Dell Rim Trail

Dell Rim trail is a boardwalk leading to the water tower and valley overlook. It is wheel chair accessible to the overlook. Initially Dell Rim Trail goes through a rocky south-facing glade area with an abundance of wildflowers. The first highlight along the trail is a one-way series of steps that lead to the water tower. The tower was constructed in 1905 to supply water to the castle. An interpretive panel gives information about the water tower, including a description of how the water was pumped from the spring below. There is also a picture of the style pump used in those days. A wooden boardwalk then leads visitors to an overlook above the 150 foot deep Whispering Dell Sinkhole. Another interpretive panel at this overlook provides information on karst topography and sinkholes. This initial section of trail is wheelchair accessible. The trail continues from the Whispering Dell overlook with a series of steps that connect the trail to Colosseum, Spring and Devils Kitchen trails. As hikers circle the Whispering Dell Sinkhole, they can look back across to see the overlook and water tower across the void. The trail takes hikers part way down the 316 wooden steps to Ha Ha Tonka Spring, ending at a second overlook into Whispering Dell Sinkhole. The boardwalk to the first Whispering Dell Overlook, .07 mile, is stroller and wheelchair accessible, but the step portions to the second overlook are steep and can be difficult for some hikers.