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.

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.

PEAK OF THE RUT!

Every October I try to get away from the confines of the office and get outside to enjoy the beautiful weather, the fall colors, and all that the Ozarks has to offer during this glorious season!  One thing I highly recommend to all our guests is a day trip to Boxley Valley or Lost Valley to view the elk herds.  This week they are in the peak of the rutting season and for those of you that don't know what that means- it involves determining which male elk gets to mate with the female elks- SO there is a lot of noise & wild fighting going on!
If you can manage to get away from YOUR office- there is a very handy guide put out by the Buffalo River Chamber of Commerce which shows up-to-date locations of the herds and info to ensure you get a good look and the best photo ops.

Do You Prefer Red or White?

I have been meaning to write about a "diamond in the rough" that was recently brought to my attention. I remembered RAIMONDO WINERY the other day while talking to a customer booking a Romantic Getaway Package at the resort. I suggested they drive over to Norfork Lake (a close 30 minutes away) and do a wine tasting next weekend from 3-4:30 p.m. They offer handcrafted wines (3 red and 3 white), extra virgin olive oils, and balsamic vinegars as part of their Explore Tasting. Tell Margie we sent you!