Whether you're here for one weekend or several days, Newton County and the Upper Buffalo River Valley are filled with natural wonders, Ozark history and culture, top-notch cuisine, local shops, and small town charm. Here are a few locally-curated activities for your time at Steel Creek Cabins.
For Outdoor Enthusiasts
In addition to the activities listed below, the Ponca and Jasper areas of Newton County have world-class rock climbing, mountain biking, hunting, and smallmouth fishing.
Go Offroading at Wilderness Rider Adventure Park
At Wilderness Rider Buffalo Ranch & Adventure Park, you can explore 4,000 acres of privately-owned Ozark paradise on multi-use trails suitable for dirt bikes, side-by-sides, ATVs, and Jeeps. Rentals are available on-site. Learn more: https://wildernessrider.com/.
Canoe or Kayak from Steel Creek Campground to Kyles Landing
Featuring towering bluffs, turquoise swimming holes, waterfalls, and historic homesteads, this is the most scenic section of the entire Buffalo National River. It is generally floatable only in the springtime, when consistent rains help maintain adequate water levels. Please be aware that this is not a flat water float. There are rapids, sharp turns, protruding rocks, and other obstacles to navigate. At 8 miles in length with dozens of possible side quests, this is usually a full-day trip. Call Lost Valley Canoe & Lodging to check river conditions and reserve your boat(s).
Hike Lost Valley Trail to Eden Falls Cave
This 2-mile round-trip hike includes stunning waterfalls, wildflowers, rock formations, and caves. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at the trailhead pavilion or at a scenic spot along the trail. Headlamps, helmets, and kneepads are highly recommended for exploring Eden Falls Cave. Pets are not permitted. Learn more: https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/hike-the-lost-valley-trail.htm.
Hike to Hawksbill Crag/Whitaker Point
Six miles up Cave Mountain Road from Boxley Valley, the Hawksbill Crag Trailhead awaits thrillseekers. This 3-mile round-trip hike travels through the oak-hickory forests of the Ozark National Forest to a protruding rock formation resembling a hawk's bill. This is the most-photographed natural wonder in the state of Arkansas. Please use caution if you walk out onto Hawksbill Crag; it's a long way down.
Watch Wildlife in Boxley Valley
With an estimated population of 100 Rocky Mountain elk, Boxley Valley Historic District is known as the Elk Capital of Arkansas. Cruise the 6-mile stretch of Hwy. 43 and 21 between Ponca and Boxley in the fall or winter for a chance to view these majestic creatures from designated viewing areas. Birdwatchers may view bald eagles, osprey, great blue herons, and egrets in the vicinity of the Boxley Mill Pond along Hwy. 43 approximately 1 mile north of the Hwy. 21/43 intersection. Wildlife viewing is best at dawn or dusk.
Visit Roark Bluff at Steel Creek Campground
Roark Bluff is among the most iconic blufflines on the entire length of the Buffalo River, and it's visible from our property! At 3/4 mile long and more than 200 feet tall, this sheer slab of streaked sandstone towers over the river at Steel Creek Campground, which is managed by the National Park Service. Drive to the tent camping area and park near Site #24. A marked trail leads to the river and the upstream end of the bluff. Walk the gravel bar and take in the sights and sounds or perhaps take a swim in the Rushing Hole at the base of the bluff.
For History Nerds
Traditional Ozark culture is all around you in Newton County. The best place to enjoy it is right here at Steel Creek Cabins, but here are some other don't-miss historical spots.
Visit the Bradley House Museum in Jasper
The Bradley House Museum, managed by the Newton County Historical Society, consists of the Bradley House and the Chaney Log Cabin. Each room contains exhibits and artifacts from different eras of Newton County history. Learn more: https://www.newtoncountyar.com/.
Step Back in Time at Beaver Jim's Homestead
Nestled on a hilltop overlooking the Buffalo River at Ponca is a half-mile loop that circles the historic Beaver Jim Villines homestead. Explore the two-pen log farmhouse, barn, corn crib, root cellar, privy, and other relics of early agricultural life dating as far back as 1854 with additions as recent as the 1940s. Click here for more information.
Take a Ranger-led Tour of the Boxley Grist Mill
Milling of grains was the first commercial enterprise along the Buffalo. The Boxley Grist Mill, located in Boxley Valley Historic District, began operation in 1870 and lasted until at least 1950. The mill is usually open for ranger-guided tours on weekends in October, but occasionally rangers are available for scheduled tours outside of the typical season. Call the Tyler Bend Visitor Center for more information: 870-439-2502.
Take a Scenic Drive through Boxley Valley Historic District
From Ponca, drive south on Hwy. 43 to feel like you're stepping back in time. Boxley Valley Historic District contains historic structures and other features associated with an enduring agrarian community along the Buffalo River in Arkansas. The landscape contains rolling farm fields, steep forested slopes, single family dwellings, barns, a school, and community buildings.
Explore the Parker-Hickman Farmstead at Erbie
Take Hwy. 7 north from Jasper, and turn at the sign for Erbie. About 7 miles down the gravel road, you'll reach the Parker-Hickman Farmstead. You may take a self-guided tour of this Ozark farm, which was occupied for more than 100 years by 9 different owners. This is the oldest home within Buffalo National River, built in the 1840s by Alvin and Elizabeth Parker and Greenberry Parker, who moved here from Tennessee.
For Waterfall Hunters
The Upper Buffalo River area is rich with steep hills and hollers, which is perfect terrain for wet season waterfalls. Stay at Steel Creek Cabins after a big rain, and you'll be centrally located to many of the state's most spectacular waterfalls.
- Eden Falls: Lost Valley Trail (Buffalo National River)
- Sweden Falls: Sweden Creek Falls Natural Area (Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission)
- QuiVaLa Elise Falls: Smith Creek Preserve (The Nature Conservancy)
- Hemmed-in Hollow & Diamond Falls: Ponca Wilderness (Buffalo National River)
- Twin/Triple Falls: Camp Orr High Adventure Base (Natural State Council)
- Glory Hole Falls: Glory Hole Falls Trail (Ozark National Forest)
For Indoorsy Folks
While this area is best known for its outdoor adventures, there's plenty here to keep you busy if you prefer a climate controlled, bug-free environment. In addition to the local experiences listed below, Eureka Springs, AR, and Branson, MO, are each about 1 hour away and offer tons of unique shopping and dining experiences, live music, fine art and cultural opportunities.
Visit the Ponca Nature Center
Operated by educators from the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission, this small museum packs a punch. Peruse the interactive exhibits or attend a public program to learn about local wildlife, botany, hunting, fishing, and conservation in Newton County and across the state of Arkansas. More info: https://www.agfc.com/things-to-do/nature-centers/ponca/.
Visit the Bradley House Museum in Jasper
The Bradley House Museum, managed by the Newton County Historical Society, consists of the Bradley House and the Chaney Log Cabin. Each room contains exhibits and artifacts from different eras of Newton County history. Learn more: https://www.newtoncountyar.com/.
Explore the Historic Ponca General Store
Lost Valley Canoe & Lodging operates the Historic Ponca General Store on Hwy. 43 north. Peruse their collection of local art and handmade goods, basic grocery items, and Buffalo River souvenirs. We love when our guests support other local, small businesses!
Shop the Jasper Square
The historic downtown square in Jasper is surrounded by restaurants, curio shops, and art galleries. Take a stroll around the square, hop from shop to shop, and find your perfect souvenir from Buffalo River Country.