Waterfall Weekends

Let's talk about waterfalls in Arkansas; they are in abundance and very few people know just how many are flowing in this gorgeous Midwestern State.  One whole day of exploring in the Ozark National Forest and the Buffalo River area and we were definitely impressed with the waterfalls we were able to enjoy.  This is just the start of them too; with waterfalls located all over the state, it's time we head back to do more exploring!

Falling Water Falls

Haw Creek Falls

Triple Falls (aka Twin Falls)

Until Next Time Arkansas
Shona

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Kings Bluff and Pedestal Rocks

If you are looking for trail that will give you views for miles, this is it.  King Bluff and Pedestal Rock trails are both loop trails that connect so you can do both of them if you are up for 4.6 mile hike.  We only hiked Kings Bluff (about 2 miles) because we were on a waterfall search for this adventure.  Once we reached the bluff, you could hear the waterfall and even though it wasn't flowing much because of lack of rainfall, it was still a win-win for us.  The views here were gorgeous.  I'd rate this as a mild to moderate hike as there is some incline to the trails and rocky points to cross over.  Hiking tip: keep your dogs or children on a leash ... the bluffs and overlooks are very high and there isn't anything to keep you from falling over if you get to close.  I do like this as it keeps nature in it's natural state but it's a good reminder to always be careful when hiking in this type of environment.

As we continued the trail, we did come across many different pedestal rocks even though we didn't hike the actual Pedestal Rock Trail.  The formations of the rocks were incredible.  You could spot numerous caves along the way too ... which would be a good place to explore if you are into getting off-the-beaten-path.  One bonus for us on this trail: we were the only ones hiking at that time and it's dog friendly.

The trail-head of located right off Highway AR 16 just 6 miles East of Sand Gap.

Thanks for the view Arkansas!
Shona

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Oh Hi Arkansas, We are Back!

It's our favorite time of year .... camping season, and this time we headed back to Arkansas but had a weekend full of new adventures planned.  Since we booked last minute, the campgrounds were almost all full but we did find a tent spot at Steel Creek Campground.  Steel Creek is located on the Buffalo River under the towering Roark Bluff. Located just 3 miles west of Ponca along Highway 74, it's location gives you access to a number of easy day trips!

We arrived at dusk so we quickly set up camp and opted for a quick dinner before sitting around the fire enjoying the star-filled sky and listening to the sounds of nature.  [bonus; we shared the firewood we had grabbed along the roadside with a family next to us and the next thing you know, their kids were bringing us s'mores] ... how did they know we needed that?

We were up early Saturday morning for breakfast over the fire. Eggs with mushrooms, bacon, and toast with honey.  We loaded up White Lightening and set out for our full day of exploring.  After doing a bit of research before leaving, the first stop of the day would be Alum Cove Natural Bridge.  A short 1.2 mile loop hike along the river with one of the oldest natural bridges in this part of the country.  At 130 feet long, the view from beneath the bridge was beautiful ... not to mention the small little waterfall falling from above.  Perks; dogs are allowed and they have a nice little picnic area with fire rings if you want to park it there for a while.  Overall, I definitely recommend this hike!

Stay tuned for the next hike! 🥾

Shona

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This Is Arkansas

On our third day at Devils Den State Park, we decided to take off and hike a couple of different trails.  We started mid-morning on Lee Creek Trail which began right behind where we were camping.  This trail is a 1 mile loop which shows off the beauty of Lee Creek from the flat, fossil-filled limestone to pools of aquatic life.  This trail has a nice wide pathway but also a few heavily wooded areas and if you go off the beaten path, you can find yourself wading in Lee Creek.  You can imagine which member of our party enjoyed the cool, clear water.  We got off course a bit, so we never actually did the "loop", but it gave us a chance to explore areas we weren't expecting to.

Back at camp, we cooked up a protein rich lunch; Pad Thai with Chicken.  The next trail on our list was Yellow Rock but since this trail is one of the most popular places to hike, we decided to hold off until later in the day.  Let's be real, we wanted it all to ourselves.  So to kill time, we took off in the Toyota and just started driving farther South to check out the rest of the park.  The highway was winding, the trees were vibrant, and the air was fresh.  We explored gravel roads and found a stunning blue-green lake and walls of limestone rock.  This is why we do what we do.  

It was time to begin Yellow Rock Trail; a moderate 3-mile loop where the main feature is none other than Yellow Rock and offers one of the most amazing views you will see of the Lee Creek Valley.  Yellow Rock trail is an original CCC-constructed trail from the 1930's and is designated part of the National Trails System.  This trail was filled with towering rock formations and cedar glades. Words really can not explain the views from the top, so this is where you can enjoy the photos we snapped.  Goldie, my traveling gold airplane, made an appearance too.  We found a spot to sit and relax, give Lola a water break, and had a few snacks ourselves before taking on the rest of the trail. As sunset approached we made it back to camp.  It was the perfect Sunday as we ended with open-fire steak and potatoes for dinner. 

Happy Hiking!

Shona 

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