This Charming Arkansas Region Is Surrounded By Hiking Trails, A River For Floating, And Historic Ranches

Living up to its nickname as the Natural State, Arkansas' varied landscape of lush plains, sprawling valleys, and enchanting recreational areas like the Garvan Woodland Gardens make it an ideal southern destination for nature lovers. When it comes to geological beauty, it goes without saying that the Ozark Mountains cannot be missed. Spanning from northern Arkansas into neighboring Missouri and Oklahoma, the Ozarks are perfect for travelers seeking remote escapes without crowds, such as Arkansas' White Rock Mountain. The Ozarks are also home to charming destinations like Eureka Springs, a funky city bursting with creativity. Situated just at the edge of the Ozark National Forest is Boxley, a quaint community brimming with hiking trails, verdant vistas, and rich local history. The nearest travel hub is Boone County Regional Airport (HRO) in Harrison, Arkansas, located 31 miles northeast of Boxley along Highway 43.

The Boxley Valley Historic District is a culturally rich farming region in northwest Arkansas, spanning about 8,000 acres along the banks of the Buffalo National River. Sometimes referred to as Big Buffalo Valley, Boxley was once a hunting ground for the Osage Native American tribe before it was occupied by settlers in the mid-1800s for farming. Today, the landscape of Boxley Valley harkens back to its pastoral past, with numerous buildings dating back to the 1850s. Some of the farms in the area are run by descendants of original settlers, shepherding cattle and growing commercial crops. Because of its unspoiled natural splendor, the Boxley Valley has remained a serene and sought-after environment for outdoor recreation and adventure.

Located along the Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway, the Boxley Valley is a prime area in Arkansas for a wilderness escape. The most popular hiking destination in Boxley is Lost Valley Trail, a moderately challenging path that snakes alongside Clark Creek. This 2.3-mile trail leads to breathtaking topographical features, including the enormous 200-foot-wide Cob Cave and the towering 53-foot cascade of Eden Falls. The Buffalo River Trail also begins in Boxley and is considered a more strenuous hike; its full length is 37 miles. For floating enthusiasts, the Buffalo National River is a hotspot for kayaking, canoeing, and rafting — keep in mind that most raft rentals are unavailable if the river's water levels are too low.

If you don't know where to begin planning your Boxley Valley getaway, start by visiting the Buffalo Outdoor Center in Ponca, Arkansas. Founded in 1976 by a former Arkansas state director of tourism, Buffalo Outdoor Center (BOC) has offered cabin rentals and nature tours along the Buffalo River for nearly half a century. It offers personalized itineraries and equipment outfitting, including a rental fleet of mountain bikes, canoes, kayaks, and more. Plus, it is home to the oldest zipline adventure in Arkansas, making it an ideal place to experience the best of Boxley. "I can't think of only one extraordinary experience at BOC," reads one TripAdvisor review. "This is the perfect retreat location."

While there is a wealth of outdoor recreation to take advantage of in the Boxley Valley, the region is also home to a number of well-preserved historic sites worth visiting. One of the oldest buildings in the region can be found on the Parker-Hickman farmstead, a 195-acre plot of land situated just north of Jasper, Arkansas. The farmstead was purchased in the 1830s by the Parkers, who constructed their 18-square-foot log cabin from local cedar. The cabin is one of eight structures on the farmstead that remain today, including a log barn constructed by then-owner James D. Hickman in 1912. Named after its first and last owners, the Parker-Hickman farmstead was occupied continuously for nearly 130 years. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in August 1987.

Another popular historic site in the Boxley Valley is the Villines Homestead, built by fur trapper James "Beaver Jim" Villines in the late 1800s. Located near Ponca, the original cabin and a handful of outbuildings remain intact, though a few of the structures have been replaced over the years. Beaver Jim's childhood home, situated just down the hill, is currently undergoing restoration. As you tour the old homestead, exhibit panels offer details about life on the farm and the legacy of Beaver Jim.