The Area

 

The Buffalo River and surrounding valley offers multitudes of activities for you and your family to enjoy.  The Buffalo River itself with its pristine, clear waters have canoeing or kayaking for all skill levels, as well as swimming holes and breath-taking vistas.  The surrounding valleys are rich with hiking trails, historical and cultural points, wildlife viewing and scenic drives.  Come visit enjoy the peace, the slower pace and the best scenery in the state!

 

Note:  We have used many links in the information below that will take you to other local sites that have great information on the Buffalo River area be sure to check them out!

The Buffalo River

With over an 135 miles of undammed free flowing water featuring rapids and quiet pools running through the Ozark Mountains the Buffalo offers canoeing, kayaking or rafting for all skill levels.  The river is dependent on rain water and the upper river usually offers the best water in early spring (March – June).  The best floating moves downriver as the season progresses.  You can rent canoes and kayaks from many local outfitters, such as Lost Valley Canoe, located within walking distance of Cedar Crest Lodge and Cabin.  Be sure to check current river conditions a few days before your trip.

 

Popular launch and take out points on the upper river are: Ponca low water bridge, Steel Creek, Kyles Landing and Pruitt.  Note that launch points along the middle section (Carver, Mt. Hershey, Woolum, Tyler’s Bend) of the river are over a hour drive away.

 

Hiking

There are numerous hiking trails in the area and within short driving distances.  The most popular trail is the Lost Valley Trail, which is friendly to all levels of hikers and has great photography opportunities.  We have hiking guide books located in both the cabin and lodge to assist you in locating hiking locations and what each trail has to offer.  Below are a few of the most popular trails;

 

  • Whitaker Point (Hawksbill Crag) - this is a family favorite!  A great spot for a picnic lunch and one of the most photographed spots in the state.
  • Ponca to Steel Creek – nice hike for all ages, offers views of the river from along the bluff line
  • Hemmed-in-Hollow – will take you to the tallest waterfall in Arkansas, this hike has several steep hills. It is recommended that you be in average physical shape.
  • Big Bluff / Goat Bluff trail – the bluff stands over 500 ft tall and is the Granddaddy of all bluffs along the river! 
  • Indian Creek – this is one of those get wet and dirty trails and is physically challenging.  The dirt will be worth it for the scenery that you will find!
  • Hideout Hollow – a short hike and nice for picnics with a bluff shelter and a waterfall.

 

If you need assistance with more information on any of the trails, please visit one of the local stores in Ponca and they will be glad to assist you!

 

Boxley Valley Visitor Guide Map- Download this to use as a handy map to explore the Valley during your stay.

 

Wildlife Viewing/Photography

The most popular wildlife viewing is the Elk herds that roam throughout Boxley Valley.   Elk were re-introduced to Arkansas back in the early 1980’s and the herd has grown to over 800 elk.  The best viewing occurs in the spring and fall, especially during the rutting season.  The best time to view the elk is just after sunrise or a few hours before sunset.  The herd moves around the valley anywhere from the Ponca low water bridge, along Hwy 43 towards Boxley and south along Hwy 21.  You may view only a few elk grazing in the fields or herds of 120+.


When viewing the elk or other wildlife please remember that the fields they graze on are mostly private property.  When viewing from the roadside be safe and pull your car as far off the road as possible and do not block driveways or field access. 


Besides the elk you may have the opportunity to view other wildlife such as; wild turkey, black bear, white-tailed deer, beaver, great-horned owls, ground hogs, as well as smaller species like squirrels, raccoons, and possums.  While hiking and canoeing you will encounter many species of fish and birds.  In the winter months you may even spot a bald eagle!  After nightfall you may notice bats feeding on insects (including mosquitoes!) in the fields and creeks.


The Elk Education Center or any of the local outfitters can assist you in places to view the wildlife during your stay.  We also keep guide books and identification books in both the lodge and cabin for use during your visit.

 

Smith Creek Preserve

Smith Creek Preserve has 1,226 acres and lies above Sherfield Cave, where the largest colony of Indiana Bats in Arkansas live each winter.  The Preserve is a photographers’ paradise with cascades and falls, beautiful spring wildflowers as well as beautiful natural landscapes.

 

Elk Watching:

Elk were successfully reintroduced to Newton County in the 1980’s and elk watching has become a favorite pastime of residents and visitors. While elk watching is best in the cooler seasons, it is possible to view them year round. In the warmer months, look for them either early in the morning or near sundown. Winter is ideal, as the animals may stay in the fields much of the day, grazing or sleeping in the sunshine. Fall is rut season and the bulls begin their bugling for mates in September. Their high-pitched calls ring from the bluffs above the river and are very exciting to hear. If you are patient, you may witness two bulls butting heads in a display of dominance. Elk calves arrive in spring.

 

Popular viewing areas begin at the junction of Highway 43 and 74 in the field by the Ponca low-water bridge and continue all along Highway 43 to Boxley Valley.

Ponca Elk Education Center

Ponca Elk Education Center offers interactive exhibits on Elk habitat, the re-introduction of the Elk herd to Arkansas, as well as other local wildlife.  They are very kid friendly and your children will LOVE visiting!  You will also be able to get up-to-date information about where the best viewing of the Elk currently is.  Please be carefully when driving through the valley as Elk and deer often crosses the road and traffic parks along the roadside.

 

Scenic Drives

The area surrounding Ponca and Boxley Valley offers some of the most majestic views and scenic drives in Arkansas.   Twists and curves through forests, scenic vistas overlooking the bluffs along the Buffalo River, small communities with unique shops and panoramic views atop the mountains await you in any direction!  Every time of year offers different views.  Springs brings the wildflowers and Dogwoods (April), summer offers the shade of the bluffs and forests, the spectacular fall colors offer a changing kaleidoscope each week and in winter the bare branches offer  more detail to the landscape and new views of the countryside.

 

Many of the drive directions at the link start out of Harrison, AR (a short 45 min away) and pass through Boxley Valley on the return trip, so just modify the directions slightly to start in Ponca/Boxley Valley.    Highway 7 from Harrison is the most scenic drive in Arkansas and is often list as one of the top 10 most scenic drives in America!

 

Motorcycle Rides

The mountains surrounding Boxley Valley and Ponca offers the best motorcycle riding routes in Arkansas!  No matter which road you take into or out of the area you will find a great ride waiting for you!  Riders from Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and from all over the US come to here to experience the Ozark Mountains.  Our Lodge and Cabin both have motorcycle friendly parking lots.  If you enjoy riding with a group or coming to the area for one of the many motorcycle rallies our lodge can sleep up to 22 of your friends and family! 

 

Be prepared for outdoor adventure so bring your binoculars, hiking shoes and cameras!!


Catering is available from businesses in Jasper and Harrison.