Taking You Outdoors in the Ozark Mountains
Discover the challenge and charm of exploring the picturesque Ozark Mountains, where nature’s beauty and adventure await. For your convenience, we’ve curated a list of top outdoor experiences to enjoy when visiting the Ozarks:
1. Hike the Lost Valley Trail
Feel alive as you explore ancient bluffs, waterfalls, and babbling brooks along the Lost Valley Trail near Ponca, Arkansas.
📍 Trail Overview
• Location: Near Ponca, Arkansas
• Length: 2.3 miles (out and back)
• Difficulty: Moderately challenging
• Highlights: Blue pools, waterfalls, caves, and rock formations
• End Destination: Eden Falls and Cobb Cave via Clark Creek and natural bridges
Trail Experience
• Varied surfaces: crushed rock and natural terrain
• Expect creek crossings—some may require walking in water
• The most scenic stretch is more demanding but worth the effort
Photography Opportunities
• Capture the Natural Bridge, a 50-foot limestone tunnel
• Eden Falls cascades over 50 feet into Clark Creek
♿ Accessibility Notes
• Bluff views of the Buffalo River
• Steep sections appear after the first mile
• Accessible parking available; trail surface accommodates varied mobility needs
Final Note:
Put on your hiking boots and immerse yourself in Arkansas’ natural wonders.
2. Float the Buffalo National River
Adventure seekers love floating the Buffalo National River—cool, crystal-clear waters paired with wildlife and historic treasures.
📍 Location & Launch Sites
• Base: Buffalo Outdoor Center (Upper Buffalo National River)
• Popular Routes:
• Steel Creek to Kyle’s Landing (8 mi)
• Ponca to Kyle’s Landing (10.7 mi)
• Ponca to Pruitt (23.9 mi)
• Ponca to Woolum (50.3 mi)
• Pruitt to Hasty (6.8 mi)
• Pruitt to Mt. Hersey (17.8 mi)
• Ponca to Buffalo City (125.4 mi)
Scenic Backdrop
• Surrounded by Arkansas’ most stunning landscapes
• Hemmed-In Hollow waterfall and historic Erbie area
📞 Planning Tips
• River Levels: Check Buffalo River Level or call 870-861-5514
• Reservations: Book canoes/kayaks in advance
• Safety: Respect wildlife and follow river guidelines
Experience Enhancers
• Camp riverside for full immersion
• Guided scenic tours and fishing trips available
Final Note:
Grab your paddle and float the Buffalo—it’s an Ozarks adventure you won’t forget.
3. Marvel at Whitaker Point (Hawksbill Crag)
Stand on the edge of the world at Whitaker Point, where rugged bluffs stretch into fiery sunsets and sweeping valley views.
📍 Trail Details
• Length: 2.7 miles (out and back)
• Difficulty: Moderately challenging
• Trailhead: Off County Road 5 (parking fills quickly on weekends)
Hike Experience
• Forested trail opens to the crag—a hawk’s beak-shaped rock formation
• Views of Whitaker Creek and vast valleys
• Rain may reveal small waterfalls along the way
• Final stretch includes heights, but with a buffer
Photography Opportunities
• Hawksbill Crag is one of Arkansas’ most-photographed spots
• Rugged access road, but views are worth the journey
Final Note:
Venture forth and hike Whitaker Point Trail—an unforgettable Ozarks treasure.
4. Climb Hawksbill Crag (Whitaker Point)
Enjoy breathtaking views and the challenge of hiking to one of Arkansas’ most iconic rock formations.
📍 Location & Description
• Situated: Northern edge of the Upper Buffalo Wilderness, south of Buffalo National River
• Formation: A rocky outcrop resembling a hawk’s beak, overlooking Whitaker Creek and a vast valley
Trail Details
• Trail Name: Whitaker Point Trail
• Length: 2.7 miles (out and back)
• Difficulty: Moderately challenging
• Trailhead Access: Off County Road 5; limited parking on busy weekends
Hike Experience
• Forested trail opens to dramatic bluff views
• Small waterfalls may appear after rainfall
• Final stretch includes heights—buffered but not for the faint of heart
Road Conditions
• Rough, bumpy dirt road with gravel—drive slowly
Photography Opportunities
• One of the most photographed spots in Arkansas
• Best captured at sunrise or sunset
Final Note:
Climb Hawksbill Crag and take in the sweeping beauty of the Ozarks from above.
5. Canoe the Current River
Float through Missouri’s Ozark Mountains on the crystal-clear waters of the Current River—where wild horses roam and history whispers.
📍 River Overview
• Length: 184 miles, flowing through southern Missouri into northern Arkansas
• Popular Section: Near Eminence, MO—where Current River meets Jacks Fork
• Protected Area: Ozark National Scenic Riverways (est. 1964)
Best Time to Float
• Ideal Season: Mid-May to early September
• Peak Months: June–August
• Quieter Times: Early June or September
Ways to Float
• Tube: Relaxed, slow-paced drifting
• Canoe/Kayak: More active and adventurous
• Raft: Great for groups
Top Recommendations
• Stay: Secluded cabin with riverfront access
• Float Route: Akers to Pulltite for scenic beauty
• Camp: Pulltite Campground (55 sites)
• Outfitter: Current River Canoe Rental (at Pulltite)
What You’ll See
• Cascading bluffs, wildlife, and clear waters
• Occasional glimpses of wild horses
Final Note:
Paddle the Current River and connect with the Ozarks’ wild, flowing spirit.
6. Explore Waterfalls in Newton County
With over 100 waterfalls tucked into its hills and hollows, Newton County is a haven for waterfall chasers.
Featured Falls
• Paradise Falls: 32 feet tall, near Deer, AR—surrounded by smaller cascades
• Eden Falls: Found in Lost Valley Recreation Area—true to its name
• Glory Hole Falls: Unique flow through a rock opening; short uphill hike
• Triple Falls (Twin Falls): Easy access from Camp Orr; just 0.3 miles from parking
• Hemmed-In Hollow Falls: Tallest between Rockies and Appalachians at 209 feet; steep 6-mile trail
• Chumfarger & Hargfarger Falls: Whimsically named neighbors near Paradise Falls
• Paige Falls: Modest 8-foot drop into a stunning blue pool in Broadwater Hollow
Tips for Exploring
• Use GPS coordinates or local maps for navigation
• Some trails are short and family-friendly; others require more effort
• Visit after rainfall for peak flow
Photography Opportunities
• Glory Hole’s rock tunnel and Hemmed-In Hollow’s towering drop are must-captures
Final Note:
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls or soaking in quiet beauty, Newton County delivers.
7. Witness Elk Rutting Season
In autumn, the Ozarks echo with bugles and antler clashes—nature’s raw symphony during elk rutting season.
When to Go
• Season: Late September to mid-November
• Best Times: Early morning and late afternoon
Elk Behavior
• Bugling: Bulls call out to attract mates and assert dominance
• Antler Clashes: Territorial battles between bulls
• Courting: Bulls chase and display for receptive cows
• Cow Behavior: Selective mate choice; calves stay hidden for safety
📍 Where to Watch
• Boxley Valley, AR: Near Ponca and Jasper—prime viewing area
• Upper Buffalo River Area: Full elk life cycle visible throughout the year
⚠️ Safety & Etiquette
• Keep a respectful distance
• Use binoculars or telephoto lenses
• Stay quiet and avoid disturbing wildlife
Regulations
• Hunting Zones: Core Elk Management Zone includes Boone, Carroll, Madison, Newton, and Searcy counties
• Incidental Sightings: Legal during deer hunts outside core zones
Final Note:
Step into the wild and witness the primal dance of elk in the Ozarks’ misty hills.
8. Camp at Devil’s Den State Park
Pitch your tent beneath a star-studded sky and let the crackle of the campfire and distant coyote calls connect you to the land.
📍 Park Overview
• Location: 2,500 acres in Lee Creek Valley, Boston Mountains (Ozarks)
• Legacy: Built by the CCC in the 1930s—rustic stone and wood structures blend into the landscape
• Natural Features: Unique rock formations, caverns, and Lake Devil (8-acre lake created by a rock dam)
Camping Options
• Cabins (17 total):
• Studio: #16, 17
• One Bedroom: #1, 2, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18
• Two Bedroom: #3, 4, 5, 10
• Three Bedroom: #7, 8, 11, 14
• Camper Cabins: Sleep up to 4; closer to nature
• Campsites:
• 44 Class AAA (hookups)
• 24 Class D (no hookups)
• 8 hike-in tent sites
• 42 horse camp sites (with bathhouse and trail access)
Amenities & Activities
• Summer pool, pavilion, store, and meeting room
• Park interpreter-led hikes, programs, and events year-round
• Don’t miss: Ozark Mountain Bike Festival in spring
Reservations
• Book cabins and campsites in advance based on your needs
Final Note:
Whether you’re hiking, paddling, or simply unwinding, Devil’s Den offers a timeless Ozarks escape.
9. Photograph the Glory of Fall Foliage
Capture the Ozarks’ fiery autumn tapestry—where maples, oaks, and hickories blaze in warm hues.
Golden Hour Tips
• Timing: Early morning or late afternoon for warm, soft light
• Tripod: Essential for sharp shots in low light
Overcast Days
• Diffused light minimizes harsh shadows
• Avoid midday sun to preserve rich color tones
Post-Rain Brilliance
• Leaves glisten with moisture—perfect for vivid, reflective shots
Vary Your Shots
• Close-Ups: Frame fallen leaves or individual branches
• Angles: Shoot from ground level or above with a drone
Filters & Tools
• Use intensifier filters to boost reds, oranges, and yellows
• Drone photography reveals hidden patterns and textures
Creativity & Fun
• Experiment with framing and composition
• Enjoy the process—let nature guide your lens
Final Note:
Fall in the Ozarks is fleeting and spectacular. Explore, compose, and create your own masterpiece.
10. Marvel at Alum Cove Natural Bridge
Step into a world of stone and stream at Alum Cove—a geological wonder tucked into Newton County’s forested hills.
📍 Getting There
• From Jasper, take Hwy 7 south → turn west on Hwy 16 toward Deer
• Turn right onto County Road 28 → follow signs for Alum Cove
• Large parking area with picnic spots, shelter, and pit toilet
Trail Overview
• Trail Type: Semi-loop
• Length: 1.2 miles
• Elevation Change: ~300 feet descent from picnic area
• Bridge Dimensions: 130 feet long, 25 feet wide (with safety rails)
What You’ll See
• Natural Bridge: Massive stone arch you can walk across
• Waterfalls: A couple of scenic cascades
• Cave: Small but intriguing
• Stream: Gentle crossing
• Bluff Line: Overhangs and layered rock formations
Trail Directions
• After viewing the top, continue clockwise to reach the bottom of the bridge
• Choose to complete the loop or return after exploring the base
Final Note:
Alum Cove Natural Bridge is a quiet marvel—perfect for families, photographers, and anyone seeking Ozarks enchantment.
11. Attend the Dogwood Festival
Spring arrives and the Ozarks bloom in pink and white. The Dogwood Festival in Siloam Springs is a vibrant celebration of creativity, community, and seasonal beauty.
📍 Festival Overview
• Location: Historic Downtown Siloam Springs, Arkansas
• Dates (2024): April 26–28
• Attendance: ~50,000 visitors annually
• Organizers: Siloam Springs Chamber of Commerce & Volunteer Dogwood Festival Committee
What to Expect
• Vendors: Over 200 booths featuring handmade goods, vintage finds, and regional crafts
• Live Entertainment: Music and performances throughout the weekend
• Food Favorites: Fried green tomatoes, smoked chicken dinners, caramel apples, and more
• KidZone: Kenneth Gutierrez KidZone offers rides and activities for all ages
Festival Hours
• Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM
• Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM
• Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Vendor Info
• Applications for the 50th Anniversary (2024) are now closed due to high demand
Final Note:
Celebrate spring’s arrival with music, food, and the sweet scent of dogwood blossoms—this festival is a true Ozarks tradition.
12. Fly Fishing on Lake Taneycomo
Lake Taneycomo is a trout fisherman’s dream—cold, clear waters stocked with rainbow and brown trout, nestled in the heart of Branson, Missouri.
📍 Lake Overview
• Location: Runs through Branson, MO
• Stocking: ~500,000 rainbow trout annually; 15,000 trophy brown trout
• Water Temp: 48–52°F year-round
Trout Fishing Tips
• Gear: Spinning and fly rods; wear waders for cold water
• Lures & Baits:
• Artificial Only Zone: Table Rock Dam to Fall Creek—flies like scuds, sow bugs, soft hackles
• Below Fall Creek: Powerbait, artificial lures allowed
• Effective Lures: Super Duper spoons, small spinners, shallow crankbaits
• Where to Fish:
• Big Trout: Table Rock Dam to Fall Creek
• Dinner Catch: Below Fall Creek—13–16" trout common
• Strategy:
• Target deep holes and current breaks (logs, rocks, bends)
• Use flies in slow pools; spoons in shallow areas
Bass Fishing Tips
• Species: Largemouth, spotted, and smallmouth bass
• Best Areas: Below Rockaway Beach in warmer lake sections
• Seasonal Movement:
• Spring/Summer: Shallow creek arms and coves
• Winter: Main lake migration
• Lures: Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, jigs, chatterbaits, soft plastics (Texas rig, Wacky rig)
• Colors: Natural tones (white, silver, translucent, green pumpkin) with bright accents (red, chartreuse)
Final Note:
Whether you’re chasing trophy trout or casting for bass, Lake Taneycomo offers a fishing experience that’s both thrilling and unforgettable.