Trails in Buffalo National River

This short, interpretive loop begins at the Ponca Access of the Buffalo River near the intersection of Hwy. 43 and 74. Walk across the low-water bridge (when passable) and follow signs up the hill. This easy trail passes the old homestead and farm buildings of "Beaver" Jim Villines, an early fur trapper and trader in Boxley Valley.

The Buffalo Point Campground Trail system is made up of three interconnecting trails: Overlook Trail, Campground Trail, and the Forest Trail. You can begin this trail system from the Indian Rockhouse Trailhead parking area, from A Loop, the Lower Contact Station, or Pavilion #1 (near the group sites). Connecting all trails and making a large loop provides about 3 miles of hiking. Leashed dogs are permited on this trail system.

If you are looking for a short (1.2 miles, toundtrip) and relatively easy hike try the Overlook Trail. The view of the gravel bar at Buffalo Point is stunning from the Overlook Trail.

This short, interpretive loop begins at the Ponca Access of the Buffalo River near the intersection of Hwy. 43 and 74. Walk across the low-water bridge (when passable) and follow signs up the hill. This easy trail passes the old homestead and farm buildings of "Beaver" Jim Villines, an early fur trapper and trader in Boxley Valley.

The Buffalo River Trail (BRT) begins near Whiteley Cemetery in Boxley Valley and winds along the bluffs, gravel bars, and banks that cradle the river. The BRT passes scenic overlooks, old home sites, and wild areas, giving visitors a firsthand look at what best characterizes the Buffalo River.

The BRT is a moderate to strenuous hike. Hiking is most strenuous between Boxley Valley and Erbie, where long, steep bluff lines lead to spectacular views of the river and all the beauty that surrounds it. Downstream of Erbie, the trail gradually gives way to a gentler terrain that is more forgiving to hikers. Trailheads to the BRT are located at the south end of Boxley Valley, Ponca Low Water Bridge, Steel Creek, Kyle's Landing, Erbie, Ozark, and Pruitt.

The Buffalo River Trail follows along the south side of the river from Woolum to Dillards Ferry for a little more than 42 miles. The trail is moderate/difficult due to the length and many inclines and steep switchbacks. This trail incorporates the newly completed stretch from Griders Ferry to Dillards Ferry. If river levels are low, you will not have any water in side drainage's so you will need to pack in enough water for your hike.

The Buffalo River Trail follows along the south side of the river from Woolum to Tyler Bend for a little more than 11 miles. The trail is moderate with gradual inclines and a few steep switchbacks. You will be rewarded with great views of the river from Dave Manes, Whisenant, and Peter Cave Bluffs. If river levels are low, you will not have any water in side drainages so you will need to pack in enough water for your hike.

This short, interpretive loop begins at the Ponca Access of the Buffalo River near the intersection of Hwy. 43 and 74. Walk across the low-water bridge (when passable) and follow signs up the hill. This easy trail passes the old homestead and farm buildings of "Beaver" Jim Villines, an early fur trapper and trader in Boxley Valley.

The Buffalo River Trail (BRT) begins near Whiteley Cemetery in Boxley Valley and winds along the bluffs, gravel bars, and banks that cradle the river. The BRT passes scenic overlooks, old home sites, and wild areas, giving visitors a firsthand look at what best characterizes the Buffalo River.

The BRT is a moderate to strenuous hike. Hiking is most strenuous between Boxley Valley and Erbie, where long, steep bluff lines lead to spectacular views of the river and all the beauty that surrounds it. Downstream of Erbie, the trail gradually gives way to a gentler terrain that is more forgiving to hikers. Trailheads to the BRT are located at the south end of Boxley Valley, Ponca Low Water Bridge, Steel Creek, Kyle's Landing, Erbie, Ozark, and Pruitt.

The Buffalo River Trail follows along the south side of the river from Woolum to Dillards Ferry for a little more than 42 miles. The trail is moderate/difficult due to the length and many inclines and steep switchbacks. This trail incorporates the newly completed stretch from Griders Ferry to Dillards Ferry. If river levels are low, you will not have any water in side drainage's so you will need to pack in enough water for your hike.

The Buffalo River Trail follows along the south side of the river from Woolum to Tyler Bend for a little more than 11 miles. The trail is moderate with gradual inclines and a few steep switchbacks. You will be rewarded with great views of the river from Dave Manes, Whisenant, and Peter Cave Bluffs. If river levels are low, you will not have any water in side drainages so you will need to pack in enough water for your hike.

The Old Raildroad Trail follows the river east from Gilbert along the former route of the Missouri and North Arkansas Railroad. This relatively flat trail takes you to a point where the railroad crossed the Buffalo River at Red Bluff. The trail ends at the old piers.

The Shine Eye to Gilbert Trail follows the north side of the river between the Highway 65 bridge and the small town of Gilbert. This is a hiker and horse trail marked with yellow blazes. It follows Long Bottom Bluff around Lane Bend into Gilbert.

The Cecil Cove Trail begins near the historic Erbie Church, and begins a gentle descent down an old wagon road. The trail winds through the wooded valley following Cecil Creek creating a nice moderate hike for visitors. The trail crosses the Cecil Creek 5 times along this first section of trail, so the creek may not be passable during rainy season due to high water. The trail continues at a nice moderate pace for the first 2.0 miles. The Cecil Cove Trail then begins a steep ascent up the mountain, climbing more than 500 ft. The trail passes old home sites, historic cemeteries, and provides beautiful scenic views during leaf off. The upper section of the trail is known to be fairly muddy throughout much of the year, especially during rainy season. The trail travels another 3.0 miles and intersects with the Compton-Erbie Road. The last section of the trail follows the Compton-Erbie Road down the mountain approximately 2.0 miles, ending at the trailhead where you began.

CAUTION: Starting in 2021 the Cecil Cove Trail experienced and continues to experience landslides. Please proceed on the trail at your own risk and use extreme caution when hiking in this area.

A rugged, strenuous hike through the Ponca Wilderness to one of Buffalo National River's most expansive vistas.

The Centerpoint Trail begins in the heart of the Ponca Wilderness, gradually winding down an old wagon road descending nearly 1,300 ft to the Buffalo River. During the descent, the trail offers outstanding panoramic views of the Buffalo River and the rugged Ozark Mountains that surround it. The Centerpoint Trail is considered to be a strenuous hike. The trail is steep in areas, especially on the hike out; visitors will need to plan to take the entire day to hike this trail due to the rough wilderness terrain. The trail intersects with many of the other trail systems in the Ponca Wilderness creating multiple spur trails for the more adventurous hiker. The spur trails connect the Centerpoint trail with the Chimney Rock Trail, Sneeds Creek Trail, Big Bluff Trail, Compton Loop Trail, and Hemmed-in Hollow Trail. The "Goat Trail" to Big Bluff is narrow and dangerous; visitors should proceed with extreme caution when hiking this section of trail. The Centerpoint Trail also offers a less strenuous hike to the popular Hemmed-in Hollow Falls. Visitors will still need to allow an entire day to complete the hike to Hemmed-in Hollow Falls via the Centerpoint Trail. Note: Backcountry camping is permitted along the Centerpoint Trail and within the Ponca Wilderness, but not on Big Bluff.

WARNING: The Centerpoint Trail/Big Bluff is one of the most frequent Search & Rescue (SAR) locations at Buffalo National River. Steep and strenuous trail conditions, coupled with a hiker's lack of preparation, can lead to dehydration, overexertion/exhaustion, and heat related illness.

At 3.5 miles, round-trip, the Indian Rockhouse Trail meanders past a sinkhole, waterfall, mine prospect, Panther Creek, sculpted bedrock and a quarry. Many of these geologic features are typical of a karst landscape.

People have been visiting this bluff shelter as far back as 7,000 BC. Coming to the attention of the Carnegie Institute, excavations were carried out in the 1930s, revealing an array of stone tools, basketry, and food remains. The site has been protected from all excavation and collection since becoming part of Buffalo National River in 1972 so that the remains of this unique site can be preserved for future generations.

The Indian Rockhouse is a moderate to strenuous trail with steep inclines/declines. Pets are not permitted on this trail.

Lost Valley Trail is located near the Boxley Valley Historic District on Hwy. 43 and is the most popular hike at Buffalo National River. Lost Valley Trail is an easy to moderate hike with occasional benches on the first portion of trail for resting and watching wildlife. Lost Valley Trail leaves the parking area and gently winds up the box canyon, passing beneath groves of American beech trees. The trail leads you to an emerald-blue pool of water with an 8-ft waterfall flowing out of a small opening in the bluff, known as the Natural Bridge. The trail continues up stone steps, winding along the Clark Creek drainage giving way to a massive 200-ft bluff shelter, known as Cob Cave. The gem of the hike is Eden Falls. The picturesque Eden Falls cascades 53 feet over towering cliffs offering visitors a firsthand view of what the Ozark Mountains have to offer. Visitors can either loop back around to the main trail or continue on a spur trail to the peak of Eden Falls. The trail leading to Eden Falls is rugged and steep; visitors should use extreme caution when taking this route. The trail winds up the bluff line to a 200-ft cave, and then gives way to a 25-ft waterfall inside. A flashlight and some agility will be needed to view the waterfall in the cave. The trail ends here at the mouth of the cave.

WARNING: The Lost Valley Trail is one of the most frequent Search & Rescue (SAR) locations at Buffalo National River. Slippery rocks and hazardous cliff areas cause many slips, trips, and falls annually. For your safety and enjoyment, please exercise caution and stay on designated trails.

The Riverview, Spring Hollow, Buck Ridge, and Rock Wall Trails can be accessed from the Tyler Bend Visitor Center and Campground area. Leashed dogs are allowed on all of these except the Riverview Trail. These trails form a network of trails that connect to the Buffalo River Trail. Hikers can plan loops of varying lengths to suit their time and ability. Two highlights on this trail system include the Sod Collier Homestead and the view of the confluence of Calf Creek and the Buffalo River from the Riverview Trail.

In the 1880s zinc ore was discovered along Rush Creek and soon the rush to Rush began. Claims were staked out along the Rush Valley and neighboring Clabber Creek. A mining boom was well underway by the 1890s as miners, investors, and service industries arrived from all over the country. The most famous of the Rush mines was the Morning Star Mine, which awed observers with its modern quarry production of ore. A community of homes and businesses developed along Rush Creek and endured until the 1960s. Come hike in these hills and through the valley and imagine what it would have been like to work and live here.

The .25-mile hike around the Morning Star Interpretive Loop is a great way to learn more about the zinc mining and history of Rush Valley. The Morning Star Interpretive Loop begins at a small parking lot, just past the historic homes, general store, smelter, and Rush Creek crossing. This gravel path is steep for short sections but is generally a great family-friendly walk.

The Mine Level Trail begins at the top of the Morning Star Interpretive Loop. This 1.5-mile trail, one way, is very steep at the beginning, but levels out as it winds past old mine entrances, which are fenced off to protect visitors and resources. Appreciation of the strength and stamina it must have taken to live and work in this valley can be gained as one hikes around Rush. The Mine Level Trail ends at the river access parking lot.