Boxley Valley
Area bountiful with elk, outdoor activities
Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-Record. Today, Deary takes readers on a journey to Boxley Valley.
Both the Ouachita and Ozark Mountain regions of Arkansas are bountiful with crystal-clear rivers, incredible views and an abundance of wildlife viewing opportunities. In fact, the number of locations throughout these mountainous areas is so plentiful that one could hardly touch the surface in one article.
However, there are select locations that would definitely top the list. I suppose most outdoor enthusiasts who travel throughout the state would be quick to agree that Boxley Valley is one such place.
Located along a section of Highway 43, this little community sports its fair share of beautiful scenery. And the fact that elk can often be seen freely roaming the Buffalo River corridor is nothing but icing on the cake.
Let’s begin with the elk scene at the Boxley Valley. There was a time, many years ago, when Arkansas hosted a healthy native elk population. However, they were eventually hunted to extinction.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission embarked upon a reintroduction project in 1981. They released and began managing a herd in the Ozarks with hopes that they would get a foothold.
Well, their hopes came to fruition, as the numbers have increased throughout the years, to a point that there is actually a specified elk hunting season at present.
In fact, it is not uncommon to see these elk grazing in fields alongside the highway. In turn, the community is a popular destination for those who long to see one of these majestic mammals first hand.
The elk notoriously return to fields alongside the highway. There are several wide spots where folks pull to the road’s edge and watch them browsing the grass.
Of course, the thought that one might actually hear a bull bugling during the annual mating season is exciting. And the chance that photo buffs might capture a foggy, early morning scene of two bulls locking horns for dominance is even more intriguing.
That all being said, the annual mating season runs from mid-September to November. But the fact that the annual event is behind us is no indication that they will abandon the fields. In fact, one stands a chance of seeing elk going about their everyday rituals within sight of the highway’s edge pretty much 12 months out of the year.
There are several wide spots alongside the highway where folks can pull to the side and view these huge animals. But there is also a designated parking area where one can actually get out and do a little elk watching at an adjacent field.
Those intrigued by these beautiful animals might also find the Ponca Elk Center of great interest. Situated just minutes from where the elk can readily be seen, the facility is a wealth of information pertaining to elk. And let’s not forget that the facility is nestled in the midst of beautiful scenery, as it sports a wraparound deck overlooking a creek.
Speaking of beautiful scenery, let’s also take a look at a wonderful trail within minutes of the aforementioned elk viewing parking area. The Lost Valley Trail is, by far, one of my favorite hiking destinations throughout the Ozarks.
The two-mile loop is rather short in comparison to many of the trails meandering through the Ozarks. And it is not remotely as strenuous as are many of these other designated routes cutting their way through the jagged and steep substrate.
But don’t allow its length or difficulty level to fool you. It certainly has plenty to offer. In fact, those who choose to embark upon a walk along the trail might consider allowing far more time than they might for such a short jaunt into the forest.
The path begins at a well- maintained parking area and immediately crosses a drainage area upon entering a wooded environment. I can recall a bridge spanning this drainage area several years ago. But the structure has since been washed out and has yet to be replaced.
The small creek is easily crossed during the drier seasons of the year. However, those who traverse it during the wetter season are apt to get wet feet.
But don’t allow the possibility of wet feet deter you. In fact, I’ll step out on a limb and make a promise that whoever embarks upon this hike will experience an enjoyable excursion.
The first section of the route makes its way alongside the creek and through a low-lying area providing the perfect habitat for beech trees to thrive.
Beech trees produce a smooth, soft bark, that for some reason entices some folks to pull out their pocketknives and carve their initials. Well, the trees growing alongside the Lost Valley Trail are no different, as they sport their fair share of scars.
The beaten path continues level for a distance prior to reaching an intersection. We will take a right at this point and follow the loop back around to the main trail.
The path heads down a set of natural rock stairs and makes an abrupt left-hand turn at the creek’s edge. The path meanders alongside huge boulders for a short distance prior to running alongside one of the jewels lurking within sight.
This huge grotto is nestled at the base of a large and steep mountain. The scenery it provides deems the walk well worth the effort. But the fact that a creek runs through a large hole in the structure’s wall makes it even more intriguing.
The trail then winds to the left and back up the hill, via a stairway made of native stones, to yet another spectacular view. Located on the right-hand side of the designated path, Eden Falls dumps over a sheer and jagged substrate, plummeting 53 feet into a pool below.
Of course, who would not enjoy seeing the waterfall? But my favorite section of the trail is yet to come. In fact, traveling a short distance farther up the designated path, I am always eager to turn right and follow the short spur trail to the entrance of Eden Cave.
The cave, unfortunately, was closed during my most recent visit. But I always enjoy entering the structure. One must crawl for a ways before the cave opens up. But it’s well worth the effort, as a 15-foot waterfall lurks in the cavern.
The loop ties back into itself shortly beyond the Eden Cave spur, leading back to the parking area. And although traveling the same path we followed in, I suspect one will enjoy the scenery from a different perspective. Yep, the Boxley Valley area is a spot where I have visited time and time again. And this is one of those locations where one is apt to see me kicking around again in the near future.
The Lost Valley Trail is easy to find. From Hot Springs, take Highway 7 north for 67.4 miles and take a left onto Interstate 40, at Russellville. Travel
17 miles and take Exit 64 onto Highway 64.
Go three-tenths of a mile and take a right onto Main Street. Travel 5.5 miles and turn right onto Highway 21. Keep left on
21 at 14 miles and keep left again at 7.9 miles. Travel 15 more miles and veer left onto Highway 21.
Go 11 miles and keep right onto Highway 43. Start watching for the elk for the next 3.3 miles, where you will take a left at the Lost Valley sign and travel 0.6 miles to the parking area.