top of page
Explore the Area
Buffalo River Country is full of great hikes, great drives, & spectacular views.
Get out and explore!
Explore the Area
We’re excited to share a few of our favorite local spots with you
Lost Valley
Lost Valley Trail is a scenic and family-friendly hike near Ponca, Arkansas, offering a classic Ozark outdoor experience. The well-maintained trail follows a creek through towering bluffs, natural bridges, and waterfalls, making it accessible while still visually impressive. Highlights include Cob Cave, Eden Falls, and lush rock formations that feel secluded despite the trail’s popularity. It’s an ideal option for guests looking for a shorter, rewarding hike with diverse natural features in a single outing.
Low Gap Cafe
Low Gap Café is a locally loved restaurant in Jasper, Arkansas, known as a hidden gem in the Buffalo River area. The kitchen is led by chef Nick Bottini, a seasoned chef and former restaurant owner recognized for creative, high-quality cooking that blends Italian influences with classic American fare. Guests consistently praise the café for expertly prepared steaks, seafood, pasta, and desserts that exceed expectations for a small mountain town. Its reputation is built on exceptional food, warm hospitality, and a dining experience worth the visit for locals and travelers alike.
Glory Hole (Falls)
A wondeful moderate 2-mile R/T trail featuring a 30 ft. waterfall. Nature has created a hole in the roof of an overhanging bluff and the creek/water now flows through the hole to create a beautiful waterfall.
Whitaker Point (Hawksbill Crag)
Whitaker Point, commonly known as Hawksbill Crag, is one of the most iconic hiking destinations in Arkansas and a highlight of the Buffalo National River region. The moderate, roughly 3-mile round-trip trail leads through quiet Ozark forest to a dramatic rock outcrop overlooking a sweeping river valley. The crag’s distinctive “hawk’s bill” shape makes it one of the most photographed natural landmarks in the state. Hikers are rewarded with expansive views that are especially striking at sunrise and sunset, making it a memorable stop for visitors to the area.
Ponca Elk Herd
The Ponca, Arkansas elk herd, primarily found in Boxley Valley along Highway 43 and Highway 21 near the Buffalo National River, is a successful wildlife reintroduction, with hundreds of Rocky Mountain Elk freely roaming and viewable year-round, especially during the fall rut (mating season) when bulls bugle and battle
Scenic Drive on HWY 7
The Arkansas Scenic 7 Byway (Highway 7) is a 290-mile, north-south route showcasing diverse Arkansas landscapes, from the Ouachita and Ozark National Forests to cities like Hot Springs and Jasper, offering mountain views, fall foliage, historic sites (Hot Springs NP), and river access, making it a popular, year-round drive known for dramatic scenery, especially in its northern mountainous sections near Harrison and Jasper.
bottom of page