Compton Area Travel Guide
The Buffalo is celebrating over 50 years since becoming our nation's first national river. As one of few remaining undammed rivers in the country, the river flows 151 miles to the White River.
Incredible bluffs, dark sky stargazing, and so much to discover ensure that you can return year after year and never fully experience all that the area offers.
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Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo.
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Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo.
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Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque
Lorem ipsum
Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo.
Water Activities
Buffalo Outdoor Center
Buffalo Outdoor Center has literally everything you might want for any of your Buffalo River area adventures! From ziplines, to mountain biking and river activities, these guys are your go-to.
Lost Valley Canoe
Lost Valley Canoe has been providing river outfitting for decades. They are a wealth of information and a great choice for any floating needs. Located right in Ponca, they are perfect for your Upper Buffalo float adventure.
Rio Buffalo Outfitters
Rio Buffalo Outfitters are a great choice for canoe and kayak rentals or shuttle service when you bring your own. They are located right in the heart of the Upper Buffalo float area.
Ponca Low Water Bridge
The low water bridge near Ponca is a local favorite for a quick cool dip in the water, fishing, or as an access to trails and canoeing the Buffalo River.
Pruitt River Access
Easy access from Highway 7 makes this a great place to play in the river.
Steel Creek River Access
Steel Creek is known for its incredible sweeping bluffs, lovely river pools, and awesome hiking trails.
Glory Hole Waterfall Trail
Check out this iconic water carved feature at the end of this moderate trail. Definitely worth the extra drive!
Hiking
Lost Valley Trail
MODERATE
|
2.4 miles
|
1-1.5 hours
Lost Valley is a great way to get all that there is to love about the Natural State in one place. You can expect to see water, waterfalls, a cave, and an ancient bluff shelter used for eons by humans in the area. It is a very easy trail, and is accessible to most hikers of all ages.
Centerpoint / Goat Trail to Big Bluff
MODERATE
|
5.9 miles
Centerpoint Trail is a solid day hike with access to top rated Goat Bluff, Granny Henderson's Cabin, and the Buffalo National River itself. You can also cross the river and check out Hemmed-In-Hollow. This is a more strenuous hike, be sure to bring water!
Sweden Creek Falls
MODERATE
|
1.5 miles
|
0.5-1 hour
Sweden Creek Falls is the best little-known waterfall/ easy hiking trail not located off the Buffalo National River park. You are able to choose to hike the top or bottom of the falls. Do both for an unforgettable gorgeous experience. This trail is dog friendly!
Hideout Hollow
MODERATE
|
2 miles
|
0.5-1 hour
A great bluff and waterfall are features on this moderate trail. This is a 2 mile out and back trail.
Balanced Rock Falls
MODERATE
|
1.2 miles
|
0.5-1 hour
This 1.1 mile hike has access from the Ponca Low Water Bridge which makes this falls a fun and easy adventure.
Thunder Canyon Falls
MODERATE
|
3.5 miles
|
1-1.5 hours
A 3.7 mile hike with falls. Be mindful of a slick trail as you near the falls.
Hammerschmidt Falls
EASY
|
0.7 miles
|
0.5-1 hour
This 0.7 mile out-and-back hike is great for all skill levels and only takes about 20 minutes to complete. Water typically flows in the spring and fall months.
Smith Creek Preserve
MODERATE
|
3.4 miles
|
1.5-2 hours
Smith Creek Preserve is a Nature Conservancy protected area with one of the important watershed contributors for the Buffalo River. This is a moderate trail, with incredible tumbled boulders and beautiful pools of water. There is a loop trail that makes for a full afternoon. This trail is dog friendly!
Villines Homestead
EASY
|
0.4 miles
|
0.5-1 hour
This is a very easy trail, accessed near the Ponca low water bridge. Be sure to check out this historic log home which was occupied by one of our areas early non native families.
Paige Falls & Broadwater Hollow
MODERATE
|
0.4 miles
|
0.5-1 hour
A moderate hike with a gorgeous falls and small cascades. This is a 0.7 mile hike. Quick and easy.
Hawksbill Crag (Whitaker Point)
MODERATE
|
2.7 miles
Moderate. 2.9 miles. The most photographed spot in Arkansas. Iconic limestone fin jutting over the Buffalo River valley.
Hemmed-In Hollow
HARD
|
5.7 miles
|
3-3.5 hours
Strenuous. 6.8 miles. Tallest waterfall between the Rockies and Appalachians at 209 feet. Box canyon, 400-foot bluffs. One of the most dramatic destinations in the entire region.
Dining
*NOTE: Newton County is a dry county. Alcohol is available in Boone County / Harrison, AR. Also keep in mind that this is a rural area with sometimes unexpected distances between town and the cabins. Please plan accordingly.
Low Gap Cafe
Delicious Italian and comfort food options in an unassuming location right in the heart of the Buffalo River area. Nick and Marie will take great care of you. Newton County is dry, but you can take a bottle of wine along with you.
JJ's Buffalo Bar & Grill
JJ's has all your favorite bar and grill offerings. Enjoy a beer on the covered patio while enjoying burgers and delicious battered fries. *Be sure to mention you are staying with OZK Cabins for a great discount!
Ozark Cafe
Ozark Cafe has been serving great food on the historic Jasper square for generations. Enjoy the down home generous portions.
Daisy Queen
Daisy Queen is the stop for all your favorite diner fare. Great burgers and comfort food. Oh, and don't forget the ice cream and pie! *Be sure to mention you are staying with OZK Cabins for a sweet discount!
Dark Sky
Stargazing in the Arkansas Ozarks
OZK Cabins sits on 550 private acres in Compton, Arkansas — less than 5 miles from the Buffalo National River, a certified International Dark Sky Park. No streetlights. Just you and the Milky Way.
