Looking for some nice views? Feeling like an aspiring lepidopterist? Just want a place to kick back and relax? Oh, do we have the place for you.
Situated throughout Northern Arkansas, one of the National Park Service's offerings is the Buffalo National River. This river spans over 100 miles throughout Arkansas, and is able to be visited by the public without a general entrance fee. Information stations and general camping areas are found at three locations along the river. Visitors to the upper portion of the river may head to Ponca and the Steel Creek station. Some from the eastern portions will head between Yellville and Harriet to the Buffalo Point station. Most visitors traveling along Highway 65 between Marshall and Harrison to the Tyler Bend Visitor Center. Each of these points offer camping opportunities, along with day visits.
Prior to becoming protected by the National Park Service in 1964, the Buffalo National River area was once the site of several limestone quarries. Evidence of this is still seen today, as the river flows along many large cliffs and bluffs of limestone and other sedimentary rocks within a fairly deep valley, as motorists will want to beware the steep grades. If you happen to be at Buffalo Point, head down the hill to the rocky beach formed from the sediments that once graced this area to access the water. Perhaps take a tour offered by one of the private guides conducting business nearby. If you're lucky, you may see a cliff diver or two that stop by from boating along the river.
If staying on the land is more of your cup of tea, never fear, for there are plenty of options around. Hiking trails range across the Buffalo National River area at many levels of difficulty, and offer amazing views overlooking the river, along with the ability to view several different species of butterflies. On some trails, you may be able to find and explore caves and waterfalls created from the surface water flowing into the rock, with the underground streams flowing into the river. Perhaps you want to saddle up and take some of the trails by horseback. The Ponca area, along with several other points along the river, will give you this opportunity.
So the next time you're following your internal compass in Arkansas, perhaps it will take you to the Buffalo National River. It may just be somewhere to visit several times while in the area.
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