Must-see locations during visit to NW & SE Arkansas?
Discussion
3 replies
Posted by Autumn Hare on February 21, 2008 at 9:34 PM
Hi all,
I'm planning to be in Arkansas for the first week of March. I have to spend some time with the in-laws, but should be able to take a few days for photography.
Specifically, I will be spending a couple days in the SE (Crossett) then driving to the NW (Van Buren). I lived in AR briefly just after college, but wasn't a photographer at the time, so I don't know where the "good places" might be.
What are the must-see spots within an hour or so drive??
Oh and ... will I be too early for wildflowers and leaves on the trees?
Any advice appreciated!
Autumn
--Currently freezing in Ohio
http://autumnhare.lanras.com/
Posted by John Moore on February 21, 2008 at 11:46 PM
Hi Autumn
I live in Van Buren. First of all, yes you will probably be too early for wildflowers and and for sure too early for leaves on the trees. Devils Den State Park is less than an hour away. The Devils Den trail has got some neat stuff along it, but it is downright crowded on the weekends. White Rock Mountain is around an hour away. There are some amazing views along the loop trail that circles the top of the mountain, and it's a great spot for sunsets. Mount Magazine - the highest spot in the state - is about an hour and 20 minute drive. The views there from Cameron Bluff and the Petit Jean River Valley overlook are nice IF we have clear air (not so impressive when the air is hazy).
But for truly must-see spots, make the time to visit the area around the Buffalo National River near Ponca. You would want to drive through Boxley Valley, which is along Highways 21 and 43. A short detour takes you to Lost Valley recreation area. The hiking there trail has got some fantastic stuff along it... gorgeous Eden Falls, a huge bluff shelter, and some neat rock formations. There might be some early-spring wildflowers popping up too. If you do go to the Buffalo area, a drive to Steele Creek recreation is absolutely a must. The limestone bluffs along the river are awesome.
Good luck!
Posted by Randy Wilson on February 22, 2008 at 11:17 AM
I don't know much about southeast Arkansas and can't help you there, but I'll second John on the areas he mentioned, and second and third him on the Buffalo River. You really do want to make it there if you can. Other Buffalo River iconic locations close to the ones he mentioned include Hawksbill Crag and Indian Creek. And on your drive up to the Hawksbill trail you might as well stop for a few minutes at the overlook at Hedges Pour-off for fantastic views up and down the Buffalo River valley.
One other area that would certainly be worth your time is the Richland Creek Wilderness. A hike of any length along the creek is a scenic one, and if you've got the time and energy, you can go for the gold: Twin Falls and Richland Falls. Another nice thing about Richland Creek is that the best route into the area will take you right by Falling Water Falls.
If you have time before you come down, you might want to get a guide book or two from Tim Ernst's cloudland.net, or if you wait until you're here, you can find them in many area bookstores.
Posted by Don Kurz on February 22, 2008 at 5:02 PM
I would recommend your getting a copy of Tim Ernst's "Arkansas Nature Lover's Guidebook." You can read more about what the book offers and can order it from his website: www.cloudland.net
And yes, I get a hefty commission every time I mention one of his great books!
Discussion
3 repliesI'm planning to be in Arkansas for the first week of March. I have to spend some time with the in-laws, but should be able to take a few days for photography.
Specifically, I will be spending a couple days in the SE (Crossett) then driving to the NW (Van Buren). I lived in AR briefly just after college, but wasn't a photographer at the time, so I don't know where the "good places" might be.
What are the must-see spots within an hour or so drive??
Oh and ... will I be too early for wildflowers and leaves on the trees?
Any advice appreciated!
Autumn
--Currently freezing in Ohio
http://autumnhare.lanras.com/
I live in Van Buren. First of all, yes you will probably be too early for wildflowers and and for sure too early for leaves on the trees. Devils Den State Park is less than an hour away. The Devils Den trail has got some neat stuff along it, but it is downright crowded on the weekends. White Rock Mountain is around an hour away. There are some amazing views along the loop trail that circles the top of the mountain, and it's a great spot for sunsets. Mount Magazine - the highest spot in the state - is about an hour and 20 minute drive. The views there from Cameron Bluff and the Petit Jean River Valley overlook are nice IF we have clear air (not so impressive when the air is hazy).
But for truly must-see spots, make the time to visit the area around the Buffalo National River near Ponca. You would want to drive through Boxley Valley, which is along Highways 21 and 43. A short detour takes you to Lost Valley recreation area. The hiking there trail has got some fantastic stuff along it... gorgeous Eden Falls, a huge bluff shelter, and some neat rock formations. There might be some early-spring wildflowers popping up too. If you do go to the Buffalo area, a drive to Steele Creek recreation is absolutely a must. The limestone bluffs along the river are awesome.
Good luck!
One other area that would certainly be worth your time is the Richland Creek Wilderness. A hike of any length along the creek is a scenic one, and if you've got the time and energy, you can go for the gold: Twin Falls and Richland Falls. Another nice thing about Richland Creek is that the best route into the area will take you right by Falling Water Falls.
If you have time before you come down, you might want to get a guide book or two from Tim Ernst's cloudland.net, or if you wait until you're here, you can find them in many area bookstores.
And yes, I get a hefty commission every time I mention one of his great books!
Best,
Don