Buffalo River Attraction Guide #1
Ponca Elk Education Center (in Ponca) DirectionsGPS: 36.02215, -93.36141 AGFC elk education center, nationally recognized facility. Open daily 10 - 4:30 PM, Closed Tuesday and Wednesday (870) 861-2432 |
Lost Valley Hiking Trail(2 miles south of Ponca) DirectionsGPS: 36.00787, -93.36625 (trail open, but barrier free trail closed) 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. |
Boxley Valley Elk Herd(Highway 43 & 21) Directions WebGPS: 35.97717, -93.40219 Home of Arkansas' famous elk herd, arguably the most viewable in the southern US. Mornings and evenings, fall rut exceptional and runs from mid-September to mid-November. |
Centerpoint TrailheadDirectionsGPS: 36.06368, -93.36017 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. |
Smith Creek PreserveDirections WebGPS: 35.93548, -93.38612 Nature Conservancy, 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. |
Hawksbill CragDirectionsGPS: 35.88816, -93.4698 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 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. |
Compton TrailheadDirectionsGPS: 36.0817, -93.30536 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. |
Schermerhorn TrailheadDirectionsGPS: 36.07326, -93.26404 This is a popular trail for hikers. The 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. |
Steel Creek CampgroundDirectionsGPS: 36.03032, -93.3418 Excellent campground, but also popular with sightseers and photographers. The centerpiece is Roark Bluff, that frames the Buffalo River and has given up countless memorable landscapes. Near famous Big Bluff, a nice hike on the Old River Trail, (ORT). BRT to Ponca hike is popular, fairly easy. |
Upper Buffalo River Area
Ponca & Boxley Area
Buffalo River Canopy Tour$89 Buffalo Outdoor Center DirectionsGPS: 36.02215, -93.36141 (GPS is to BOC, Canopy Tour Operator) The Buffalo River Canopy Tour introduces visitors to the canopy of an Ozark Mountain hardwood forest and its own bird, plant, and animal life. Harnessed participants glide or zip on cables through the treetops to large wooden landing bases along to tour. |