Traveling North Arkansas

Marble Falls near Mystic Caverns Flowing Heavy Today!

admin — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 20:47:43 +0000

I hiked down to Marble Falls this morning. This is a waterfall that you can see from Highway 7 about two miles South of Mystic Caverns and about three miles North of the Pruitt Access to the Buffalo National River. It had been probably ten years since the last time I hiked down to the falls, and, oh boy, has it become extremely overgrown since. I would not recommend attempting to hike to this waterfall. Enjoy the view from Highway 7. It can be seen from a small pull-off directly across the street from the Historic Marker that is located two miles South of Mystic Caverns. I finally made it down to the creek, and then, I had to cross the creek to get to a place to take pictures of the spectacular falls. It is interesting to note that about half of the water that flows over this waterfall runs through a stream passage in our lower cavern, Crystal Dome. That spring comes out in the old Dogpatch USA theme park where they had their trout farm.

The picture above includes the old Dogpatch USA train bridge overhead! The next picture of this beautiful waterfall is taken a little closer.

The next picture was taken with a telephoto lens.

Back in the 1800′s there was a grist mill here. I am happy that I got a few pictures of this beautiful waterfall, but I will not be going there again unless some of the brush is removed! There are so many pretty things to see along Arkansas Scenic Byway 7. I hope you get the chance to visit, and, if you do, stop by and say hello to us at Mystic Caverns. God bless you and your family!

Visiting Lile’s Falls and A Hike Along The Buffalo National River

admin — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 23:03:19 +0000

I had the opportunity to take a hike down to Jim Lile’s Falls. I thought that the waterfall would be running pretty strong after the long day of rain that we had yesterday, but I was wrong. So, I hiked on down the creek bed to the Buffalo National River. Then, I hiked downstream for a couple of hundred feet and back up a steep hill with beautiful rock outcroppings. At the top of the hill, I followed a trail downstream along the River.

Much to my surprise, the fall colors were still pretty! As I continued on down the trail, the trail descended down to a wide creek bed, and then on down by the River. For more pictures, click on this link!

I had a wonderful time today on my hike. I am always amazed at the beauty of the Arkansas Ozark Mountains. God’s creation is Awesome!

The Fall Colors at Mystic Caverns and The Buffalo National River are Spectacular!

admin — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 02:24:15 +0000

I have lived in this area of North Arkansas for almost twenty years, and I don’t remember a fall where the leaves on the trees were so vibrant and colorful! Below is a picture entering Mystic Caverns along the private drive.

The reason that we get to enjoy what we have here on this earth, and the hope of a wonderful future to come is expressed in this next picture.

: For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son…

Our gift shop looks particularly festive as seen below.

: Maryan put the decorations on the porch!

I had the opportunity to drive down to the Buffalo River late this morning, and the fall colors were outstanding. The following two pictures were taken at the River.

: The reflection of the trees in the slow moving river is very peaceful.

On my way back to Mystic Caverns from the river, I stopped to take a picture of the trees with their red leaves along the road.

: It had become clowdy by the time this was taken.

If you have a chance to visit North Arkansas in the next few days, you will be rewarded by the beauty only God can create!

Hawksbill Craig in the Upper Buffalo Wilderness Area – Wow!

admin — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 23:06:21 +0000

I took my daughter to Hawksbill Craig with me today. We left Mystic Caverns and headed south on Hwy 7 to Jasper, Arkansas where we turned right onto Hwy 74 West. Along Hwy 74, we saw some spectacular fall colors. The picture below was taken on Hwy 74.

My daughter and I stopped at Buffalo Outdoor Center to visit the restroom and their bird Lemon Drop. Then we headed down Hwy 43 to Hwy 21 South and turned onto Cave Mountain Road. The colors driving up this steep dirt road were vibrant and diverse.

A little over six miles up this dirt road, we reached the trail head. The trail is about a mile and a half each way, but it is worth it! The picture below is of Hawksbill Craig.

Standing on the edge of the world

God's Creation is Awesome!

One the trek back to the parking area, we stopped to look at this balancing rock.

This rock must be fifteen feet tall!

I had a wonderful time with my daughter today visiting Hawksbill Craig. I encourage you to visit Arkansas this fall. The colors are wonderful, and the hospitality can’t be beat! For a brochure listing wonderful motorcycle rides in our area, contact the Harrison, Arkansas CVB. God bless you and your family!

Fall Colors are Arriving in the Arkansas Ozarks

admin — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 19:00:47 +0000

I had yesterday (Oct. 20, 2011) off. So, I took a trip from Mystic Caverns down Scenic Highway 7 to Jasper, Arkansas, and then, over Highway 74 to Ponca, Arkansas. The Fall colors are starting to be visible, but it will be another week or two until they reach full color. Below is a picture that I took along Highway 74 going toward Ponca from Jasper.

: You can see the fall colors through the old barn!

I traveled on Highway 74 West to Highway 43 South to Highway 21 South into the Boxley valley. I stopped at a Buffalo River trail head in the Upper Buffalo River area, and I hiked across a couple of fields (I didn’t take the trail). I came to a beautiful spot just above the river and took the next picture looking upstream.

After hiking back across the two fields which was probably about a mile, I headed back the way I had come, and I stopped two places to view the Elk in the fields. The next picture is of a Bull Elk resting in a field along Highway 43 South of Ponca, Arkansas.

If you have time to visit our area in North Arkansas during the next couple of weeks, I think that you will be awed by God’s creation!

Visit to Scenic Point and The Jasper/Newton County Chamber of Commerce

admin — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 02:23:20 +0000

I left Mystic Caverns with my daughter heading South on Arkansas Scenic 7 Byway this morning. We were on a mission to share some copies of the “Dogpatch Dispatch” from 1980 that I had recently purchased on ebay with some friends in Newton County. It never ceases to amaze me at the beautiful area that is Newton County, Arkansas. Even though we have had a very dry Summer, the scenery is second to none! As we crossed the Buffalo National River about 5.3 miles South of Mystic Caverns, I noticed that the water was pretty low.

We headed on down to the rustic town of Jasper, Arkansas where we stopped and left a couple of copies of the Dispatch with some nice folks at the Ozark Cafe (see my last blog for information about them). We then headed South on Highway 7 up the mountain to the top. Right as you top the mountain on the left side of the highway is one of the most photographed views in Arkansas at Scenic Point.

As soon as I stopped the car, my daughter was out the door asking for a quarter to use in the telescope. The view you experience from here on a clear day is up into Missouri, but today it was a little overcast.

For the energetic folks, Scenic Point has a wooden tower you can climb for a better view.

After enjoying the view for a few minutes, we headed inside to visit with George Albert, the owner.

George’s shop offers a variety of gift and souvenir items.

He has handmade craft items…

He has Arkansas souvenirs…

George even has Buffalo River, Scenic Hwy 7, and Ozark caps…

We left Scenic Point, and headed South to The Cliff House Inn & Restaurant to leave a couple of Dispatches with Mike McLaurin. I never tire of seeing their view of the “Grand Canyon of Arkansas”.

Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to eat at the Cliff House today. We headed back North toward Mystic Caverns and Harrison, Arkansas, and we stopped in Jasper across the street from the courthouse on what I think was the North side at the Jasper/Newton County Chamber of Commerce.

Newton County, Arkansas is the Elk Capital. In 1972, elk were re-introduced to our area, and now there are a fairly large number of them. The best place to view the elk is in the Boxley Valley.

This “Information Center” is quite a place. It is usually manned by volunteers that can help you find whatever you are looking for, but it also features local craft and art item that are available for purchase.

Below is a picture of some spices that are said to be the freshest around.

The next pictures are of some of the locally made jewelry.

The next picture is of handmade wood items.

This last picture is of some of the art available.

My daughter and I had a great time today visiting with our neighbors to the South. I hope you will come visit too! God bless you and your family!

Saturday Morning Ride to the Ozark Cafe (Jasper, Arkansas)

admin — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 17:38:45 +0000

I took a short motorcycle trip last Saturday morning with a couple of my friends. We met at my friend David’s house and decided to take a ride down to Jasper, Arkansas (we live in Harrison, Arkansas). Being fairly early in the morning, the ride was cool and beautiful. We arrived in Jasper, and we decided to eat at the Ozark Cafe. Now, I’ve eaten lunch there many times, but this was the first time I can remember having breakfast there.

We parked our bikes, went in, took a seat, and were given a friendly greeting by Lindsay.

I looked over the menu and decided on a “Southwest Omelet” which has sausage, jalapenos, grilled onions and cheese. My friends being much more frugal than I decided on the breakfast special which consists of one egg, bacon or sausage, biscuit and gravy or toast for just $2.99. That was the best omelet that I have ever eaten. My friends said that their food was very good as well. Most of the time the owner, Tim, is in the kitchen cooking, and Saturday was no exception. Click here for a link to their menu!

The atmosphere at the Ozark Cafe will take you back in time. There are many old photographs on the walls as well as old newspaper articles.

Below is a picture of my good friends David and Henry!

And, the Ozark Cafe is on the National Register.

My friends and I left the Ozark Cafe, and we rode up to look at the view at the Cliff House Inn and Restaurant (located about seven miles South of Jasper, Arkansas on Scenic 7 Byway) which also has great food and an awesome view.

After enjoying the view from the back porch of the Cliff House Inn, we headed back toward Harrison. We stopped at a remote access to the Buffalo National River on the way back, and we saw this man doing flips off of a rope swing.

We decided that we were too old to try such “fun” things. We left a short time later for home. By the time we arrived back in Harrison it was probably about 11:30am, and the temperature was up to about ninety degrees. We had an awesome time!

Butterflies on the beach of the Buffalo National River…

God is so awesome!

Visit Baker Prairie to see beautiful wildflowers!

admin — Mon, 30 May 2011 19:24:32 +0000

I took my daughters on a photography tour of Baker Prairie in Harrison, Arkansas this morning. The flowers were wonderful.

Below is a picture of the Baker Prairie sign.

The trail for Baker Prairie is located on Goblin Drive across the street from the middle school. Below is a picture of the cut path through the prairie.

I saw so many beautiful wildflowers. I was able to identify some of them using the book Wildflowers of Arkansas by Carl G. Hunter. Some flower I couldn’t identify. Below is a picture of some white wildflowers on a stalk that I couldn’t identify.

Below is a picture of Ohio Spiderwort.

My daughters loved walking the path and taking pictures. I encourage you to share this with your children, but remember to spray with a strong insect repellant.

Below is a picture of Pale Purple Coneflower.

Next, I have pictured some Ox-Eye Daisies.

Below is one of the darkest Prairie Roses that I have ever seen.

The next yellow flowers are called Wingstems.

Next, a small clump of pink flowers that I was unable to identify.

The next picture is of my second favorite flower that I photographed today. It is called Dwarf Larkspur.

But, my favorite flowers at Baker Prairie have to be the Indian Paintbrush.

In the next picture, there are two bees enjoying these white flowers.

I am really sorry that I couldn’t find the name of the next small hot-pink flower.

Last of all, below is a picture of some small white flowers that I could not identify.

I hope that you will take time when you visit our area during the Spring or Summer to visit Baker Prairie. You will be awed by God’s creation!

A recent trip to Lile’s Falls just a few miles from Mystic Caverns

admin — Fri, 20 May 2011 04:05:21 +0000

I headed down to see Lile’s Falls May 3rd after the recent rains, and it was really flowing. This is one of those waterfalls that you want to visit after heavy rains, otherwise it isn’t that impressive. To get there, leaving Mystic Caverns, head South on Hwy 7 past the Buffalo River about two or three miles, turn right on a dirt road headed toward Erbie. Then, drive 3.5 miles to a small pull-off on the right side of the road. Park and walk back the way you came about fifty feet (crossing a stream that runs in pipes under the road), then turn left and follow the stream a few hundred feet to the top of the waterfall.

Below is a picture of the waterfall…

After taking a few pictures, I headed downstream hoping that I might find some more waterfalls. I don’t think I hiked more than a couple of hundred feet before I came across some gorgeous smaller falls.

God was showing off when He created this place! I headed a little farther down stream and discovered some more smaller falls.

This is a great place to visit when there has been lots of rain. If you visit during the dryer season, you will probably be disappointed. What a great trip!