#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
Float season is fully underway in the Natural State. If you’re a paddler and haven’t been on at least one float yet, you have really missed out. The Caddo and Mulberry have been awesome. I’ve done those while the Buffalo has been closed. But great news – the Buffalo opens back up this weekend!!! So it’s time to start planning those float trips on the Buffalo. And this time of year, floating Ponca to Kyle’s Landing on the Buffalo River should be at the top of your list. Some will say that float season is year-round. I’ve always chosen to hike in the winter and float in the Spring and Summer. But I’m getting more interested in Fall/Winter floating. The water is often better. And frankly, I start to miss my kayak. Regardless of when you prefer t...
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 ...
