After exploring the Buffalo River this past weekend, I kept asking myself one question: “What took us so long?!” We packed so much into one weekend, yet barely scratched the surface of everything there is to do. That’s actually my favorite part—we’re already ready for our next trip back. If you’re looking for an unforgettable Arkansas getaway filled with waterfalls, hiking, swimming, and small-town charm, here’s everything we loved.
Stay in Jasper
Our Airbnb, Lucky Star Lookout, was located near the little town of Jasper, so that was our home base for food and fun! It has that welcoming small-town feel with friendly locals, a few restaurants, a coffee shop, and unique little shops. Whether you’re planning a weekend adventure or a longer vacation, Jasper is the perfect place to unwind after a day on the trails.
Where We Ate and Shopped Downtown
This was one of our favorite meals of the trip! Everything tastes incredibly fresh, and they make both their dough and pizza sauce from scratch every single day. The gluten-free crust was really good, too! If you’re craving pizza after a day of hiking, this is the place to go.
A true Arkansas classic! The Ozark Cafe serves hearty diner-style comfort food with generous portions and plenty of history. It’s also one of the oldest restaurants in Arkansas.
Fresh, flavorful, and one of our favorite stops of the weekend! I loved the veggie wrap I got and the owners were so kind. This is definitely a stop I’d recommend.
Need a little afternoon pick-me-up? Stop by Peggy Sue’s for coffee or grab one of their dirty sodas before heading back out to explore. My iced coffee was delicious!
One morning on the way to Glory Hole Falls, we stopped and had breakfast at Cliff House Inn. The views of what many call the “Arkansas Grand Canyon” are breathtaking and worth the stop.
Bubba’s has adorable Buffalo River t-shirts, gifts, and fun keepsakes to remember your trip. We all got matching Buffalo River t-shirts 🙂
Swimming Along the Buffalo River
One of the best parts of our weekend was cooling off in the river!
We loved:
- Bradley Park – just two minutes from downtown Jasper. There’s a playground there, as well as an awesome swimming hole!
- Hasty Public Access – Just a few minutes outside of Jasper, we really enjoyed swimming and playing in the sandy beach area.
- Someone recommended Steel Creek to us as well, but we didn’t have time to go! Next time 🙂
Safety reminder: River conditions can change quickly depending on rainfall and water releases, so always check current river conditions before swimming or entering the water.
Our Favorite Family-Friendly Hikes
If you’re hiking with younger kids, this is an excellent choice.
The trail is only about 0.4 miles round-trip, making it an easy adventure for little hikers. My husband and daughters decided to tackle the steep spur trail that climbs to the top of the falls, but use caution if you choose to do that.
One important thing to know: the drive into Camp Orr, where the trail begins, is steep and can be fairly rough in places. An all-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended.
This was hands-down our favorite hike of the entire weekend. It reminded me of one of my favorite Oregon hikes!
The trail offers so much variety that it never feels repetitive. We walked alongside a beautiful creek, passed multiple waterfalls, climbed stone steps built into the hillside, explored massive rock formations, and even ventured deep into a cave.
Right at the beginning, you’ll cross a creek. We visited after a big storm, so the water was flowing pretty high. We just took off our shoes and carried the kids across. The highlight for my daughters was definitely exploring Eden Falls Cave, where they got to discover an incredible waterfall hidden inside. If caves aren’t your thing, don’t worry—that portion of the hike is completely optional. This trail is one we’ll absolutely come back to.
Another great one for families!
The hike down is beautiful, and standing underneath the cave/waterfall area was such a fun experience. We even cooled off by standing directly beneath the falling water. We got soaking wet and the kids thought it was hilarious. The only downside? Almost the entire return trip is uphill. Let’s just say our kids were a little less enthusiastic about the final 20 minutes back to the car—but it was still absolutely worth it!
Where We Stayed
One thing that made our first Buffalo River adventure feel so much less intimidating with young kids was having a comfortable home base. We stayed at Lucky Star Lookout, just 10 minutes from Jasper and the Buffalo River, and it was the perfect place to relax between hikes and adventures. The kids were obsessed with the bunk beds, hidden movie room, games, and outdoor play areas, while we loved the mountain-view hot tub, fire pit, and easy access to some of the area’s best hiking trails. If you’re planning a family trip to the Buffalo River, it’s a fantastic spot to stay.
I can’t say enough how fun this Buffalo River weekend was. One weekend simply wasn’t enough. We still want to float the Buffalo River, explore more hiking trails, visit additional swimming holes, see the elk in Boxley Valley and spend even more time soaking in everything this incredible area has to offer. The Buffalo River reminded us that sometimes the best adventures are waiting right in our own backyard.