Directions: Take Highway 21 south out of Boxley Valley, look for an entrance road and red gate on the Left.
GPS: 35.93548, -93.38612 Printable Map: From Smith Creek Website.	Fees: None, but special events, donations accepted.
Facilities: Parking at HWY 21, at creek level for events. No toilets.	Nearest Gasoline: Ponca, Lost Valley Store
Photo Gallery: See Friends of Smith Creek Preserve website.	Activities: Hiking, wildlife watching and photography.
Special Issues: Smith Creek is remote and there are few visitors. Don't hike alone. Hikers will need to climb out 500 ft. in a mile, so average fitness is required.
Seasonal Opportunities: Spring wildflower bloom. Wet weather cascades and waterfalls.
Emergency Numbers: Newton County Sheriff (870) 446-5124
Relevant Offsite Links: http://smithcreekpreserve.com This is the official website of the Friends of Smith Creek Preserve. It provides in-depth information as well as a large gallery of photos of the preserve.

Buffalo National River
Upper River Area

Smith Creek Preserve

The 1,200 Preserve is a project of the Nature Conservancy. Smith Creek is considered by many to be a premier scenic destination for nature lovers. It is very popular with photographers.

The Preserve host a few events a year to introduce visitors to the Preserve. In 2010, it hosted a Photo Field Day, an annual event focused on photorgraphy.

The trail down to Smith Creek entails about a 500 foot descent in the one mile journey from the parking area by Hwy 21. Trails along the creek are generally level. Smith Creek has many large boulders, cascades, and reflecting pools. It is also noted for its outstanding spring wild flower bloom that is on par with the famous bloom at Lost Valley. Wildflower fans will want to visit both destinations.

Waterfall at Smith Creek Preserve

Itinerary Builder -- Attractions Close to the Smith Creek Preserve

Ponca Elk Education Center

(in Ponca) Directions
GPS: 36.02215, -93.36141 (8.2 miles, 10 minutes)
AGFC elk education center, nationally recognized facility.
Open daily 10 - 4:30 PM, Closed Tuesday and Wednesday
(870) 861-2432

Boxley Valley Mill Pond

Directions
GPS: 35.98829, -93.40081 (4.4 miles, 6 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.

Lost Valley Hiking Trail

(2 miles south of Ponca) Directions
GPS: 36.00787, -93.36625 (6.9 miles, 9 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.

Hawksbill Crag

Directions
GPS: 35.88816, -93.4698 (9.7 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.

Upper Buffalo Wilderness Trailhead

Directions
GPS: 35.94606, -93.3994 (1.2 miles, 2 mins)
The Upper Buffalo Wilderness trail travels south past the Whitely Cemetary up to an old roadbed then proceeds south into an area divided between the NPS and NFS. The uppermost Buffalo National River is called the "Hailstone". Rugged and remote, popular with hosemen. Don't hike alone.

Glory Hole

Directions
GPS: 35.82595, -93.39737 (10.3 miles, 12 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

Boxley Valley Elk Herd

(Highway 43 & 21) Directions Web
GPS: 35.97717, -93.40219 (3.5 miles, 4 mins)
Home of Arkansas' famous elk herd, arguably the most viewable in the southern US. Mornings and evenings, fall rut exceptional.

Smith Creek Preserve