Ozark National Forest

Permit Information

Under the 2026 USFS EXPLORE Act rule: no permit needed for groups of 5 or fewer, free de minimis authorization for 6 to 8, Special Use Permit for 9+. Most elopements fall in the no permit tier.

Planning Your Day at Ozark National Forest

One-Spot Day

Ozark NF one spot days work well because most of the signature spots are short hikes. Hawksbill Crag is 3 miles roundtrip to a cantilevered stone tongue, Glory Hole Falls is 2 miles roundtrip to a grotto with water pouring through the ceiling, Pedestal Rocks is a 2.2 mile loop with multiple overlook ledges. Pick one based on the vibe, exposed bluff edge, sheltered grotto, or geologic hoodoo field.

Ceremony + Portraits Split

The three signature sites are spread across the forest, Hawksbill Crag near Ponca in the west, Pedestal Rocks near Pelsor in the east, about 40 minutes apart. Glory Hole Falls sits between them. A ceremony at one and portraits at another the same day is realistic if you plan for 1 to 2 hours of driving between sites. Most couples pick one and stay there.

A Note on Light

Hawksbill Crag is west facing, golden hour to sunset is the prime window. Glory Hole Falls works best midday because the opening in the bluff ceiling acts as a natural spotlight only when the sun is high, counterintuitive for a waterfall. Pedestal Rocks has both east facing and west facing overlooks, so sunrise or sunset both work depending on which ledge you pick. Spring wildflowers mid April through late May, fall color peaks mid October through early November.

Ceremony Spots at Ozark National Forest

• Hawksbill Crag (Whitaker Point) — Bold cliffside ceremonies with sweeping Ozark valley views
• Glory Hole Falls — Intimate misty grotto ceremonies with a one of a kind water feature
• Pedestal Rocks Scenic Area — Geologic drama ceremonies with sandstone pedestals and long valley views