Hogscald Hollow is a beautiful, somewhat secluded cove on the eastern shore of Beaver Lake, about ten miles from the artsy mountain town of Eureka Springs, Arkansas. With clear water, gorgeous Ozark bluffs, small cliffs for jumping, and a water-dependent waterfall known as Lover's Leap, it's one of the most beloved swimming holes in the region — a genuine hidden gem for anyone itching for adventure the moment the weather warms up.

The hollow has a colorful past. Before Beaver Dam was completed in 1966, this was a deep, spring-fed canyon; the rising lake flooded the lower canyons and forever changed the landscape, leaving the scenic cove you see today. In the 1970s it became a favorite gathering place for hippies, artists, and tourists (clothing was often optional), and in 1987 a 10-acre portion was registered as a conservation preserve held by the Ozark Regional Land Trust, protecting this mystical spot from development in perpetuity.

There's plenty of water to enjoy. You can swim almost anywhere along the shoreline trails, but the best spot is about a quarter-mile hike from where you park, where small bluffs around 10 feet tall make for fun, approachable jumps into the cool water. Paddlers love it too — kayaks and canoes are ideal here, since there's no boat launch and you'll carry your boat to the water. Because motorboats also use this part of the lake, spring and early fall are the best times for swimming, while midsummer tends to be busier with boat traffic.

Getting there is part of the adventure. Hogscald is a primitive access — no restrooms, no running water, no formal parking — reached by several miles of Arkansas gravel road (you'll likely lose cell service along the way). From Eureka Springs, head south on Highway 23 about seven miles, turn right onto Buck Mountain Road (County Road 108) for roughly 1.5 miles, then bear left at the fork onto Hogscald Road and follow the dirt road to where it dead-ends near the lake; park there and take the walking trails off to the left. A vehicle that's comfortable on rough gravel is a must.

Come fully self-sufficient: bring plenty of water, snacks, sun protection, and water shoes, keep a close eye on kids around the bluffs and open lake, and check the depth before any jump, since lake levels change through the season. Above all, pack out every bit of trash — this is a protected, primitive place with no services, and its beauty depends on visitors treating it with care. Catch it in spring, when the waterfall runs and the hollow is at its most stunning, and you'll understand why locals have treasured Hogscald for generations.