#boxley
Armadillo Falls and Eden Cave at Lost Valley
Boxley Valley is one of the most iconic areas of the Ozarks. This scenic spot near Ponca attracts thousands of visitors per year to view the elk herds and hike the Upper Buffalo area. And that doesn’t even count the thousands of Buffalo River paddlers each Spring. This area has an abundance of fantastic hiking destinations for hikers to choose from. One of the most popular is an area tucked away in a hollow of Boxley known as Lost Valley. Anyone that has hiked much around the Upper Buffalo has likely hiked to Eden Falls at Lost Valley. But not everyone knows about Armadillo Falls and Eden Cave. The main attractions at Lost Valley are undoubtedly Eden Falls, Cobb Cave, and the Natural Bridge. I’ll admit, the first time I visited Lost Valley, I didn’t know there was anythin...
Floating Ponca to Kyle’s Landing on the Buffalo River
Floating Ponca to Kyle’s Landing on the Buffalo River is one of the classic day floats in Arkansas. This stretch of the Upper Buffalo has almost everything people hope for when they plan a Buffalo River trip: fast-moving water, emerald pools, towering bluffs, rocky shoals, and some of the most iconic scenery in the state. This is also one of the most water-dependent floats on the Buffalo. When the level is right, it is hard to beat. When it is too low, it quickly turns into a long day of dragging. So while Ponca to Kyle’s Landing should be high on the list for anyone wanting to float the Upper Buffalo, the river level needs to make the final decision. At a Glance Distance: 10.1 miles Difficulty: Moderate Ponca Access: 36.021230, -93.354789 Roark Bluff: 36.043796, -93.343878 Ste...
Hiking to Eden Falls at Lost Valley
December. It’s that time of year when most folks aren’t thinking about getting out for a hike. There’s Christmas shopping to do and parties to attend. And for a lot of people, it’s just too damn cold out there! Or is it? Although I’m really not a cold-weather person, some of my favorite hikes have been in the winter. I learned this years ago while hiking to Eden Falls at Lost Valley. It was 3 days before New Years. I had some time off from work and really needed some nature therapy. But…it was 28 degrees outside! If you know me, you know that I despise Winter. Hate it. I’m a warm-weather person all the way. But I reeeeally needed to get outside. So I layered up, packed water and lunch, and hit the road. The plan: Drive to Ponca and hike whatever I ...
