Nothing says fall like the pop of fall color that comes as the leaves turn and the colors sparkle and fall begins to give way to winter.
Generally, the third and fourth weekends in October are the best time to enjoy the Fall color in the Buffalo River area -- and on beautiful weekends, the highways are filled with cars and motorcycles out on scenic drives through the hills of Arkansas.
One question I often hear is, "where are the best places to see fall color?"
The real answer is "everywhere" -- as the colors are spectacular nearly everywhere. However, if, you are willing to get off the highway a little bit, here are my eight favorite places to catch fall color. Note, each place has a link to the trail notes to get to the destination, but not every one of the trail notes were actually written in Fall, so some may not have the fall color pictures. So my recommendation is to go out and catch your own.
Here's my top 8 list:
1) Sam's Throne. The drive to Sam's Trone is among my favorite drives, and the view from Sam's Throne is always amazing. But during fall color, it is truly a sight to behold.
2) Pedestal Rocks Recreation Area -- The big views and rocky bluffs combined with the fall color are a fantastic combination.
3) Hawksbill Crag/Whitaker Point is one of the most popular places to catch fall color -- and with good reason. Great views, and beautiful color.
4) The Boxley Valley - While you generally think of scenic overlooks as the best place to view Fall color, don't discount the valleys as great viewing also. Maybe it's the high hills full of beautiful colors; maybe it's the elk in the fields, or maybe it's the haunting sounds of the Elk bugles during the rut that echo through the valley -- regardless, fall in the Boxley Valley is not to be missed.
5) Goat Bluff/Erbie Loop Trail -- This trail is off the radar for most looking for fall vistas -- but there is something here about the river, the bluff, and the contrast of the green knotty pines vs the bright colors of fall that I just love.
6) The Steel Creek Overlook -- Hiking 450 feet above the Steel Creek area along the Buffalo River gets you an amazing panoramic view of the valley below -- the colors at Steel Creek are pretty magnificent.
7) Hideout Hollow -- when you year the word "hollow" it doesn't scream of beautiful views of fall color, but don't let this one fook you. There is great color near the waterfall, and just beyond the waterfall, a volunteer trail goes up to a fantastic view of the Cecil Creek area with some rocky blufflines for impact.
8) Big Bluff -- A panoramic view of the Buffalo River Valley from 400 feet above has to qualify. Great views. But while looking at the views, be sure to watch your step; it's a narrow trail and a long way down.
What places did I miss? Where is your top spot that is not on the list?
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