Magic on the Upper Buffalo River

The Buffalo River is quietly celebrated as one of the most magical places in America.  I say quietly, because there seems to be a conflict among those who know how to get there: share with the world in awestruck wonder, or keep it all to themselves? With minimal pain or fuss, the amateur explorer can access lush forests, dramatic rocky bluffs & delicate waterfalls all within an afternoon.  And then there's the herd of 700+ elk roaming placidly through the valley, undisturbed by the frantic attention of tourists and nature lovers who travel from all over to see them. 

Taking advantage of an office slow-down, and following maps found in one of Tim Ernst's many Buffalo River guide books, we've been venturing out in the past few weeks to this section of the river, for hiking, caving and elk-watching. If you want to duplicate any of these activities? Now's the time. 

Freshly turning leaves and painfully blue skies had me compulsively snapping pictures - take a look and give us a call so we can help you plan your trip to the Upper Buffalo! Click the titles for trail maps!

PONCA, AR
Home to a herd of 700+ Rocky Mountain Elk.

Two Bull Elk lazily grazing. 

The best time to see full herds like this is either early morning or sundown.

Usually you don't even have to look for elk-
just keep your eyes peeled for rows of stopped cars...

HAWKSBILL CRAG / WHITTAKER POINT HIKE
For all its fame as one of the most recognizable landmarks in Arkansas, you have to drive 6 miles (yes, six) on an unmarked gravel road just to reach the trailhead. I was sure my non-4-wheel-drive sedan was about to plummet off a bluff at every turn.

Hawksbill Crag is one of the most photographed locations in Arkansas. 

The most romantic place in Arkansas? Ask the dozens and dozens
of couples who've gotten engaged here over the years.

If you come in the spring, you can see waterfalls along the trail to the bluff. 

The trail claims to be 3 miles roundtrip. While we had no trouble getting out there. we DID  struggle to find the return loop and wound up well into the National Forest facing a sign that read
"You are hiking the wrong way". 

LOST VALLEY TRAIL
Home to the most popular hiking trail in the state of Arkansas- and for good reason.

I exited Lost Valley asking-
"Can you believe all that is back there?"

Rocky bluffs rising right out of the
hardwood American Beech forest. 

Inside the unnamed underground cave at the end of the trail-
in the spring this cave houses an accessible waterfall some 50 feet back.
 It's a tight squeeze. Bring flashlights. 

At the base of Eden Falls.

Outside the mouth of "Cobb Cave" a large bluff shelter
similar to the Indian Rockhouse on the Lower Buffalo. 

Clark Creek, mostly dry in October, flows out through Eden Valley Cave
in a loop on the middle of the trail.

What IS It???

This little guy was found on the end of a customer's line today.
   Do you know what it is?
 It is a SCULPIN and they are "good eatin'" for the big browns!!
Don't you think he's cute?--looks a little like Yoda to me...

Highlights from Summer '13

LOTS of guided fishing trips this summer!

Ping pong on the Patio!

The King of All Rainbows...caught July 24th, 50 yards north of our dock!

Float trips galore!

Low water made for some great wade fishing and fly fishing!

Watching fireworks in the field on the 4th of July.

Gotta love that clear water.

The view from the dock on an early morning.

Happy Labor Day! Since Labor Day is the unofficial end of summer, we thought we'd highlight some of the BEST moments from Summer 2013.

Camp on the River this Labor Day!

2 WEEKS TIL LABOR DAY! We still have campsites available on the River- but not for long! Call to reserve today! 870-425-8555

"...cell phones don't work here, (yes!!)"

We wish we had a picture of the supremely cool family who stayed with us last week from Austin, TX, but as it is, words will have to suffice. Here's what Corbett had to say about his family's rainy, yet fun week at White Buffalo:

"The Marler Clan (Waver Corbett branch!) annual family vacation concluded yesterday. 

ABSOLUTELY wonderful week of fish (trout mostly), rummy, rain, canoes, kayak's, cold water, flipped canoes, more cold water, no more brand new eyeglasses (oops), 10 foot views down to the bottom of the clear White River, 300+ foot cliff bluffs just across the White River from our cabin front porches, cell phones don't work here (yes!!), no internet in cabins (yes!!) = no internet gaming, wifi at office (work), expedition to Blanchard Springs Cavern, homemade sandwiches on a bench on the trip, book reading, green, green green views, flys (and fly paper), new friends (Olwell family, Joey, Whit!), 

Great Passion Play in Eureka Springs, great Charlie Marler cooking!, grilled steaks, missing some of the clan, love, tears, fun, work, play, life, ... 5am porch swinging watching/hearing the rain fall with a beautiful Texas blonde whose adventurous and loving spirit is priceless ... peace ... what an **amazing** week God blessed our clan with!!! Thank You."

4lb Smallmouth

These anglers landed a 4lb smallmouth yesterday while floating between Rush and Buffalo City- what a beauty!

River Monster

Our guest Eric caught this 16lb, 8oz, 29 inch Rainbow yesterday morning- we're pretty sure it's a record! More pictures coming soon!

Making Memories

We received this commendation from a customer who stayed with us last weekend:

"Our family wanted to thank you and your staff for a wonderful weekend on the White!  The White Buffalo Resort is absolutely amazing!  This is our second year to stay at your resort and we are pleased to say each time we have caught our limit of trout each day we have fished.  Our grandsons love the pool and playground and with the shallow depth of the pool “NeeNee” was able to sit back, relax, and enjoy too.

I have attached a couple of awesome photos of our trip.  You are most welcome to pass these on to share the beauty we captured during our stay. Thanks again for being a wonderful place for families to make unforgettable memories!  Can’t wait to return!"

Cheryl

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!

Scenes from our annual fireworks show last night- HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

Maggie's Baby Brown

Maggie caught this baby brown trout with our guide Presley this morning! She released him so he could gain a few pounds swimming in the river.

Ten Days on the Buffalo

Craig & Donna traveled from snowy Maine last March to float the world famous Buffalo River! We shuttled them to Boxley Bridge, and they spent ten magical days floating, fishing and camping. Send us photos of your Ozark adventure, or call us to plan your OWN trip on the Buffalo River!

The Best Way to Clean Trout

You've caught your limit after a beautiful day on the White River- now what? Some of our guests made a video during the Memorial Day weekend demonstrating a quick and easy way to clean your catch. Watch and See!

FISHING IN THE RAIN YESTERDAY...does have its rewards!!! 
Laura hooked this nice rainbow between downpours- the fish don't know you're getting wet.

Three Great Motorcycle Day-rides near White Buffalo!

Come take a motorcycle adventure in Arkansas! With three great day trips accessible from our location on the White River, a stay at the White Buffalo is perfect for anybody looking to hit the road during their vacation. According to these bikers staying in Sisters, the windy highways in northwest Arkansas are: "The most fun ever." Let's ride! For detailed maps of the trails, motorcycle events and festivals, hot spots and tips, check out Arkansas.com

Would love to see you in Buffalo City!

The unofficial start to summer begins in 9 days...Memorial Day weekend.  The pool is filled and ready to go!

Calling All White River Artists

Next week we welcome several guests who will be participating in the Plein Air On the White River event.
It's not too late to sign up and walk-ins are welcome.
There is a show, competition, and cash prizes.

Our daughter & her new husband!

Congratulations to the new Mr. & Mrs.

KIRBY'S SECOND CAST

Today was an ugly day.  The weather turned and it got cold and windy.  This was the payoff for battling the elements nevertheless!

WILDFLOWERS, SWAN, & ELK

This report yesterday from Michael Dougherty of the Buffalo River Chamber of Commerce:

Wonderful elk viewing weather. 4 elk herds remain visible in Boxley Valley with the best viewing in the Ponca fields and just south of Moore Creek. I saw a couple of hunting coyotes this morning by the Moore Creek herd. It is interesting to see the elk square off on the coyotes to protect the herd. 

We are now back to two swans, after seeing only one for a while. 

The wildflowers are up and going strong again after all the cold. The top flower are the white trout lilies. My Lost Valley visit this morning confirmed the bloom is back on, should be better tomorrow, and the lead edge of the peak bloom is on for white trout lilies.  

White trout lilies are not a long blooming species. The best place to see them now is in Lost Valley just over the bridge and to the left. There is a moss covered rock field next to Clark Creek. You will find the lilies around the edges and among the rocks. 

Feeling Underappreciated?

Yesterday I was reminded that National Geographic named 10 National Parks they felt were not in the forefront of people's minds when they decide to plan a trip into the wilds of God's creation.  The Buffalo National River (just outside our back door) was #2 on the list!

As the weather warms up and the end of school gets closer I felt it my duty to remind everybody what an untapped treasure is theirs for the planning...

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RED BUD HOLE, ROUND HOUSE & DOLLY PARTON

I hope I got your attention with that title.
One of the things I find fascinating about the fishing here on the White River are the various names given to the "honey holes"--the shoals & the hot spots where the guides know the fish hang out.  If you are new to our stretch of the river, it's always advisable to let the experts put you on the fish.  For additional enjoyment, ask your guide to fill you in on the stories behind some of the names!

Seeing With Fresh Eyes

Are you a photographer?  Amateur or professional, there is so much to capture in the Ozarks and especially our small corner of beauty with two rivers running through it!  Many have come to this area to add to their portfolios and have not left disappointed. Customers will e-mail their most precious shots after returning home and we love to see the resort through their eyes!  Many who visit for the first time say the pictures on our website have one flaw- they don't do this place justice!  So grab your camera bag and make plans to visit anytime of the year.  You will find an abundance of natural beauty, wildlife, wildflowers, birds and barns, just to name a few.
 http://mastertravelphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/12June29_Buffalo-National-River-Arkansas-USA.jpg

BUFFALO RIVER FLOAT SERVICE

We are happy to announce that we have teamed up with an excellent outfitter on the Buffalo River and you can now arrange float trips on either the White River or the Buffalo River when you book your reservation with us.  Yeah- One stop shopping- just what we like!

Buffalo River Float Service is a family-owned and operated,  authorized concessioner on the Buffalo National River.  They are conveniently located just about 35 minutes from the resort.

Call us to inquire about prices for float trips ranging from 5 hours to 5 days on the river and we can help you plan a memorable trip for your next visit to the Ozarks.

MANCATIONS? MANTRIPPING?

Every winter my husband and I put our heads together and sit down for a brainstorming session where we try to think of ways to bring more guests to the resort.  It's our marketing meeting of the year; borne out of a sense of  "Look what everybody is missing" and "Gosh-- the fish are out there--Where are all the fisherMEN?"
Are you willing to plan the Ultimate Fishing Weekend for 7 of your best buddies?   For only $44.00 a night you can reserve a Deluxe Lodge with all the comforts of a cedar cabin on the White River. Throw in another $35.00  and you can rent a 20' jonboat for the day.
Make an annual event out of it- a trip you'll never want to miss- just make sure to put somebody else in charge of organizing it next year...

IT IS NOT OVER

Christmas officially ended for our family on January 6th- the Feast of Epiphany- the feast of the Three Kings.  I am slowly getting back to work, and like most of you, putting away the Christmas trimmings for another year and boxing up all the memories to cherish again at some later date.

Our children were all home with us and it was wonderful being together.  I hope all of you were able to spend some of the Christmas season with your loved ones.  Thanks to all of you who sent us Christmas greetings and well wishes for the new year. 

As our son was packing up and getting ready to go back to school for his last college semester, he wistfully repeated a sentiment that we have voiced many times to our children over the years: "The party's over." The children, and sometimes we, want the fun to keep going.  But we know we must go back, just as the Three Wise Men went back.  This year, this time, we want to go back a different way; not complaining that it doesn't last, but rather holding on to the hope that peace and goodwill will not be boxed up and put away until next December comes around again. Isn't that really our best resolution of all?