Easily accessible hiking along Arkansas Rivers is a no-cost way to introduce the youngest and oldest family members to the beauty of the Ozark Mountains.
The best day a child or adult might remember on the Buffalo National River could be the one he or she spends during an Arkansas walk in the woods. Whether its spring, summer, fall, or winter, the trails along the Upper Buffalo are absolutely perfect for hiking.
Gorgeous vistas and waterfalls are plentiful and are all ready to be enjoyed and photographed. Spring is a wonderful time of year to be in the woods while the skies are crystal clear and the leaves are gone, creating exciting vistas for as far as one can see. While the upper Buffalo Region is one of the best places to see the area, please remember that January, February, and March weather can be very unforgiving, so just plan ahead.
Here are two short, child-friendly hikes that I like around Harrison, Arkansas. You can do them on foot, in a stroller, or even in wheelchair, guaranteeing an adventure for everyone in the family.
Hike 1: Easy trail from Lost River to Cobb Cave
Shorter daytime trails begin at Lost Valley and the Cedar Grove Picnic Area, a short drive from Scenic Highway 7 down the Erbie Road.
Located just off Arkansas Highway 43 between Ponca and Boxley, Lost Valley was once an Arkansas State Park which was deeded over to the National Park Service shortly after the river was designated America’s first national river in 1972 and turned over to the federal government. The trail is 2.3 miles round trip. This out and back trail begins at the campground where picnic and restroom facilities are available and progresses slightly uphill following Clark Creek on the right.
The first part of the hike is on a wide, mostly open stretch. When you get to the .7 mile mark, the trail will split. Take the right turn and continue on.
Further up the trail you will see what is typically called the “Jigsaw Blocks”, which is a series of boulders that look as if they fell from the bluff behind them. Continue on up the trail, taking the next two right forks until you get to a tall bluff and the entrance to Cobb Cave (approximately 1 mile). This is one of those unforgettable views along the trail. At the end of this stop is Eden Falls, another of the great viewing places along the way. Take a minute to rest here, before heading back down. Remember to take the right forks as you return to the campground.
If you wish to be very adventurous you can continue on the trail to Cobb Cave. Make sure you remember to bring your flashlight with you. The cave is a tight squeeze for approximately 200 feet ending in a large room with a 35-foot-tall waterfall. The entrance to the cave can be tricky as the water from the falls exits. Cobb Cave is neat to explore but again be cautious with taking children into the cave.
This trail is rated easy and great for children of all ages. It is both handicap and stroller accessible for part of the way. Dogs are not allowed on the trail.
Hike #2: Cedar Grove to South Pond and Back, with Buffalo River Views
The Ponds Loop Trail (.4 miles) starts just across the road from the Cedar Grove Picnic area offering a nice view of the river below. The loop trail begins there (across the road). Off to the left is a hard packed gravel part of the trail that is accessible for both strollers and wheelchairs. Within a short distance, you will come to a nice observation deck overlooking the South Pond. From there the trail narrows (not accessible for either children’s strollers or wheelchairs) and heads up into the woods. Turn right when you get to the North Pond and hike back to the parking lot. Incidentally, the 33-mile Buffalo River Trail passes through the picnic area. Both ponds are clear and full of floral and other aquatic plants and animals.
These two short hikes are not designed specifically for young hikers and offer features suitable for others as well. However, they are excellent when introducing young people to the outdoors.
For additional information on the above mentioned trails, other trails along the Buffalo National River, and local places to stay, visit the Harrison Convention and Visitors Bureau site or call them at 870/741-1789.
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Have you ever actually traveled with kids? It doesn’t seem like it by the tone of this article.
Hello Dr Ramesh,
If both legal guardians or birth parents of the child are traveling with the child, you will not need any other documentation, except everyone’s visas and passports. Check with your employer about medical insurance. If they will not provide medical coverage overseas, you can inquire with your U.S. based insurance company about what they provide. Some travel insurance companies sell one-year policies to cover students studying overseas and that might be another option. Safe Travels!
Sir, we both are going Europe with work visa on base of permit. Taking our 3year old child with us. Any letter or medical form/ paper we need to carry with us?
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Take a look at our adventures. https://www.youtube.com/user/00Shaddow00 . We just started doing this to bring the family together and stop wasting our time setting in front of the television. We are filming our trips to document our adventures to remember and to share with family and friends. Maybe to motivate others to get out there with there family.
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Hello Annetta,
Yes, one Permission to Travel or Consent Letter can list more than one child on it, if the contact information for the legal guardians/birth parents is the same.
Safe travels!
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There are many famous forts and palaces along with wildlife sanctuaries and other monuments which has attracted thousands of visitors and some of them have become a part of UNESCO World Heritage Site as well.
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Rajasthan is one of the most vibrant and colorful states in India with its rich culture and traditions since ancient times. It is known as the land of warriors and beautiful princess who even chose to die for saving their chastity and had a great affinity with their motherland. Whether it is the cuisine or the dress sense everything is unique about Rajasthan’s culture. There are many famous forts and palaces along with wildlife sanctuaries and other monuments which has attracted thousands of visitors and some of them have become a part of UNESCO World Heritage Site as well. The famous sites are described in this blog which is good for the history lovers and for those people who want to explore more about the diversity of Rajasthan.
Being in the city of Royal Tents in Jaisalmer of moving sand ridges, you can’t get away from the seat travel. A rough ride on a camel in the Thar Desert is one of the energizing things to do in Jaisalmer Royal Camps. It enables you to investigate the remote and segregated spots tucked amidst the abandon. Absolutely, the additional time you give on your safari, the more remote spots you are probably going to see and the more you may acclimate to and appreciate the abandon serenity.
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A rough ride on a camel in the Thar Desert is one of the energizing things to do in Jaisalmer Royal Camps. It enables you to investigate the remote and segregated spots tucked amidst the abandon.
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