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Map & Directions...
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From Little Rock and South
Take I-40 West to Exit 64 at Lamar. Go west on Hwy 64, 9 miles to Ark Hwy 21 North and go 50 miles to Boxley. Then turn right onto Hwy 43 North to Ponca....BOC is 4.5 miles north on the left-hand side of the road.
From Springdale, Fayetteville, Tulsa & Rogers area
Take U.S. Hwy 412 East to Hwy 21 South to Boxley. Then take Hwy 43 North....BOC is 4.5 miles north in Ponca on the left hand side.
From Branson, Springfield, St. Louis and Kansas City area
Take U.S. Hwy 65 South to Harrison, AR. Take Hwy 7 South....just as you leave Harrison take Hwy 43 South. 25 miles later you will be in Ponca. The BOC office will be on the right.
From Memphis and North East Arkansas
Take Hwy 63 North to Hwy 412/62 West into Harrison, AR. Take Hwy 7 South and just as you are leaving Harrison, hit Hwy 43 South. Stay on Hwy 43 and 25 miles later you will be in Ponca. The BOC office will be on the right.
From Fort Smith, Dallas and the South East
Come North to Fort Smith. Take I-40 East to Clarksville, AR. Take Hwy 21 North to Boxley. You will then take Hwy 43 North into Ponca. The BOC office will be on the left.
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BOC's Hiking Trail Guide
You could spend a lifetime exploring the Buffalo National River wilderness and perhaps still not see it all. There are, however, some places you’ll
certainly want to visit, especially if this is your first time to the area. Below is a list of our most highly recommended “must-do” Buffalo River trails.
Click here for our helpful Gear-Up Chart for planning your hike based on the month or type of weather.
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Popular Buffalo River Trails |
| Trail | Hike Length | Special Notes |
RT = round trip : OW = one way |
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Lost Valley
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2.3 miles RT |
A great hike for people of all ages, especially kids. Beautiful creekside scenery; lots of wildflowers in the spring; giant rocks and interesting
canyon bluff formations; Cobb Cave, a huge bluff shelter that was home to early Indian cultures; Eden Falls; and a short, underground cave to explore
(take along a flashlight). A portion of the trail is wheelchair accessible.
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Whitaker Point
(Hawksbill Crag)
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3 miles RT |
Another great hike for most everyone. Beautiful scenery; waterfall area; great for umbrella magnolias and wildflowers in the spring; outstanding fall color; the bluff “point” (or “crag”) is magnificent and a perfect lunch spot (be sure to pack out what you take in!); one of the Buffalo's most photographed spots.
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Ponca to Steel Creek
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2 miles OW |
Also a wonderful hike for people of all ages. Follows the bluff line above the river. Several waterfall areas along the way, plus nice views of the river. Pack a lunch and eat at Steel Creek before hiking back. Another great place for spring wildflowers or fall foliage.
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Hideout Hollow
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2 miles RT |
A short hike that has a lot going for it. Features a beautiful waterfall area with a nice bluff shelter. Bluff line has nice wild azaleas in bloom during spring. Another great place for a mid-day lunch.
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Other Trails to Consider
- Hemmed-In Hollow: The trailhead for this popular scenic trail is located in Compton, which is just up the road from Ponca about nine miles on
Hwy 43 North. This trail is 5 miles roundtrip and typically takes four hours to complete. Great scenery,
old homesteads, and, of course, the tallest waterfall in mid-America. There are several areas of steep hill climbing on the way out, so you'll want
to be of at least average physical ability for this trail.
- Big Bluff/Goat Bluff Trail: The granddaddy of all bluffs on the Buffalo River, standing over 500 feet tall with a million dollar view. Access
is typically via the Center Point Trailhead on Hwy 43, about three miles north of Ponca.This is an old logging road-turned-hiking-trail featuring
homestead sites along the way and, of course, lots of great wilderness scenery. Roundtrip you're looking at about six miles and an average of four
hours of hiking.
- At the store we can show you a loop that includes both Hemmed-In Hollow and Big Bluff. It's a 7.2 mile hike that requires a shuttle, but gives
you the best of everything on the two trails mentioned above.
- Indian Creek: A physically challenging trail, but you won't care because the scenery is so terrific! This is one of those
definitely-get-dirty-and-maybe-get-wet trails and well worth the effort. It's a four-hour hike one way and there's a visible trail only in places.
It's more rock scrambling and boulder hopping than anything. Most folks go in at a trailhead up on Mount Sherman and hike down Indian Creek to Kyle's
landing. This trail requires a shuttle unless you go back the way you came. Ask us in the office for more specific information about this trail.
Maps, Planning Assistance, and More
We can give you directions to all of these Buffalo River trailheads, as well as other places to explore that aren't mentioned here. You'll also find good trail maps and
guide books available for purchase in our store, or by mail. Just call us in the store at 1-800-221-5514 or
Email us. And, like with canoes, you can also arrange for a hike shuttle while you're there.
Regardless of the trail you choose, please remember to pack along plenty of water and energy snacks!
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