PONCA, Ark. — Ponca, Ark. proves once again to be a wonderful place to discover. Lost Valley Trail has been highlighted all over the internet as one of the best trails in Arkansas.
The Discover Arkansas team made the two and a half hour drive north to discover the 2.5 mile trail for the first time. The trail features caves, bluff-shelters, a natural bridge, the 53 feet Eden Falls, creeks, and plenty of beautiful scenery.
The Lost Valley Trail is part of the Buffalo National River National Park Service.
The team made the trip on a very cool day after a hard freeze prior to their visit. These conditions made for excellent hiking conditions, and to our luck, amazing photo opportunities.
The first half of the trail is a very easy hike through the forest along a creek. Benches and informative signs are scattered along the trail. The first fourth of the mile on the trail is wheelchair accessible. The second half involved hiking up many stairs and un-level terrain. However, the icicles and waterfalls were certainly worth the effort.
The first stop on the trail are the Jigsaw Blocks, massive stone blocks having fallen long ago from surrounding bluffs.
Stop number two is the Natural Bridge. Clark Creek carved the arch through 50 feet of limestone and is a wonderful place to sit and enjoy the sound of water rushing.
Cob Cave is the next stop which got its name from corn cobs left behind believed to be by prehistoric Native Americans.
Next on the trail is Eden Falls, which is a very popular destination on the trail. A series of four waterfalls plummets 170 feet down from the bluffs.
Towards the end, adventurers will find themselves spelunking at the Eden Falls Cave. The cave contains a 35-foot waterfall, 200 feet inside, which carved the cave. Proper shoes, a flashlight, and lots of guts would be necessary to explore further.
Emily and Scott McClenahan, of Hot Springs, became instant friends with the Discover Arkansas team after meeting at the trail-head. Emily said with previous visits, the parking lot was completely full and vehicles were parallel parking in the road leading to the parking lot.
After completing the adventure, we understand why. This place is MARVELOUS! THV11's Adam Bledsoe made a bold statement, saying this was his number one destination to discover in Arkansas thus far.
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