I'm a long-time NPN member who usually hangs out in the Rocky Mountain regional forum (though I haven't had much time lately). I'm planning to be in north-central Arkansas in early/mid Oct this year and since I've never been there I would like to get some input from those of you "in the know".
From looking at the beautiful photography in this forum I have picked out several places I would like to see during my ~5 day visit. At the top of my list is Twin Falls/Richland Creek but from what I gather, the campground is closed. Is there still access to the falls? Is there any place nearby to camp? I'll be in a FJ Cruiser towing a 15' pop-up trailer with very high ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and shocks--designed for Forest Service type gravel/dirt roads.
I would also like to see Long Pool Falls and Magnolia Falls. Are they accessible from the Long Pool campground north of Dover? I was also thinking of spending a little time up by Boxley/Ponca and checking out Bower's Hollow Falls and Smith Creek Preserve. What is available in terms of camping in this area? I plan to round out my 5 days with a stay at Petit Jean before heading east to the Smokies.
This may be my only trip to this area for the foreseeable future so what would you recommend a landscape photographer not to miss? Any suggestions for sunrise/sunset? Sweeping vistas? Waterfalls? Unusual geology? Just plain gorgeous scenery? Will the leaves be turning color around the 2nd week of Oct?
Out here in the west it is usually possible to find free camping sites along Forest Service roads (no facilities of course). Just pull off the road and set up camp. Is this the case in Arkansas? Or do you have to stay in developed campgrounds?
You can pretty much stay wherever you want in the National Forest. Unless we have another monsoon type fall like last year, most of the waterfalls won't be flowing all that well. Sticking to some of the larger creeks may be a better idea. Richland Creek is always pretty even with low water. The campground is still closed but you can drive around the long way and there are a few flat spots to camp. There should be enough room for a camper. Turning it around should be possible but tight. Typically the second week of October the Northern part of the state is in the early fall color stage. October 10th last year the Dogwoods at Richland looked gorgeous while lots of other stuff was still a little green. The Buffalo River area is one that you probably shouldn't miss since you won't be back. Tim Ernst has some wonderful guidebooks that most Arkansas photographers use to get to some of the best places. http://www.timernst.com/guidebooks.html The Nature Lovers and Waterfalls guidebooks are my two favorites.
Phillip,
I travel to Colorado/Utah and to northwest Arkansas yearly during fall color. Peaks dovetail nicely. I also hang out on the RNNP and the Central. My first piece of advice is to go to Tim Ernst website and purchase the guidebooks for the area you need. Arkansas has good gravel roads but sometimes poorly marked and many of the great places (especially waterfalls) are difficlut to locate without his guidebooks.
I have made three trips to the area and my books look like I've had them ten years.
Dont miss the Boxley/Ponca area, Triple Falls, (easy access) and Falling Water, Sixfinger Falls area. Petite Jean is also fantastic. Most of the guys and gals on this forum will help you anyway they can....a great group.
Arkansas is a magical place in the fall.....last year was one of the best...come down once, and I'll bet you keep coming back.
Have a safe trip,
Joe Rogers
Ditto the part about the Ernst guides, although as others have said, most years fall is a dry season here and the waterfalls aren't likely to be of much interest. And most years the second week of October still has that drab, late summer look. Late October, early November are much more likely to be colorful.
One iconic location that you don't want to miss combines a sweeping vista and unusual geology both: Hawksbill Crag. I'm not sure whether at that time of year it's also a sunrise location as well, but sunrise is when you'll probably want to visit it anyway. Hedges Pour-off is a great sunrise location. It's listed in the waterfall guide, but I love it because it's on a bluff overlooking most of the Upper Buffalo Wilderness.
Another nice sunrise location that not many seem to be aware of is McFerrin Point, which will probably be listed in the Buffalo River trail guide. Not far from there are a couple of spectacular locations, if you're up for some pretty strenuous hikes: Hemmed-in Hollow and Big Bluff. Nearby are several campgrounds in the Buffalo National River that you might be able to find a camping spot in, although that might be a pretty busy time of year.
Oh yeah, Stout's Point (otherwise known as Petit Jean's burial site) is a great sunrise location down in Petit Jean. Sam's Throne isn't much good for sunrise, but most places are usually more interesting at sunrise anyway. It's probably listed in the Arkansas Nature Lover's guide.
Posted by Phillip Noll on July 8, 2010 at 10:59 PM
Thanks for the advice! I'll definitely check out Tim's books. Hoping for a wet fall!
Discussion
5 repliesI'm a long-time NPN member who usually hangs out in the Rocky Mountain regional forum (though I haven't had much time lately). I'm planning to be in north-central Arkansas in early/mid Oct this year and since I've never been there I would like to get some input from those of you "in the know".
From looking at the beautiful photography in this forum I have picked out several places I would like to see during my ~5 day visit. At the top of my list is Twin Falls/Richland Creek but from what I gather, the campground is closed. Is there still access to the falls? Is there any place nearby to camp? I'll be in a FJ Cruiser towing a 15' pop-up trailer with very high ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and shocks--designed for Forest Service type gravel/dirt roads.
I would also like to see Long Pool Falls and Magnolia Falls. Are they accessible from the Long Pool campground north of Dover? I was also thinking of spending a little time up by Boxley/Ponca and checking out Bower's Hollow Falls and Smith Creek Preserve. What is available in terms of camping in this area? I plan to round out my 5 days with a stay at Petit Jean before heading east to the Smokies.
This may be my only trip to this area for the foreseeable future so what would you recommend a landscape photographer not to miss? Any suggestions for sunrise/sunset? Sweeping vistas? Waterfalls? Unusual geology? Just plain gorgeous scenery? Will the leaves be turning color around the 2nd week of Oct?
Out here in the west it is usually possible to find free camping sites along Forest Service roads (no facilities of course). Just pull off the road and set up camp. Is this the case in Arkansas? Or do you have to stay in developed campgrounds?
Any info appreciated! Thanks in advance.
I travel to Colorado/Utah and to northwest Arkansas yearly during fall color. Peaks dovetail nicely. I also hang out on the RNNP and the Central. My first piece of advice is to go to Tim Ernst website and purchase the guidebooks for the area you need. Arkansas has good gravel roads but sometimes poorly marked and many of the great places (especially waterfalls) are difficlut to locate without his guidebooks.
I have made three trips to the area and my books look like I've had them ten years.
Dont miss the Boxley/Ponca area, Triple Falls, (easy access) and Falling Water, Sixfinger Falls area. Petite Jean is also fantastic. Most of the guys and gals on this forum will help you anyway they can....a great group.
Arkansas is a magical place in the fall.....last year was one of the best...come down once, and I'll bet you keep coming back.
Have a safe trip,
Joe Rogers
One iconic location that you don't want to miss combines a sweeping vista and unusual geology both: Hawksbill Crag. I'm not sure whether at that time of year it's also a sunrise location as well, but sunrise is when you'll probably want to visit it anyway. Hedges Pour-off is a great sunrise location. It's listed in the waterfall guide, but I love it because it's on a bluff overlooking most of the Upper Buffalo Wilderness.
Another nice sunrise location that not many seem to be aware of is McFerrin Point, which will probably be listed in the Buffalo River trail guide. Not far from there are a couple of spectacular locations, if you're up for some pretty strenuous hikes: Hemmed-in Hollow and Big Bluff. Nearby are several campgrounds in the Buffalo National River that you might be able to find a camping spot in, although that might be a pretty busy time of year.