Need easy Buffalo River shooting locations

I'm taking a small group of photographers to the Jasper area this weekend. Most of them have never been "in the wild" in many years. Several are concerned about hiking. The main place we will go is Lost Valley. I think they can move slowly enough that they won't get too tired. I've told them that they don't have to go all the way to the falls, that there are plenty of things to shoot by just going halfway. My plan is to wear them out at Lost Valley and maybe one other place, then rest awhile by cruising Boxley Valley and going to Jasper to check in. I have planned dinner at the Cliff House, then an after dinner drive down 7 to 123 (my favorite highway ever), up to 43, and back to Jasper.

The other locations I've picked out are Roark Bluff, Triple Falls at Camp Orr, and Broadwater Hollow. I'm a little nervous about the road down to Broadwater Hollow. I scraped bottom a few times but it didn't bother me. I'm not sure how the others will react.

I would love to take them to the Crag but I'm afraid it would be too far.

Any other ideas for locations in the area that don't involve too much walking? I went by the Baker Prairie Natural Area a couple of weeks ago (listed in the Arkansas Nature Lover's Guide) but I didn't see any flowers. We are coming from Tulsa, so I don't want to go much farther east than Jasper. Thanks.

If you're not concerned that you'll get sued by survivors if someone falls off the bluff, there is the fabulous Ernst overlook at Hedges Pour-off. Very little walking is required for that, but the best time of day to be there is during the hour split by sunrise.

My recollection is that it's not a long hike to get to Hammerschmidt Falls, but it's been many years since I've been there; so my memory may be faulty. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong. I think Lyle Falls is not far off the road. A little farther afield would be the natural bridge down near Deer.

If we get a lot of rain in the next day or two you won't have any problems finding good spots - triple falls would be perfect for them. Hammerschmidt Falls and Lyle Falls require a LOT of water to get them looking good though. Alum Cove is the natural bridge that Randy noted - that is a really short hike to a spectacular spot - should be high on your list. You won't find much at Lost Valley until you reach the natural bridge there, but you could easily fill up an hour or two along the road through Boxley Valley - but you need to be there at daylight and right after or very late in the afternoon for the best light - nature photos don't do too well in the middle of the day, which is when most folks want to take pictures. Lots of old barns all through the area. You could also visit Ricketts Mountain for some interesting rock formations - you can drive right to the base of them and while there is neat stuff up on top you won't need to go up there as you'll find interesting rock formations all along the base - perfect for old farts who don't want to hike far. Roark Bluff is great since you can see it from the car, however you probably won't want to go to Broadwater Hollow - sounds like it would be too tough for your guys. Sounds like the view from Hedges Pouroff might be too dangerous for these guys too. Not sure what is blooming at Baker Prairie but it changes daily so would be much different from your last visit - might call the Harrison Chamber of Commerce and see if anyone there knows if the big blooms have started yet. Prairies are great for summer blooms. I suspect you will find plenty to photograph with just a couple of short hikes and then the rest of the time driving around...

Thanks for the fast responses. I'll start pouring over my two "bibles" (Nature Lover's and Waterfalls) when I get home. Tim, I can see the problems you face when you write your books - you want to get people into the wildest, most beautiful areas, but not get them in trouble to where they don't have fun. Kind of a fine line.