It's Spring again -- and we've had some incredible weather to get out and enjoy some hiking and being outdoors in Northwest Arkansas.
A few weeks ago, we headed out for a short hike along the Buffalo River Trail from Ponca to Steel Creek (and back). This is a small section of a the Ponca-Kyles Landing stretch of the BRT that is about 9.9 miles. However, as a short day hike, we just went as far as Steel Creek, and then came back. It's almost exactly 2 miles to Steel Creek, making it a 4 mile round trip, which was perfect for us on a 1/2 day hike.
To hit this trail, park at the Ponca low water bridge and then walk out across the bridge to the small parking area on the other side. Just past that parking area, the BRT heads off to the left and the right. For this hike head down river to the left.
The trail starts off right along the Buffalo River and after a short stretch goes under the new highway bridge that crosses the river. Right at the spot where you cross under the highway bridge there is a little trail that leads down to an overlook on the river -- a very nice little view.
Back on the main trail, you'll continue along the river for awhile. There becomes another spur off to the left that again heads down to the river. I usually take these spurs just as a method of exploring. As you continue on up the hill a bit you get to yet another overlook. This is a great view with the river making two turns in front of you and a bluff in the background. This is also a challenging stretch of the river for canoeists (Michelle and I had an epic wipeout at this turn a year ago) so when the water is up and canoeists are on the upper Buffalo it's fun to watch people go through here and share in their joy as they make the corner.
As you continue on the trail it eventually turns to the right a little and heads up the hill. There is about a 500 foot elevation change here, so it's a pretty significant treck up. There are also a few small streams that you'll cross over here -- none are challenging or wet crossings, but make for some interesting water features during high water. There is one that we're extremely excited to go check out after a hard rain to watch the water flow.
As you head out across the higher part of the trail you are inward from the bluffline a bit HIGH above the Buffalo River. During leaf-off, there are some spectacular views from up here -- during late spring and summer, the leaves will block most of the great views.
Eventually, you'll head back down the hill again through some really nice rock bluffs and features.
As you get to the bottom of the hill you are near the Steel Creek Campground. At one point there is a short spur off to the left and it goes to the campground and the campground bathroom (and running water). Continue straight ahead for a few hundred yards and you'll eventually cross the newly paved road that heads from the highway to Steel Creek.
At this point, you're at 2 miles. You can continue on across the road to head to Kyle's Landing (a trail we'll discuss here another time) or, walk down to Steel Creek, check out the vally, Roark Bluff (right in front of you -- you can't miss it). This is a great area along the river that is heavily traveled and includes a Horse Trailer parking area.
Whenyou're done here, you can turn around and head back the way you came - another 2 miles back (and another 500 foot incline back up).
BRT - Ponca to Steel Creek
Distance: 2 miles (4 miles round trip)
Difficulty: Moderate
Footwear: Trail Runners or hiking boots
Best Season: During high water -- November - April
Rating: 4 stars (out of 5)
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