Sightseeing in the Ozark Mountains and the Buffalo River Region
We invite you to explore the beautiful scenery and hidden treasures found in the Ozarks and along the Buffalo National River. Whether your interests are auto touring, waterfalls, historical sites and old homesteads, notorious rail towns, the thousands of acres of wilderness areas located in the area, or the unique wildlife found along the river, we are sure to have something that fits your vacation's agenda.
Suggested Sights
Buffalo River
One of the treasures found along the Buffalo National River is the Boxley Valley. It is a historical district listed on the National Register of Historic Places. All of the homes still retain the traditional patterns of the nineteenth century. It is also home to Hemmed-In-Hollow, the largest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains and west of the Appalachian Mountains reaching over 175 feet.
Also located here is the Ponca Elk Education Center. An Elk herd of about 450 animals, and growing, make their home along the Buffalo National River. Interest in Arkansas Elk increases each year. More and more tourists visit the Buffalo River area to see and photograph these magnificent animals. Elk provide unique wildlife watching opportunities to those who come to see them.
Other wildlife in this area include whitetail deer, raccoon, opossum, bobcat, mink, Arkansas black bear, great horned owls, wild turkey and beaver. Wildlife checklists are available at any ranger station or visitor center.
Scenic 7 Byway
Scenic 7 Byway is perfect for auto touring . From Harrison, this byway will take you to Mystic Caverns in Marble Falls. Reader's Digest said, "The subterranean wonders of the two caves at Mystic Caverns prove that Arkansas' beauty exists even underground".
Marble Falls was once the home of Dogpatch, USA, a theme park that centered on the L'il Abner cartoon series. Though this park is no longer operational, the road from Marble Falls winds through scenic forests.
Also found along Scenic 7 Byway is the Arkansas Grand Canyon. The view begins approximately four miles south of Jasper and according to the Arkansas Times the "Best View in Arkansas".
Pilots Knob
This brilliant lookout is west of Harrison on Capps Road, just past Batavia. Turn on to Pilots Knob road and when it dead-ends you have a short hike through a field. It's up to you how far up Pilots Knob you climb. The 360 view is breath taking.
Haggard Ford Swinging Bridge
This historic bridge is located only six miles north of Harrison on Cottonwood road.
