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Directions: Located on HWY 74 in the heart of Mount Sherman between Ponca and Jasper. Shares entrance with Boy Scout Camp Orr. |
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GPS: 36.03092, -93.25263 Printable Map |
Fees: Camping fees. See camping section. |
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Facilities: Primitive camping, canoe launch, and toilets. |
Nearest Gasoline: Jasper on HWY 7 south just past the Little Buffalo. |
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Photo Gallery: See photo gallery at Arkansas Wildlife Photography.com |
Activities: Camping, hiking, wildlife watching, photography. |
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Special Issues: The road to Kyles Landing is very rugged in wet weather. 4WD is recommended, but in good conditions high ground clearance vehicles work. |
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Seasonal Opportunities: This is an exceptional location, arguably the hub of the 3,300 acre Ponca Wilderness. It is nearest Hemmed in Hollow at river level, Indian Creek Canyon, and the Old River Trail and Buffalo River Trail. Very scenic, often rugged. Final leg on the most popular float, Ponca to Kyles. |
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Emergency Numbers: National Park Service (870) 365-2700 Newton County Sheriff (870) 446-5124 |
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Relevant Offsite Links: http://arkansaswildlifephotography.com In-depth information on elk watching in Boxley Valley and the upper river area. Visitor guides, frequent updates, information. It has a special entry on Kyles Landing. |
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Buffalo National River
Upper River Area
Upper River Area
Kyles Landing
Kyles Landing
This primitive campground is the sweet spot of the Ponca Wilderness. Tent campers and hikers love the location since it offers many different choices of trails to outstanding destinations.
Photographers will love the many choices. The Buffalo River itself is relatively easy to hike here. The blufflines are varied and offer many different points of view.
Indian Creek Canyon is famous for its waterfalls and trecherous hiking trails. The canyon is just upstream from Kyles. This isolated trail is for expert hikers, and never single hikers. People have been seriously injured or died in Indian Creek Canyon from falls.
Buffalo River at Kyles Landing
Itinerary Builder -- Attractions Close to Kyles Landing Campground
Boxley Valley Mill PondDirectionsGPS: 35.98829, -93.40081 ( 12.8 miles, 17 mins) The historic spring fed Boxley Valley Mill Pond is home to a population of trumpeter swans, many different waterbirds, bald eagles in season, as well as beaver, mink, otters and the occaional raccoon. Popular with photographers and wildlife watchers. Very near the best elk viewing areas. |
Smith Creek PreserveDirections WebPay By CC: Visa & MC GPS: 35.93548, -93.38612 ( 17.2 miles, 23 minutes) Nature Conservency, hiking trail 500 ft. descent in 1 mile. Two track road, hiking trail, very scenic spring fed creek with outstanding spring wildflower show. Popular with photographers. Remote, don't hike alone. |
Boxley Valley Elk Herd(Highway 43 & 21) Directions WebGPS: 35.97717, -93.40219 ( 13.6 miles, 18 mins) Home of Arkansas' famous elk herd, arguably the most viewable in the southern US. Mornings and evenings, fall rut exceptional. |
Hawksbill CragDirectionsGPS: 35.88816, -93.4698 ( 22.0 miles, 49 mins) Popular 3 mile round trip with 200 ft elevation change. Most photographed Arkansas Landmark. Trail can be rough, a few seasonal creeks. Hazardous around bluff edges, children need to be watched closely. Bear sightings now and then. |
Glory HoleDirectionsGPS: 35.82595, -93.39737 (27.5 miles, 36 mins) This is a popular short hike of moderate difficulty. The Glory Hole is a waterfall through the top of a cave. It is a popular destination with hikers and most serious outdoor photographers. Fairly remote, probably best not hiked alone. NFS |
Schermerhorn TrailheadDirectionsGPS: 36.07326, -93.26404 (21.3 miles, 38 mins) This is a popular trail round trip is around 2 miles. The trail leads to a falls and old bluff shelter. The bluffline is quite scenic with large boulders and pines. Many side trails to explore as well. Watch out for slippery rocks. The road to the trailhead can be hazardous in wet weather. The road past the trailhead into the park is 4WD only, and not maintained. |
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The Old River Trail to Hemmed In Hollow is the closest hike to access Hemmed In Hollow wiithout making the 1,000 foot climb up and down from either Center Point Trailhead or the Compton Trailhead. There are river crossings, but the ORT is interesting along the way and a pleasant hike. With a little planning, hikers can also visit Granny Henderson's and the hazardous Goat Trail atop Big Bluff, the tallest bluff on the Buffalo River. Ponca Wilderness Topo Map with Hiking Trails PDF |
Hillary Jones Wildlife MuseumDirections WebGPS: 36.014267, -93.177883 (5.2 miles, 7 mins) Free wildlife museum with numerous exhibits, touchable displays, wildlife information and gift shop with maps, shirts, fishing and hunting licenses, etc. Open 7 days a week from 9 AM to 5 PM. 870-446-6180 |