| Directions: The center is located in Ponca roughly opposite the Ponca Post Office. Very easy to find. Parking south side of facility. |
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| GPS: 36.02215, -93.36141 Printable Map |
Fees: None |
| Facilities: Toilets, water. Pavilion with picnic tables. |
Nearest Gasoline: Ponca at Lost Valley Canoe |
| Phone: 870-861-2432 |
Activities: Education exhibits inside and out. Annual Color Fest. |
| Special Issues: The Center is barrier free with handicap parking in front. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Hours 10AM to 4:30 PM. Open year round. |
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| Seasonal Opportunities: The last weekend of October the Ponca Elk Education Center holds an annual Color Fest to coincide with peak fall color. The event is held the fourth weekend on Friday and Saturday. Includes artists, demonstrations and elk photography workshops. This year it is October 14 & 15, 2013 10AM to 4:30PM Color Fest Flyer |
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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://www.poncaeec.com Official website for the Ponca Elk Education Center. http://arkansaswildlifephotography.com In-depth information on elk watching in Boxley Valley and the upper river area. Visitor guides, frequent updates, information. Many elk photo galleries and tutorials by pro nature photographer Michael Dougherty. |
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Buffalo National River
Upper River Area
Upper River Area
Ponca Elk Education Center
Ponca Elk Education Center
The award winning Ponca Elk Education Center is the highest attended AGFC education center in Arkansas. It recently received national recognition from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation as one of the 25 top conservacation spots.
The Center is free of charge. It features nature exhibits, a small gift shop, and a knowledgeable staff that provide useful information about Ponca area attractions, especially the Arkansas elk herd. Fishing and hunting licenses can be purchased at the Center.
The Center is a popular destination with adults and children alike. No visit to the see the elk is complete without visiting the center to learn more about the elk herd and its habitat.
The fourth Friday and Saturday of each October the Elk Education Center puts on an art show called Color Fest. It is timed to coincide with the peak fall color and the annual elk rut. The event features area artists, art demonstrations, and photography workshops.
AGFC's Ponca Elk Education Center
Schermerhorn TrailheadDirectionsGPS: 36.07326, -93.26404 (11.7 miles, 25 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. |
Compton TrailheadDirectionsGPS: 36.0817, -93.30536 (9.3 miles, 16 mins) Another trailhead down to Hemmed In Hollow, Granny Hendersons, and Sneeds Creek. Very tough hike, over 1,000 ft. descent on switchback trails. Plan to take all day for this one. Don't go alone, and don't go if you are not reasonably fit. Popular with hikers and horsemen. HIH easier hike from parked canoe. |
Centerpoint TrailheadDirectionsGPS: 36.06368, -93.36017 (3.6 miles, 5 mins) This trailhead is popular with hikers and horsemen. It is one of two ways to famous Hemmed In Hollow, the dangerous Goat Trail, Sneeds Creek Trail, and Granny Henderson's cabin. Big elevation changes, not for out of shape hikers. 1,000 ft descent. For most, this is an all day hike requiring frequent rest stops. |
Hawksbill CragDirectionsGPS: 35.88816, -93.4698 ( 13.1 miles, 37 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 (18.5 miles, 23 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 |
Smith Creek PreserveDirections WebGPS: 35.93548, -93.38612 ( 8.2 miles, 10 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 ( 4.7 miles, 6 mins) Home of Arkansas' famous elk herd, arguably the most viewable in the southern US. Mornings and evenings, fall rut exceptional. |
Boxley Valley Mill PondDirectionsGPS: 35.98829, -93.40081 ( 3.9 miles, 4 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. |
Itinerary Builder -- Attractions Close to Ponca Elk Education Center
Lost Valley Hiking Trail(2 miles south of Ponca) DirectionsGPS: 36.00787, -93.36625 (1.3 miles, 2 mins) NPS The most popular hiking trail in the upper Buffalo River area. Barrier free stretch, suitable for families. Eden Falls, native american shelter, waterfall in cave, outstanding spring wildflowers. |
