall can be minimal in dry periods while its rocks remain uneven.
Notice these
- Natural Bridge
- Seasonal grotto waterfall
- Layered sandstone hollows