Boxley Valley to see the Elk: Take Hwy 74 west (right) to Ponca (about 12 miles from the cabin, but takes about 25 minutes—nice views but winding). Turn left on Hwy 43 (just after you cross the Buffalo River). As you drive down the valley, look for elk in the fields on the left. Best viewing times are early morning and around dusk. We regularly see elk and deer in this area. We often see herds of 40 to 50 elk and we even saw a flock of 30 turkeys one day
Steel Creek: Beautiful Roark Bluff and access to the Buffalo River. Take Hwy 74 west toward Ponca. Turn right at the entrance to Steel Creek (horse camp and camp ground area). It’s almost to Ponca, and once you turn on the gravel road, it’s a bit steep and winding down to the river, but worth it.
Twin Falls: Three water falls side by side (picture of these are on wall in loft bedroom). Take Hwy 74 west toward Ponca—go about 2.3 miles and turn right at sign for Kyle’s Landing/Camp Orr. Follow dirt road until in divides—go right toward Camp Orr. Park in a field to right just after low water crossing. There is a house (camp official) on up the road on the left. You will see a small sign hanging on a wire to the left and a rope fence (follow to path to falls)—only about a third mile or less hike.
Lost Valley: Easy hike with lots of wildflowers that ends in a small waterfall and cave. You can also hike past the 1st small waterfall and pool to Lower and Upper Eden Falls. Take Hwy 74 west toward Ponca. Turn left on Hwy 43 toward the Boxley Valley. Go about a mile and turn right on Lost Valley road—there is also a sign. The road takes you right to the trail head.
Observation Tower: A few miles south on Hwy 7 from Jasper, there is a small souvenir store and the observation deck is free with views of the Arkansas Grand Canyon. The Cliff House restaurant is just a few bends of the road on south.
Day Trips
Banson, MO (53 miles north of Jasper, 70 mins)
Known as the "Live Music Show Capital of the World," Branson, MO, more than 50 live performance theaters, three pristine lakes, 12 championship golf courses, an international award-winning theme park, dozens of attractions and museums and a Historic Downtown district.
Eureka Springs, AR (61 miles from Jasper, 1 hour and 30 minutes)
This quaint little town features great places to eat and shopping up and down Main and Spring Streets. Known originally for theraputic springs it is now destination wedding and Volkswagon Beetle place. Really? Yep, take the shuttle, those bugs can be vicious!
Places to eat:
The Ozark Cafe in Jasper-down home cooking with blue grass music on Saturday nights during the summer.
The Cliff House-Take Highway 7 for 6 miles south out of Jasper, Arkansas. The Cliff House will be on the east side of Highway 7. The Cliff House is located on the cliffs of the beautiful Arkansas Grand Canyon.
Subway in Jasper, Arkansas.
Sharon K's-205 Arkansas 7, Jasper, Arkansas (870) 446-2789
Boardwalk Cafe-215 E Ct St, Jasper, Arkansas
Low Gap Cafe- 10.2 miles west of Jasper on Hwy 74. When you have to stay on your brakes for about 500 yards you'll know you're getting close. Call before you go. (870) 861-5848 hours change.
Steel Creek: Beautiful Roark Bluff and access to the Buffalo River. Take Hwy 74 west toward Ponca. Turn right at the entrance to Steel Creek (horse camp and camp ground area). It’s almost to Ponca, and once you turn on the gravel road, it’s a bit steep and winding down to the river, but worth it.
Twin Falls: Three water falls side by side (picture of these are on wall in loft bedroom). Take Hwy 74 west toward Ponca—go about 2.3 miles and turn right at sign for Kyle’s Landing/Camp Orr. Follow dirt road until in divides—go right toward Camp Orr. Park in a field to right just after low water crossing. There is a house (camp official) on up the road on the left. You will see a small sign hanging on a wire to the left and a rope fence (follow to path to falls)—only about a third mile or less hike.
Lost Valley: Easy hike with lots of wildflowers that ends in a small waterfall and cave. You can also hike past the 1st small waterfall and pool to Lower and Upper Eden Falls. Take Hwy 74 west toward Ponca. Turn left on Hwy 43 toward the Boxley Valley. Go about a mile and turn right on Lost Valley road—there is also a sign. The road takes you right to the trail head.
Observation Tower: A few miles south on Hwy 7 from Jasper, there is a small souvenir store and the observation deck is free with views of the Arkansas Grand Canyon. The Cliff House restaurant is just a few bends of the road on south.
Day Trips
Banson, MO (53 miles north of Jasper, 70 mins)
Known as the "Live Music Show Capital of the World," Branson, MO, more than 50 live performance theaters, three pristine lakes, 12 championship golf courses, an international award-winning theme park, dozens of attractions and museums and a Historic Downtown district.
Eureka Springs, AR (61 miles from Jasper, 1 hour and 30 minutes)
This quaint little town features great places to eat and shopping up and down Main and Spring Streets. Known originally for theraputic springs it is now destination wedding and Volkswagon Beetle place. Really? Yep, take the shuttle, those bugs can be vicious!
Places to eat:
The Ozark Cafe in Jasper-down home cooking with blue grass music on Saturday nights during the summer.
The Cliff House-Take Highway 7 for 6 miles south out of Jasper, Arkansas. The Cliff House will be on the east side of Highway 7. The Cliff House is located on the cliffs of the beautiful Arkansas Grand Canyon.
Subway in Jasper, Arkansas.
Sharon K's-205 Arkansas 7, Jasper, Arkansas (870) 446-2789
Boardwalk Cafe-215 E Ct St, Jasper, Arkansas
Low Gap Cafe- 10.2 miles west of Jasper on Hwy 74. When you have to stay on your brakes for about 500 yards you'll know you're getting close. Call before you go. (870) 861-5848 hours change.
Canoe Rentals-this information changes so call before you go.
Upper Buffalo River-Boxley to Carver
Buffalo Outdoor Center 1-800-221-5514 P.O. Box 1 Ponca, AR 72670 Gordon Motel 1-800-477-8509 or (870) 446-5252 P.O. Box 60 Jasper, AR 72641 Riverview Motel (870) 446-2616 P.O. Box 352 Jasper, AR 72641 Lost Valley Canoe (870) 861-5522 P.O. Box 10 Ponca, AR 72670 Buffalo River Canoes (870) 446-2644 HC 73 Box 39 Marble Falls, AR 72648 |
Middle River (Carver to S. Maumee)
Buffalo Camping & Canoeing (870) 439-2888 #1 Frost Street Gilbert, AR 72636 Buffalo River Outfitters, Inc. 1-800-582-2244 9664 N. Hwy 65 St. Joe, AR 72675 Crockett's Canoe Rental 1-800-355-6111 or (870) 448-3892 P.O. Box 26 Harriet, AR 72639 Silver Hill Canoe, Inc (870) 439-2372 9826 Highway 65 South St. Joe, AR 72675 Lower River ( N. Maumee to Buffalo City) Buffalo River Float Service 1-877-350-6592 or (870) 449-2042 11637 Suite1, Highway 14 South Yellville, AR 72687 Dirst Canoe Rental 1-800-537-2850 or (870) 449-6636 538 Highway 268 E. Yellville, AR 72687 Wild Bill's Outfitter 1-800-554-8657 or (870) 449-6235 23 Highway 268 E. Yellville, AR 72687 |