#bluffs
Floating War Eagle Creek – Hwy 23 to Hwy 45
The Ozarks, a vast and scenic mountain range stretching across Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, is a paddler’s paradise. With an abundance of options ranging from gentle floats to adrenaline-pumping whitewater, the Ozarks cater to all paddling skill levels. In the Arkansas Ozarks, iconic rivers such as the Buffalo, Kings, and Mulberry garner most of the attention, and rightfully so. But beyond these popular rivers lie some lesser known gems like War Eagle Creek. Floating War Eagle Creek is a must-do for anyone seeking a scenic and relaxing experience in nature, away from the crowds. My first glimpses of War Eagle Creek came while I was driving to Marble for a float trip down the nearby Kings River. I knew right then I had to come back to float this one too. This gentle waterway is o...
Floating Rush Landing to the White on the Buffalo River
The Buffalo National River offers a unique wilderness experience for millions of hikers and paddlers every year. This natural playground of the Ozarks attracts visitors from all over to experience the thrill and beauty of its many scenic floats. But for those seeking ultimate tranquility, solitude and stunning scenery, the Lower Buffalo Wilderness offers a true escape. Floating Rush Landing to the White on the Buffalo River is a 25-mile float that delves into the heart of the Ozarks. This remote stretch of the river provides a glimpse of a world mostly untouched by civilization. Floating Rush Landing to the White on the Buffalo River has been on my adventure to-do list for years. After bad weather spoiled our plans for this float in 2023, my buddies and I were determined to try again. With...
Hike to Hobo Falls on the OHT
The Ozark Mountains, renowned for their rolling hills, deep valleys, and hidden waterfalls, offer a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Winding through this scenic landscape is the Ozark Highlands Trail (OHT), a designated National Recreation Trail, and a gem of Ozarks. Starting at Lake Fort Smith, this long distance trail winds through the heart of the Ozark National Forest for over 200 miles. This scenic route is known for its diverse terrain, from gentle valleys and meandering streams to challenging climbs and breathtaking vistas. And while it may be a thru-hiker’s dream, the OHT is divided into sections that offer numerous day hiking options. One of those options is the hike to Hobo Falls on the OHT. I’ve had the hike to Hobo Falls on my to-do list for several years. And long be...
Hike to Ladderbucket Falls and John Mountain Falls
Tucked away in the rolling hills and verdant valleys of the southern Ozarks, lies a tiny mountaintop community aptly named Lost Corner. As it’s name implies, it is an area that many people don’t know much about, if they even know it exists at all. You will not find any stores, shops, restaurants, or many signs of civilization at Lost Corner. But what you will find is a remote wilderness area rich with streams, bluffs, steep ravines, and wildlife. It’s an area I visit several times a year for it’s seemingly endless options for waterfall hikes. My most recent trip would include the hike to Ladderbucket Falls and John Mountain Falls. For this hike, my good buddy David and I would team up once again with Gez Rogers and Super Leeds of Waterfalls in Arkansas. Gez is the c...
The Arkansas Sphinx: A Natural Wonder in the Ozarks
Nestled in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, lies a natural wonder known locally as the Arkansas Sphinx. This sandstone monolith rises 20 feet above its perch near the top of Hess Knob. Its profile bears a resemblance to the iconic sphinx of ancient Egypt. Measuring approximately 20-30 feet tall and just as wide, the Arkansas Sphinx is believed to have been formed over millions of years through erosion. Wind, water, and ice carved away at the softer rock layers, leaving behind the Sphinx-like profile in the sandstone that we see today. Standing tall and proud, the Arkansas Sphinx offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. This popular destination for hikers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts stands as a testament to the power of nature’s artistry. This natura...
Steel Creek Overlook Hike on the Buffalo River Trail
The Steel Creek Overlook hike is a popular hiking spot along the Buffalo River Trail near Ponca, AR. The Western Section of the Buffalo River Trail (BRT) winds its way along the Upper Buffalo River for 37 miles from Boxley to Pruitt. It offers stunning views of the river, as well as access to a variety of other natural attractions, including waterfalls, caves, and bluffs. Along the way are six different trail heads to access different sections of the BRT. Steel Creek to Kyles Landing is one of these sections. It’s an 8.2-mile hike from Steel Creek to Kyle’s Landing. For many people this might be a bit much, especially for a day hike. But the Steel Creek Overlook hike only involves the first 1.5 miles of this section, and is not that difficult. The rewarding views are definitely...
Baker Ford to Tyler Bend on the Buffalo River
I once wrote that Tyler Bend to Gilbert on the Buffalo River is my top recommendation for beginner paddlers. I think it still is. But Baker Ford to Tyler Bend comes in a close second in that category. This short section of the Buffalo is a perfect lazy river float for a beginner to get a taste of Ozark paddling. With no dangerous rapids, the steady current carries floaters downriver without too much paddling required. All while experiencing the majestic bluffs and crystal-clear waters that keep us all coming back. The only thing that makes Tyler Bend to Gilbert a slightly better option for beginners is the ease of self-shuttling. The driving distance to the put-in is much shorter to Tyler Bend than Baker Ford. Aside from that, it’s about the same floating conditions and scenery. This...
Long Pool to Hwy 164 on Big Piney Creek
There are certain floats in Arkansas that have a very short window of opportunity for floating. You have to catch these floats during prime float season, and often within days of a good rain. Floats like North Sylamore Creek, or Helton’s to Long Pool on Big Piney Creek are good examples. Big Piney Creek is one of my favorites, and I think a very underrated float river in Arkansas. And although the window of opportunity is often short, there is a section that’s a little more forgiving. Of course I’m talking about Long Pool to Hwy 164 on Big Piney Creek. Long Pool to Hwy 164 on Big Piney Creek is a float that I have done many times. You might also see it called Long Pool to Moore’s, or Long Pool to Twin Bridges. I like it for several reasons. One, it has some really f...
Grinder’s Ferry to South Maumee on the Buffalo River
As float season gets underway, the businesses along Hwy 65 between Marshall and St. Joe are getting into their busy season. Paddlers of all kinds will flock to this beloved area by the thousands for a fun day on the Buffalo River. A majority of folks floating in this area will do Tyler Bend or Grinder’s Ferry to Gilbert. It’s one of the most popular sections of the Buffalo due the ease of shuttling. But what does the Buffalo River look like after Gilbert? The next take-out after that is Maumee, and most people never see this 12-mile section. It’s been one of the few sections of the Buffalo left on my to-do list. So to start the 2023 float season, we did an overnight float from Grinder’s Ferry to South Maumee. You may be asking, “What’s the deal with this...
Tea Kettle Falls Hike (with Reynolds Hollow Falls)
Tea Kettle Falls is one of the more well-known and unique waterfalls in Arkansas. The base of the waterfall is a massive grotto style bluff that is quite an impressive sight on it’s own. The creek flowing over the top of the bluff has carved a hole in the rock at the top of it. Much like Glory Hole Falls, the water drops through this hole before ever making it to the edge of the bluff. But where the hole at Glory Hole falls drops straight down through the bluff, Tea Kettle is different. Instead of the hole coming out the bottom, it re-routes horizontally, shooting the water out the side of the bluff. This rock formation resembles the spout of a kettle, which is how Tea Kettle Falls gets its name. I’ve wanted to do the Tea Kettle Falls hike for quite a while, and finally got the...
Hiking to Lizard Log Falls Near Lost Corner
The Brock Creek Trail Area and other hollows near Lost Corner are a waterfall hunter’s paradise. This area is well-documented by waterfall pioneers like Tim Ernst and the late Rick Henry, among others. A look at the Waterfalls in Arkansas map will show you just how chock full of waterfalls this place is. Some of these waterfalls – like Schoolhouse Falls – can be accessed via easy hiking trails. Others, like Brushy Grotto Falls and Green Grotto Falls involve some trail and some bushwhack hiking. Many of them have multiple ways you can reach the falls. Hiking to Lizard Log Falls is one of those. Lizard Log Falls is a hike that I attempted to do two years before this writing. I got a little confused that day because the GPS track I had saved did not jive ...
Hike to Hudson Shelter Falls
It was a random Sunday drive up Hwy 7 into the Ozarks years ago where I unexpectedly found my future playground. Little did I know at the time that a visit to Haw Creek Falls would lead to this rabbit hole of adventures that I’ll likely never find the end of. Haw Creek would lead to Pack Rat Falls and Pam’s Grotto. And then across Hwy 7, I would find Kings Bluff and Pedestal Rocks, which would lead me to Falling Water Creek. And from that point, I was hooked. Oh I had done some mountain biking, some paddling, and your basic State Park hikes. But nothing like the Ozark gems I would find all up and down Hwy 7, and eventually all across the state. Since that day, I’ve travelled along this highway countless times, often not knowing what other gems I was passing right by. One ...
