Arkansas Photographic Destinations
Let me help you to find a great location in Arkansas for your next photography adventure. I will list many lesser known destinations, as well as the famous “Icon Locations” for photography. I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination. I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip. I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to insure a quality guide to great locations for photography in Arkansas.
- Pea Ridge National Military Park
- Moonshiners Cave
- Talimena Scenic Drive
- Glory Hole Waterfall
- Boxley Mill
- Little Missouri Falls
- Garvan Woodland Gardens
- Blanchard Springs Caverns and Recreation Area
- War Eagle Mill and Bridge
- Parker-Hickman Farmstead Buffalo National River
- The Old Mill
- Steel Creek – Buffalo National River Arkansas
- Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas
- Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway Depot
- Fort Smith National Historic Site
- Haw Creek Waterfall and Campground
- Natural Dam Arkansas Waterfall
- Lost Valley – Eden Falls – Buffalo National River
- High Bank Twin Falls – Arkansas
- Cherokee Prairie Natural Area – Arkansas
- Devil’s Den State Park Arkansas
- Sam’s Throne Arkansas
- Alum Cove Natural Bridge Arkansas
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page.
Arkansas Photographic Destinations
Arkansas Destinations
War Eagle Mill
War Eagle Mill is a working gristmill in Benton County, Arkansas. A mill has been located on the site as early as 1832, but was destroyed three times, and last rebuilt in 1973. The mill currently the only operating mill in Arkansas and operates as an undershot gristmill, and houses a store and the Bean Palace restaurant. The mill is home to the War Eagle mill Crafts Fair in May and October.
Historic War Eagle Bridge
The historic War Eagle Bridge next to the mill is a one lane steel bridge built in 1907 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The bridge was restored, preserving the historic integrity in 2010.
What to Photograph:
The main things to photograph are the mill and the bridge, however their are other old buildings and the War Eagle Creek.
Best Time for Photographers:
The mill and bridge can be photographed at most any time of the day, however late afternoon and early evening will put the sun at your back when shooting the mill from across the river. The worst time to try and photograph the mill is during either the spring or fall craft show, however the craft show can be a good photo subject by itself.
Getting There:
From Springdale –take Hwy 412 E to Hwy 303 N. Eight miles to the mill. Alternatley, take I-540 N to Exit 85. Turn right from ramp on Hwy 71 S. Turn left on Hwy 62B/Second Street. Turn right to Hwy 12 E and follow 6.8 miles. Turn right on War Eagle Road. It is 1.5 miles to the mill.
From Fayetteville – take Hwy 45 N to Hwy 303 N to Hwy 412 E to Hwy 303 N. It is 8 miles to the mill.
From Bella Vista – take I-540 S to Exit 86 turn left from ramp on Hwy 102 E. Turn right on Hwy 62B/Second Street. Turn left on Hwy 12 E. Follow Hwy 12 E. Go 6.8 miles to War Eagle Road 98. It is 1.5 miles to the mill.
From Points South of Rogers – take I-540 N to Exit 85. Turn right from ramp on Hwy 71 S. Turn left on Hwy 62B/Second Street. Turn right to Hwy 12 E and follow for 6.8 miles. Turn right on War Eagle Road. It is 1.5 miles to the mill.
From Huntsville – take Hwy 412 W to Hwy 303 N. It is 8 miles to the mill.
From Eureka Springs – take Hwy 23 S. Turn right on Hwy 12 W and travel about 14 miles. Turn left on War Eagle Road 98 and follow 1.5 miles to the mill.
From Branson – take Hwy 65 South to Hwy 412/62 W stay on Hwy 412 W from Alpena to Hwy 303 N. It is 8 miles to the mill.
Maps:
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.
Cost:
There are no fees for this area.
Facilities:
There are no lodging or camping facilities at the mill, however there are restrooms and the Bean Palace Restaurant.
The mill, gift shop and restaurant are open every day in March through January 1 from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. The mill will be open January 1 for a new year’s celebration. Closed for the rest of January and only Friday, Saturday and Sunday in February.
Please note that the Mill has 3 floors but no elevator.
If you have any questions about the mill, gift shop or restaurant, please call toll-free at 866-492-7324.
Location Contact Information:
War Eagle Mill
11045 War Eagle Road | Rogers, Arkansas | 72756-7544
Local: 479-789-5343
Toll Free: 1-866-492-7324
Fax: 479-789-5100
http://www.wareaglemill.com/
Nearest City or Town:
Roges Arkansas
War Eagle Mill Photo Gallery
Click Here for full page gallery
More Photographic Destinations in Arkansas:
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page.
Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State
All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published. Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.
Great Places for Great Photos
Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure. I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography. I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination. I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip. I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography.
If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!
Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country. Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos.
Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group.
All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need. Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two.
If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom. This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
The Old Mill
The Old Mill was never a real working mill, but instead the creation of Senor Dionicio Rodriguez who sculpted the entire project from cement. The project was built as part of the development of the Lakewood residential community in North Little Rock and was completed in 1933. The Old Mill was placed on the National Record of Historic Places in 1986. The Old Mill is well known from the opening scenes of the 1939 film Gone With the Wind.
What to Photograph:
The entire park is very photographic and draws many photographers from around the world. The main attraction of course of the mill itself, but the surrounding gardens are also great photo subjects themselves. There are many intricate details in the paths and bridges as well that make interesting photos.
Best Time for Photographers:
Early morning and evening of course are some of the best time for photography, but due to the popularity of the park weekdays are the best time to photograph without crowds of people. The park is very popular with professional shooting portraits and for weddings.
Where it is:
The Old Mill is located in the T.R. Pugh Memorial Park, at the corner of Fairway Avenue and Lakeshore Drive in North Little Rock.
Maps:
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.
Cost:
Admission if free to the park which is open from sunrise to sunset, and is now owned by the city of North Little Rock.
Facilities:
There are public restrooms located in the park.
Links:
Information about the Old Mill
Location Contact Information:
Address:
The Old Mill at T.R. Pugh Memorial Park
3800 Lakeshore Drive
North Little Rock, AR 72119
Phone: 501-758-1424
Toll-Free: 800-643-4690
Fax: 501-758-5752
Website: www.northlittlerock.org
E-mail: visitnlr@northlittlerock.org
GPS: N34.7916357 W92.2504150
Nearest City or Town:
North Little Rock Arkansas
Weather:
Click for weather forecast
The Old Mill Photo Gallery
Click Here for full page gallery
More Photographic Destinations in Arkansas:
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page.
Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State
All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published. Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.
Great Places for Great Photos
Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure. I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography. I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination. I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip. I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography.
If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!
Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country. Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos.
Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group.
All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need. Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two.
If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom. This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
Talimena Scenic Drive
The Talimena National Scenic Byway, a breathtaking 54-mile route, is known for its spectacular views. Designated by the U.S. Department of Transportation as an official National Scenic Byway, Talimena Drive was built specifically to highlight the area’s beautiful foliage and spans one of the highest mountain ranges between the Appalachians and the Rockies.
Join thousands of visitors during the fall season and view amazing fall foliage stretching as far as the eye can see. Awash in vibrant shades of red and gold, the forested slopes surrounding Talimena Drive make this scenic byway an autumn hot spot and regional crown jewel. Numerous viewpoints and scenic turnoffs along the Talimena Drive provide visitors with spectacular views of the fall color change. Stop at one of the 22 designated vistas along the route and take advantage of the route’s interpretive signage.
One of the first National forest Scenic Byways, the Talimena Scenic Drive, is located in the western part of the Ouachita Mountains. The drive, designated in February 1989, is between the city limits of Mena, Arkansas and a point of US highway 271 just north of Talihina, Oklahoma.
Constructed by the Oklahoma and Arkansas Highway departments between 1964 and 1969 with federal public highway funds, the route connected two truck trails originally built by Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The Oklahoma and Arkansas highway departments’ now maintain the byway.
Designated a National Scenic Byway by the America’s Byway Program in 2005, the road travels within the Ouachita National Forest along the highest peaks of the Winding Stair Mountains, part of the Ouachita Mountain chain, including the second tallest peak in Arkansas, Rich Mountain, 2,681 feet in elevation. Many of the forests along these ridges, stunted and of little commercial value, were never logged and are old growth. There are at least 13% hill grades along the route.
Queen Wilhemina State Park
Located atop Rich Mountain, Arkansas’s second highest peak, Queen Wilhelmina offers some of the most breathtaking views in the state from the fully renovated lodge. Travel the Talimena National Scenic Byway to this park and its lofty setting. This site is as rich in history as it is in scenery. The original lodge was built in the late 1800s as a Victorian resort named Wilhelmina Inn to honor the young Queen of the Netherlands. Two inns followed the original “Castle in the Sky.” The latest inn is today’s park lodge, the crowning attraction at Queen Wilhelmina State Park. The 40-room lodge features a new look and many modern updates. Enjoy Southern cuisine and first-class hospitality in the Queen’s Restaurant. A conference room with private balcony accommodates up to 75.
The park includes 41 campsites (eight Class A, 27 Class B, five tent sites with water, and one hike-in tent site), picnic areas, and trails. Interpretive programs highlight Rich Mountain’s fauna and unique flora and connect you to the fascinating history of the three inns that have graced this mountaintop site.
What to Photograph
54 miles of vistas and scenic views on this National Scenic Byway.
Located on the Talimena Scenic Highway on the Ouachita National Forest, Rich Mountain Fire Tower is at the highest point on the road and is a popular picnic spot. The 42’ steel tower with a 14’x14’ Cl-100 metal cab was constructed in 1952 and used for fire detection until 1975. It replaced an unusual 6’x6’ wooden cab perched atop a 20’ log tower with a Spartan groundhouse living quarters.
Where it is:
Getting There:
FromtheWest (Oklahoma)
U.S. HIGHWAY 259
U.S. Highway 259 intersects the halfway point of the Talimena scenic Drive 5 miles north of Big Cedar, Oklahoma, and 18 miles south of Heavener, Oklahoma.
U.S. HIGHWAY 271
U.S. Highway 271 Intersect Oklahoma Highway 1. The Talimena Scenic Drive, at the West End Visitor Information Station, 7 miles northeast of Talihina, Oklahoma or 30 miles southwest of Poteau, Oklahoma.
FromtheEast (Arkansas)
ARKANSAS HIGHWAY 88
Arkansas Highway 88 intersects U.S. Highway 59/71 in the town of Mena.
The Talimena Scenic drive begins at the East End Visitor Information Station north of town.
ARKANSAS HIGHWAY 272
Arkansas Highway 272 intersects U.S. Highway 270/59 at the town of Rich Mountain, 8 miles North West of the town of Acorn, Arkansas. This highway goes directly to Queen Wilhelmina State Park.
GPS:
The byway starts at the East End Visitor Information Station, GPS point (34.601078,-94.243223).
Drive north on State Hwy. 88/Talimena Scenic Dr. to the state line of Arkansas and Oklahoma. GPS point (34.693553,-94.455697)
Maps:
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.
Hours:
The scenic drive is always open. The road is not plowed in the winter.
Queen Wilhemina State Park
Lodge / Gift Shop:
Open all year Sun. – Sat. 24 hours per day
Restaurant:
Open all year Sun. – Sat. 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Campground / Picnic Area:
Open all year
Restrooms open March 1 – Nov. 30
NOTE: No water is available at campsites Dec., Jan. & Feb.
Cost:
There is no cost to drive the Talimena Scenic Drive.
Facilities:
Restrooms are located at all Ranger stations, West End VIS (Visitor Information Station), Old Military Road, Horse Thief Spring, Winding Stair Recreation Area, Pipe Spring, Kerr Arboretum and Nature Center, Queen Wilhelmina State Park, Rich Mountain Fire Tower, East End Visitor Information Station.
Location Contact Information:
Queen Wilhelmina State Park (Arkansas)
3877 Highway 88 West
Mena, AR 71953
RESERVATIONS OR QUESTIONS?
CALL 24-HOURS
479-394-2863
Email: queenwilhelmina@arkansas.com
Talimena Scenic Drive Photo Gallery
Click Here for full page gallery
More Photographic Destinations in Arkansas:
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page.
Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State
All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published. Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.
Great Places for Great Photos
Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure. I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography. I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination. I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip. I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography.
If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!
Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country. Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos.
Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group.
All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need. Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two.
If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom. This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
Steel Creek Campground
Steel Creek campground is must stop location for photographers and sight seers alike if you are visiting the Buffalo National River in Arkansas. The Buffalo River is America’s first National River and one of the last un-dammed rivers in the United States, flowing free for 135 miles. Roark Bluff, one of the largest on the Buffalo River is easily viewed from almost anywhere in the campground and makes for a fantastic photo opportunity. The campground also serves as the primary canoe lunch for the upper section of the river during springs canoeing season.
What to Photograph:
This area offers almost limitless opportunity for photographers any time of the year. Access to the river and the gravel bars along the river the photographer with canoeists floating the river in spring to great fall reflections in quiet pools in the fall. Roark Bluff provides one of the most scenic views in the central US, at least that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
The Arkansas Elk are often spotted in the green grasses of the campground in the early morning and late evening.
Best Time for Photographers:
Just about anytime can be good for photography here, of course midday light can be very high contrast and hard to work with and the use of HDR photography can be the solution. Since you are in the bottom of valley there is little opportunity to photograph sunrise and sunsets. In the early mornings there is often a good chance of fog on the river, which can make for really nice images.
In the spring is normally the rainy season and the water levels will be up and the river will fill with canoes. During the summer and fall the river will slow to a crawl with too little water to float, and it becomes a great place for photographing reflections of the bluffs and trees.
Where it is:
LOCATION
The Buffalo National River is in the Ozarks in northern Arkansas.
Take Highway 74 a mile east of Ponca, Steel Creek gate is on the left. Follow the newly blacktopped road to the bottom and you are there.
Maps:
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.
Click here for larger version of the
Buffalo River NPS Map
Cost:
There are no fees for day use of the park. Fees for camping: $10 a night, free from mid-November to mid-March (for both horse and tent camping.)
Facilities:
26 sites available first come/first serve, tent camping; 6 people maximum per site; water available nearby mid-March to mid- November; no fees charged mid-November to mid-March. Fourteen horse campsites available.
The campground has to sets of flush toilets and water, there is no electric or other hookups available, and no showers.
Links:
Water Levels for Buffalo River
Newton County Chamber of Commerce
National Park Service Website
Location Contact Information:
By Mail
Superintendent
Buffalo National River
402 N. Walnut, Suite 136
Harrison, AR 72601
By Phone
Tyler Bend Visitor Center Information
(870) 439-2502
Headquarters
(870) 365-2700
Headquarters (TDD)
(870) 365-2789
Buffalo Point Ranger Station Information
(870) 449-4311
Pruitt Ranger Station Information
(870) 446-5373
EMERGENCY DISPATCH
(888) 692-1162
By Fax
870-365-2701
By E-Mail
Please send e-mail inquiries by Clicking Here.
Nearest City or Town:
Ponca is the closest town, however there are very few facilities in Ponca.
Jasper
Jasper is a quaint and historic town of about 500 people surrounded by natural scenic beauty in every direction.
Jasper has several restaurants, gas stations, a couple of motels, grocery store and most other necessities.
Tips for the Photographer:
Equipment:
If you have it, bring it. There are a great deal of varied types of photography in not only the campground, but the entire surrounding area. Wide angle lenses to capture the river and bluffs soaring hundreds of feet into the air and a long telephoto lens if you get a chance to photograph the Elk.
Photography Tips:
Bring plenty of memory cards and batteries, this is a great place to photograph some of the most scenic and rugged landscape in this part of the country.
When photographing the river, use a tripod and a slow shutter speed to give the water a smooth silky look. Using a polarizing filter and rotating it properly will help to saturate colors and remove the glare from the water.
Weather:
Click for weather forecast
Steel Creek Photo Gallery
Click Here for full page gallery
.
More Photographic Destinations in Arkansas:
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page.
Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State
All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published. Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.
Great Places for Great Photos
Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure. I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography. I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination. I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip. I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography.
If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!
Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country. Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos.
Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group.
All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need. Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two.
If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom. This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
Description:
Sam’s throne is primaliy known as a premier rock climbing area in the Ozarks.
The legend dates back to the 1820s. Buffalo hunter and farmer Sam Davis roamed Arkansas valleys in what is now Newton County, searching for a sister he claimed was kidnapped by Indians.
Davis climbed the tall rocks every morning and yelled mighty sermons to those who lived in the valley below. The place became known as Sam’s Throne.
Sam’s Throne Arkansas
Cost:
There is not a fee for this area however donations are accepted. Open year round. No water available.
Best Time to Visit:
Anytime but summer.
Where it is:
Sam’s Throne is in the Ozark National Forest about 2.5 hours north of Little Rock near Jasper. Located just off State Hwy 123 (Possibly one of the most scenic roads in the State).
Directions:
Sam’s Throne is about 50 miles north of Russellville on Hwy-123 between Lurton and Mt Judea (pronounced Mt Judy) and the main parking area is clearly marked by a nice new wooden Forest Service sign. Follow this road through the camping area to a parking lot where you will find a sign for Sam’s Loop Trail Chickenhead wall access. Follow the well established trail and enjoy some fantastic views of the vally on your way to the wall and overlook.
Map:
GPS Cordinates
Sams Throne is located at latitude – longitude coordinates of N 35.870911 and W -93.058507.
Tips for the Photographer
Equipment:
To include the vast panoramas you will want a wide angle lens. There is also a lot of potential for shooting macro along the trail. Use of a polarizing filter will help with reflections on the leaves and make your skies bluer.
What to Photograph:
The valley below, the Chicken Head Wall, rock overhangs and trees clinging to the rock. You may also be able to photograph rock climbers.
Photography Tips:
When shooting with a polarizing filter you want the sun to be hitting the side of the lens for the most effect, with the sun at your back or shooting into the sun the filter will do very little.Shooting midday will result in high contrast and dappled shade, neither of which make for good landscapes. Best time to shoot is early morning or late in the day.
Sam’s Throne Photo Gallery
Click Here for full page gallery
More Photographic Destinations in Arkansas:
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page.
Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State
All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published. Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.
Great Places for Great Photos
Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure. I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography. I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination. I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip. I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography.
If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!
Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country. Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos.
Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group.
All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need. Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two.
If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom. This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
Petit Jean State Park
Petit Jean Mountain near Morrilton Arkansas is home to Petit Jean State Park, which was Arkansas first state park. The park is known for the legend of Petit Jean, a french girl who disguised herself as a cabin-boy to accompany her boyfriend to the new world.
More than 20 miles of trails guide you to Petit Jean’s special places. Walk to Cedar Falls; meander through Seven Hollows; enter Rock House Cave or explore Bear Cave.
What to Photograph:
Petit Jean State Park offers spectacular views of the Arkansas River Valley from numerous overlooks around the park.
Cedar Falls is a 94 foot waterfall that flows all year long and can be photographed from several overlooks or you can hike to the bottom and photograph from there.
There are a great deal of unique rock formations and caves in the park, the most notable is the “Turtle Rocks”.
The park contains many CCC structures including 3 National Historic Districts and over 80 buildings, structures, trails, and bridges.
Best Time for Photographers:
Just about anytime can be good for photography here, of course midday light can be very high contrast and hard to work with and the use of HDR photography can be the solution.
Sunrise and sunset are both great times for photographers at Petit Jean. For sunrise the Petit Jean Gravesite overlook gives a great view of the Arkansas River and the sunrise to the east. The Grave site overlook
Sunset can be shot from several overlooks on the west side of the mounting, the CCC overlook is my favorite.
Where it is:
LOCATION
Take Hwy. 9 (Exit 108) off l-40 at Morrilton south 9 miles to Oppelo. Then head west 12 miles on Hwy. 154 to park; OR, take Hwy. 7 off l-40 (south), OR, off I-30 (north) to Centerville, then east 16 miles on Hwy. 154 to the park; OR, take Hwy. 155 (north) from Hwy. 10 at Casa.
Maps:
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.
Petit Jean State Park Map
Cost:
There are no fees for the use of the park, fees are charged for camping, cabins, and the lodge.
Facilities:
Lodging ? High on a bluff overlooking the Arkansas River Valley, Mather Lodge offers 24 guest rooms (6 doubles and 18 singles) and cabins. Whether for a weekend vacation or a business conference, the lodge complex provides a swimming pool, gift shop, a conference room, and full service restaurant (in-park catering available.) Small groups can meet in the
Arkansas Room for a fee
.
Cabins ? Twenty-one fully equipped housekeeping cabins are scattered in the woods near Mather Lodge. There are 9 rustic, 5 duplex (10 units) and 2 honeymoon cabins with hot tubs, all with fireplaces (for seasonal use only – Oct. 1 to April 1). Cabins include all-electric kitchens with cooking utensils and tableware. Linens are provided, and cabins are heated and air-conditioned for year-round comfort. Five cabins are barrier-free. Six duplex cabins (12 units, all with fireplaces, but no generic name of soma kitchens) are near the lodge. There are also dog friendly cabins. (NOTE: No lodge rooms or cabins have telephones. Televisions are available in all rooms and cabins. The lodge pool, open seasonally, is for lodge and cabin guests only. Call to reserve a lodge room or cabin.)
Camping ? The park has 125 campsites (27 pull-thru sites) with water and electrical hookups. NOTE: Campers must register at the visitor center before occupying a campsite. All may be reserved up to one year in advance. Call to check availability. Sites are divided into 4 areas with a bathhouse in each. There is also a 50 unit rally-style camping area available for camping clubs. A group camp area with heated bathhouse can be reserved and is available for tent camping only, year round. An RV sanitary station is near the overflow area.
For those who don’t own camping equipment, Rent-A-Camp and Rent-A-Tepee packages include a tent/tepee, mats, canoe, camp stove and other camping gear. These are available March – November. A fly-in campground is at the airport. Call for information.
Links:
The Legend of Petit Jean and History of the Park
Petit Jean State Park Website
Geology of Petit Jean State Park
Location Contact Information:
For lodge and cabin reservations, contact:
Mather Lodge
1069 Petit Jean Mtn. Road
Morrilton, AR 72110
Telephone: (501)727-5431 OR 1-800-264-2462
For camping reservations, information, park hours,
fees and programs, contact:
Petit Jean State Park
1285 Petit Jean Mtn. Road
Morrilton, AR 72110
Telephone: (501)727-5441 (Park
e-mail: petitjean@arkansas.com
www.petitjeanstatepark.com
Arkansas State Parks
One Capitol Mall, 4A-900
Little Rock, AR 72201
Telephone: (501)682-1191
www.ArkansasStateParks.com
Nearest City or Town:
Morrilton Arkansas
Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce
Tips for the Photographer:
Equipment:
Petit Jean State Park offers all types of photography opportunities and can be photographed with any type of camera equipment. For shooting sunrise and sunset a tripod will keep your camera steady during long exposures during twilight, and is needed in the caves and rock shelters throughout the park.
Photography Tips:
To photograph Cedar Falls, as with most waterfalls, low light on an overcast day or very early or late will let you use a long exposure to smooth out the water. You can read my article on “How to Shoot Waterfalls” here.
Weather:
Click for weather forecast
Petit Jean State Park Photo Gallery
Click Here for full page gallery
More Photographic Destinations in Arkansas:
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page.
Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State
All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published. Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.
Great Places for Great Photos
Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure. I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography. I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination. I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip. I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography.
If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!
Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country. Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos.
Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group.
All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need. Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two.
If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom. This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
Pea Ridge National Military Park
Canons on display at Pea Ridge National Military Park is a 4,300 acre Civil War Battlefield that preserves the site of the March 1862 battle that saved Missouri for the Union.
On March 7-8, 1862, over 23,000 soldiers fought here to decide the fate of Missouri and was a turning point of the war in the West. The 4,300 acre battlefield honors those who fought and died on these grounds. Pea Ridge was the most pivotal Civil War battle west of the Mississippi River and is one of the most intact Civil War battlefields in the United States.
The park also includes a two and one half mile segment of the Trail of Tears. The Elkhorn Tavern, site of bitter fighting on both days, is a NPS reconstruction on the site of the original.
The Pea Ridge Campaign
Pea Ridge was the most decisive Civil War battle west of the Mississippi River. Over 26,000 soldiers struggled for two days in Northwest Arkansas in the battle that would decide the fate of Missouri.
But why was Missouri so important that so many men would risk their lives for it? Control of Missouri was the key to winning the war in the West. Military strategists, both North and South, were fully aware of this. Missouri provided an easy invasion route either north or south and controlled the Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio Rivers. It had abundant natural resources, especially lead and iron ore, a large military-aged population and was the home of the Saint Louis Arsenal, with a stockpile of over 60,000 muskets.
In December, 1861, the situation in Missouri was deadlocked. The Missouri State Guard, the pro-secession militia army, controlled the southern & western parts of the state, while the Federal Army controlled the northern & eastern parts, as well as the railroads & waterways. The Missouri State Guard had won important victories at Carthage, Lexington, and Wilson’s Creek, but had failed to force Missouri to secede from the Union.
The Federal commander, Major General Henry Halleck, knew that the State Guard was a symbol of open defiance to Federal authority in Missouri and that its continued presence in the state might still encourage secession. He began to gather all his available forces at Lebanon, Missouri, and, on December 25, 1861, placed Brigadier General Samuel Ryan Curtis in command of them. Curtis’ orders were to destroy the Missouri State Guard at its winter quarters in Springfield or to drive it from the state.
Curtis’ Army of the Southwest began its campaign on February 10, 1862. The army marched quickly over the rough, frozen roads, and caught the Missouri State Guard, and its commander, Major General Sterling Price, by surprise. Price abandoned Springfield on February 13, and retreated south into Arkansas. The two armies fought a series of skirmishes along the way and on February 17, one week after beginning its campaign, Curtis triumphantly telegraphed Halleck, “The flag of our Union again floats in Arkansas.” As the Federals crossed the border into Arkansas, a brass band played “Yankee Doodle” and “The Arkansas Traveler”.
Where it is:
The park is located 10 miles east of Rogers AR, the entrance road is located on Highway 62, 1.3 miles east of the intersection of Highways 62 and 72. As one is driving along highway 62, watch for the brown road signs directing one to the entrance road to the parks visitor center.
Getting to the Park
From the Northeast (Republic, MO): Take US 60 to Monett, MO, then south on MO 37 to Gateway, AR. Go west on US 62 to the new park entrance.
From the North (Joplin, MO): Take US 71 south until the Pea Ridge Exit and then go left on AR 72. At the town of Pea Ridge follow 72 to US 62. Turn left on US 62 and drive 1.3 miles to the Park.
From the South (Ft. Smith, AR): Take I-49 north. Go through Fayetteville, AR. Continue north on I-49 to the US 62 exit and follow signs to the park.
From the West (Tulsa, OK): Take the Cherokee Turnpike to US 412 to Siloam Springs and Springdale, AR. Take I-49 north to US 62 East and follow signs to the park.
Maps:
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.
GPS:
36°26’34.77″ N 94°1’28.89″ W
Cost:
There is no fee to enter at Pea Ridge National Military Park and passes are not available for purchase.
Hours:
Pea Ridge National Military Park The battlefield driving tour road is open for visitors to tour 7 days a week from 6 am to sunset.
Facilities:
Inside the Visitor Center you will find a theater, a bookstore and a small museum and restrooms. Outside you will find a 7-mile, 10-stop tour road, as well as horse trails and hiking trails. There is no food or lodging available in the park.
Location Contact Information:
Mail:
15930 E Highway 62
Garfield, AR 72732
Phone:
479-451-8122
Fax:
479-451-0219
e-mail us
Pea Ridge National Military Park Photo Gallery
Click Here for full page gallery
More Photographic Destinations in Arkansas
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page.
Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State
All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published. Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.
Great Places for Great Photos
Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure. I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography. I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination. I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip. I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography.
If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!
Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country. Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos.
Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group.
All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need. Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two.
If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom. This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
Parker-Hickman Farmstead
The Parker-Hickman farmstead is probably one of my favorite places to photograph along the Buffalo National River. The area is owned by the National Park Service and is open to the public to wander around freely. The structures have been preserved at the same condition in which they were at the time the last owners, the J.D. Hickman Family, left in 1978. Many of the structures have been stabilized to preserve them for the future. The homestead is the oldest still in existence on the Buffalo River and one of the best preserved around, and was added to National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
What to Photograph:
The old buildings including the log cabin built with hand-hewn logs with half dovetailed notches and newspaper lined walls to seal out the cold. There are 8 structures standing all of which make excellent photo subjects.
The Buffalo River Trail runs right through the middle of the homestead, and if you follow the trail at the back of the property and stay to the right, you will reach the Historic Cherry Grove Cemetery in about 1 mile.
Best Time for Photographers:
There is not a bad time for photographing here, with the layout of the numerous buildings you can have the sun at your back most anytime of the day. Of course morning and evening are great times, and fall brings brilliant colors to the area.
Getting There:
The homestead is located on the Buffalo National River and can be reached by a short walk from the river at the Erbie low water crossing if you are floating the river in a canoe or kayak. The best way to get here by car is to take the Hwy 7 north out of Jasper for about 3.5 miles, turn west and follow the signs to Erbie Campground, instead of turning into the campground continue on Old Erbie Road the road. The homestead will be to your left at the bottom of the hill and has a designated parking area. If you cross the river at the low water crossing you have gone to far.
Maps:
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.
Cost:
There are no fees for this area.
Facilities:
There are no facilities at the homestead, the nearest bathrooms are at the Erbie Campground about 3 miles back up the road.
Food, Gas, and Lodging are available in Jasper AR about 10 miles from the homestead.
Location Contact Information:
National Park Service Buffalo National River
By Mail
Superintendent
Buffalo National River
402 N. Walnut, Suite 136
Harrison, AR 72601
By Phone
Tyler Bend Visitor Center Information
(870) 439-2502
Headquarters
(870) 365-2700
Headquarters (TDD)
(870) 365-2789
Buffalo Point Ranger Station Information
(870) 449-4311
Pruitt Ranger Station Information
(870) 446-5373
EMERGENCY DISPATCH
(888) 692-1162
By Fax
870-365-2701
Nearest City or Town:
Jasper Arkansas
Weather:
Click for weather forecast
Parker-Hickman Photo Gallery
Click Here for full page gallery
More Photographic Destinations in Arkansas:
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page.
Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State
All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published. Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.
Great Places for Great Photos
Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure. I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography. I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination. I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip. I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography.
If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!
Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country. Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos.
Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group.
All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need. Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two.
If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom. This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
Natural Dam Arkansas
Description:
Natural Dam is just what the name implies, a natural rock dam, located at the town of Natural Dam Arkansas. The dam is nearly 200 feet wide and spans the width of Mountain Fork Creek where it runs into Lee Creek You can easily view the dam without getting out of your vehicle , but the area features an excellent picnic area. This is a very popular place for getting your feet wet and swimming during the hot summer months.
Cost:
There is no fee for this area, but it is for day use only, no camping and it closes at dark.
Best Time to Visit:
Anytime is good, great for fall colors
Where it is:
15 miles north of Van Buren in the Boston Mountain range of the Ozark Mountains, in the Ozark National Forest
Directions:
Take Exit-5 off I-40 at Van Buren and go north on Ark. 59. Turn left at the Natural Dam Community – the picnic area and waterfalls come into sight after making the turn.
Map:
Contact:
Boston Mountain Ranger District
P.O. Box 76,
Highway 23 North
Ozark, AR 72949
(479) 667-2191
Crawford County Sheriff 911 or 479-474-2261
Physical Address:2137 Natural Dam Road, Natural Dam, AR 72948
Tips for the Photographer
Equipment:
The Dam can be photographed easily with most any camera and a normal lens. A tripod is needed to keep the camera steady while shooting a long exposure to blur the water. A polarizing filter to saturate color and cut reflections on the water. During bright light you may also need neutral density filters to cut the light passing through the lens to enable a long exposure.
What to Photograph:
The waterfall, the surrounding forest and creek also contain great scenery.
Photography Tips:
Please read my article on shooting waterfalls.http://blog.gregdisch.com/2009/03/22/how-to-shooot-waterfalls/
Click Here for full page gallery
More Photographic Destinations in Arkansas:
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page.
Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State
All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published. Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.
Great Places for Great Photos
Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure. I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography. I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination. I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip. I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography.
If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!
Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country. Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos.
Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group.
All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need. Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two.
If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom. This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
Moonshiners Cave
No one really knows if moonshine was every actually made at moonshiners cave, but the name comes from legend that says it was. This is not actually a cave, but a bluff shelter with a rock wall that was probably constructed in 1905, a date and initials that were carved into a rock next to the door which is no longer there. The shelter was originally used as a root cellar for a pioneer family.
If you visit after a good rain you can probably see the waterfall which adds to the location for photography. Don’t expect to see it if there has not been a lot of rain.
Where it is:
Moonshiners Cave is located just outside of the park boundary of Devil’s Den State park in Northwest Arkansas.
Directions:
As you leave the visitor center at Devil’s Den State Park, turn right on Highway 74. From your turn, you will travel two miles where you will park directly across from the park’s entrance sign.
On the south side of the road, you will walk about 50 yards hack towards the park and turn left on a rugged “ATV” trail. There are no signs or trail markings, this is not an official or maintained trail. The trail is fairly steep and very rocky.
The trail will descend about 1/4 mile before you “T” onto an old road. There you will turn left and continue downhill. After hiking another 1/4 mile, you should notice an area heavily impacted by foot traffic. By Walking to the edge of that area, you will see the waterfall when it is flowing, or a corner of the walled-up bluff.
GPS:
35°46’48.342″ N 94°13’55.812″ W
Maps:
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.
Hours:
The location is accessible 24 hours per day.
Cost:
There is not cost to visit Moonshiners Cave or Devil’s Den State Park.
Location Contact Information:
Devil’s Dens State Park
11333 West Arkansas Hwy. 74
West Fork, AR 72774
479-761-3325
evilsden@arkansas.com
Facilities:
Devil’s Den State Park has cabins and camping as well as restrooms and a visitor center.
Photo Gallery
Click Here for full page gallery
More Photographic Destinations in Arkansas Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page.
Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State
All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published. Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.
Great Places for Great Photos
Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure. I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography. I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination. I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip. I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography.
If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!
Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country. Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos.
Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group.
All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need. Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two.
If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom. This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
Lost Valley – Eden Falls
Description:
Lost Valley has a lot to see along the 2-2.5 mile trail along Clark Creek.These include, Eden Falls, Eden Falls cave, Cobb Cave, and the Natural Bridge with a waterfall coming out from under it. There is even an underground waterfall about 200′ deep into Eden Falls Cave. Eden Falls is broken up into several different falls, all of which cannot be seen at the same time.
Cost:
There are no fee’s for day use of the area, camping is no loner permitted.
Best Time to Visit:
There are great photo opportunities nearly anytime, but the premier attraction is Eden Falls and only flows good during wet periods. Typically in the spring and in the winter.
Where it is:
Lost Valley is located in the Buffalo National River near Jasper Arkansas.
Directions:
From I-40 exit 81 at Russellville, take the AR Hwy-7 and head north on 7 to Jasper and the junction of Hwy-74. Turn left (west) and follow 74 to Ponca. At Ponca, turn left on Hwy-43. The Lost Valley Campground will be on your right between Ponca and Boxley. (about a 2½ hour drive from I-40)From I-40 exit at Clarksville, take nAR-21 north through Salus toward Ponca. About 4 miles before you reach Ponca is the intersection of AR-43 (AR-21 veers left to Kinston here). Continue on AR-43 and the campground is about two more miles on your left. (about a 2 hour drive from I-40)From Harrison, head south on AR-7 to the junction of Arkansas Hwy-43 (W Wilson Ave). Ar-7 veers left here, drive straight through to get on AR-43. Follow 43, through Compton and Ponca, to Lost Valley Campground on your right (about a 1 hour drive from Harrison).
Map:
Links:
National Park Service Buffalo River
GPS
N 36.01035 and W -93.37435
Contact:
Buffalo National River, NPS
402 N Walnut, Suite 136
Harrison, AR 72601
870-439-2502
buff_information@nps.gov
Facilities:
Flush toilets, picnic tables and fire grates. (Open year-round).
Tips for the Photographer
Equipment:
A tripod, an assortment of lenses for closeup and macro to wide angle to take in the large bluff areas and Cobb Cave.
What to Photograph:
Eden Falls is the primary subject, however there are many other possibilities including wildflowers and insects macro and in the fall great color.
Photography Tips:
For photographing the waterfall you will need a tripod and want to expose for 1/8 to 1 second or more to get the smooth silky look popular in waterfall photos. Try to shoot on an overcast day, on a bright sunny day the mixture of bright sunlight and deep shade are very difficult to photograph.
Links:
How to Shoot Waterfalls
Lost Valley Photo Gallery
Click Here for Full Page Gallery
More Photographic Destinations in Arkansas:
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page.
Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State
All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published. Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.
Great Places for Great Photos
Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure. I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography. I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination. I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip. I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography.
If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!
Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country. Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos.
Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group.
All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need. Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two.
If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom. This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
Little Missouri Falls
The Little Missouri Falls is a sizable waterfall on the upper reaches of the Little Missouri River in southwest Arkansas in the Ouachita National Forest. It is a stairstep fall in a deep gorge. The falls can be reached by an all-weather gravel road, and there is a parking area with restrooms and a paved trail leading to observation sites. Water flow is greatest during the winter and spring months.
What to Photograph:
The falls and the river are the main photography subjects, but the rest of the recreation area is also great for photos.
Best Time for Photographers:
The best time to photograph is in the spring when there is good water flow, during the summer and fall water level drops significantly.
Getting There:
Driving Directions
Take Arkansas Hwy. 84 west of Glenwood, AR; turn north on Arkansas Hwy. 369 at Langley, AR for 6 miles; continue north 3 miles on Forest Service Road 73 to Forest Service Road 43; turn left (northwest) 4 miles to Forest Service Road 25; turn left (west) for 1/2 mile to Forest Service Road 539.
Cost:
There are no fees for this area
Facilities
Picnic tables, Vault Toilets
Maps:
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.
Location Contact Information:
Ouachita National Forest
100 Reserve Street
P.O. Box 1270
Hot Springs, AR 71902
Phone: (501) 321-5202
Fax: (501) 321-5305
Mena/Oden Ranger
District
Mena, AR
Phone: (479) 394-2382
Nearest City or Town:
Glenwood Arkansas
Little Missouri Falls Photo Gallery
Click Here for full page gallery
More Photographic Destinations in Arkansas:
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page.
Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State
All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published. Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.
Great Places for Great Photos
Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure. I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography. I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination. I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip. I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography.
If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!
Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country. Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos.
Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group.
All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need. Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two.
If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom. This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
High Bank Twin Falls
Description:
High Bank Twin Falls is a spectacular 70′ high double waterfall located in the Ozark National Forest in Arkansas.
Cost:
There is no fee for this area.
Best Time to Visit:
As with most waterfalls in Arkansas, High Bank Twin Falls really only flows with a lot of water after heavy rainfall. The best time to get great photos is in the spring when the ground is saturated and right after a good rain.
Where it is:
High Bank Twin Falls is located very close to the road but very well hidden. This is one of those places where you have to know where it is to find it. The falls are located in the Ozark National Forest, just across the road from High Bank Canoe Access on the Mulberry River.
Directions:
From I-40 take state highway 23 North through Cass turning right onto state highway 215 and follow it for 9.2 miles. You will be at High Bank Canoe Access on the right side of the road and can park in the parking area. Walk back out to the highway turn right, walk across the bridge and look for the unmarked but well traveled trail to your left. Follow the trail approximately 1/4 mile to the waterfall.
Map:
Click map to enlarge
Links:
Ozark National Forest
GPS
Lat/Lon35 40.846N 93 41.216WUTM4 37 855E 39 48 551 N, Yale Quad
Tips for the Photographer
Equipment:
You will want to have as wide of angle lens as you can, since the waterfall is about 70 feet tall and you can not get back very far from it to shoot. A tripod is needed to make the long exposures used for capturing the smooth flow of the water.
What to Photograph:
The twin waterfalls are the main photographic subject, however this is a good area for doing some macro work. There are many varieties of moss and lichen, mushrooms, and other plant life as well as insects to photograph. The steam can be a great subject as it flows over many small cascades.
Photography Tips:
Use a tripod and shoot with a slow shutter speed, 1/2 to 2 seconds to get a nice silky flow of the water.
Links:
How to Shoot Waterfalls
Caution:
Be careful when photographing waterfalls, the rocks and ground around them will be wet and can be very slick.
More Photographic Destinations in Arkansas:
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page.
Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State
All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published. Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.
Great Places for Great Photos
Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure. I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography. I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination. I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip. I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography.
If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!
Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country. Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos.
Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group.
All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need. Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two.
If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom. This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
Haw Creek Falls
Description:
Haw Creek Falls is located in Haw Creek campground of the Bayou Ranger District of the Ozark National Forest. The small steam contains the falls which are only a short walk on an access trail suitable for physically disabled visitors. The falls are only about 5 feet high at the most, but are very picturesque even with low water. Located nearby is Big Piney Wild and Scenic River and access to the Ozark Highlands Trial.
Cost:
There is no entrance fee for day use. Campground is $4.00 per night year round. There is no water or electric.
Best Time to Visit:
As with most waterfalls in Arkansas the best time is in the spring after heavy rainfall.
Where it is:
Haw Creek Falls and Campground is located in the Ozark National Forest approximately 25 miles north of Clarksville Arkansas.
Directions:
Take Arkansas 123 (paved) north from Hagarville (located north of Lamar) for 14 miles, or from Russellville, take Arkansas 7 north to Pelsor; then left (west) on Highway 123 (paved) for 12 miles. Negotiable by camping trailer rigs but use caution entering the campground.
Map:
Links:
US Forest Service Site
Facilities:
Camping (9 family units)
Vault toilets
No Drinking water is available
Picnicking
Wading
Fishing
Hiking (access to the Ozark Highlands Trail)
Camp trailers are allowed, but no special facilities are available
Contact:Bayou Ranger District
12000 SR 27
Hector, AR 72843
(479) 284-3150
Tips for the Photographer
Equipment:
The Dam can be photographed easily with most any camera and a normal lens. A tripod is needed to keep the camera steady while shooting a long exposure to blur the water. A polarizing filter to saturate color and cut reflections on the water. During bright light you may also need neutral density filters to cut the light passing through the lens to enable a long exposure.
What to Photograph:
The waterfall and the campground make great subjects. There is great color in the fall due to the campground being a mature hardwood forest. The historic one lane Big Piney Creek Bridge can also be an interesting subject.
Photography Tips:
Please read my article on shooting waterfalls.http://blog.gregdisch.com/2009/03/22/how-to-shooot-waterfalls/
Haw Creek Recreation Area Photo Gallery
Click Here for full page gallery
More Photographic Destinations in Arkansas:
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page.
Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State
All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published. Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.
Great Places for Great Photos
Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure. I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography. I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination. I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip. I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography.
If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!
Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country. Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos.
Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group.
All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need. Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two.
If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom. This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
Glory Hole Waterfall
The Glory Hole Waterfall is located in the Ozark National Forest in Northwest Arkansas. The unique waterfall drops 30 feet through a hole in the roof of a bluff cave.
The Glory Hole Waterfall only runs when there is enough rainfall, which generally in Arkansas is in the spring and winter. If there is water flowing and below freezing temperatures for several days it can become a spectacular winter sight.
What to Photograph
There are opportunities to photograph the forest and dismal creek along the trail to the waterfall along with several small falls if the water is running good. The waterfall itself can be photographed from both the top, which is a hole through the rock, use caution people have fallen through and been seriously injured, and from the bottom inside of the bluff cave.
Where it is:
The Glory Hole Waterfall is located in Newton County Arkansas in the Ozark National Forest on Hwy 16 6.3 miles north of Fallsville AR. Coming from the north it is 2.3 miles south of the junction of Hwy 16 and 21.
It is just under a 1 mile hike to the waterfall and is downhill all the way making it up hill all the way back making it a moderate rated trail.
Coming from the south you will see a red barn with a large letter E on the side on the left side of the road, the trail is about 1/2 mile on the right side of the road.
If you are coming from the north you will see an abandoned house on the right side of the road and the trail is across the road on the right side. The only thing you will probably be able to see from the road is any area where cars can pull off and park, there is now a small sign pointing to the Glory Hole Trail.
GPS:
N35 49.326, W93 23.611
Maps:
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.
Hours:
The trail and waterfall all always open.
Cost:
There is no cost to visit the Glory Hole Waterfall.
Facilities:
There are no facilities, no water, no restrooms.
Location Contact Information:
Ozark-St. Francis National Forests
Send postal mail to:
Ozark-St. Francis National Forests
605 West Main
Russellville, AR 72801
Phone: (479) 964-7200
Big Piney Ranger District
Hector Office – South
12000 SR 27
Hector AR 72843
(479)284-3150
Big Piney Ranger District
Jasper Office – North
P.O. Box 427
Hwy 7 North
Jasper, AR 72641
(870)446-5122
Glory Hole Waterfall Photo Gallery
Click Here for full page gallery
More Photographic Destinations in Arkansas:
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page.
Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State
All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published. Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.
Great Places for Great Photos
Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure. I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography. I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination. I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip. I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography.
If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!
Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country. Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos.
Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group.
All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need. Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two.
If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom. This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
Garvan Woodland Gardens
Garvan Woodland Gardens is a botanical garden near Hot Springs National Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas owned by the University of Arkansas.
The Gardens are situated on a woodland peninsula on Lake Hamilton. The Gardens feature rocky inclines reminiscent of the surrounding Ouachita Mountains, floral landscapes, streams, and waterfalls in a natural woodland setting, plus a Japanese Garden with Japanese maples and tree peonies, a conifer border, and various flower and rock gardens. Its collections display hundreds of rare shrubs and trees, including camellias, magnolias, roses, and over 160 different types of azaleas.
The Gardens was started by Verna Cook Garvan, daughter of Arthur B. and Louise Cook of Malvern, Arkansas. Mr. Cook operated Wisconsin-Arkansas Lumber Co. and the Malvern Brick and Tile Company until his death in 1934. Shortly afterward, Mrs. Garvan assumed control as one of the first female CEO’s of a major southern manufacturing business and served in that capacity until her retirement in the 1970s. The garden site was purchased in the 1920s after a clear-cut in about 1915. In 1956, Mrs. Garvan began to develop it as a garden and over the next forty years planted thousands of specimens. Upon her death, Mrs. Garvan left the property to the Department of Landscape Architecture through the University of Arkansas Foundation.
Garden Admission & Hours
Hours of Operation: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily
Last Admission Sold at 5:30 p.m.
Admission Fees (tax included)*
Members
Free
Adults (age 13 and up)
$15.00
Children 6-12
$5.00
Children to age 5
Free
Dogs (on leash)
$5.00
Golf Cart Ride
Parking
$15.00 per person additional, cannot be reserved
Free
*Rates subject to change
The Gardens are always closed:
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
January, including New Year’s Day
What to Photograph:
There is plenty to photograph all year long (Except January). A couple of my favorite events are the Tulips which bloom in March and the Holiday lights in November and December.
In addition the Garden is home to Anthony Chapel with its floor-to-ceiling glass walls presenting picturesque views of the surrounding woodlands The simple, yet stately, six-story tall structure is considered one of the most beautiful wedding venues in the state of Arkansas.
Best Time for Photographers:
Morning hours are the best for photography, the gardens do open until 9:00 am so there is no need to try to be there before then, and they close at 6:00 pm except for the holiday lights display in November and December.
The gardens change throughout the season with different plants blooming all the time, click here for the garden bloom calendar.
Getting There:
Driving Directions
Directions from Little Rock/Benton area:
Traveling on I-30 WEST from Little Rock, continue driving until you reach Exit 111 and take the exit ramp to US 70W (Hot Springs). Continue on 70W until you reach Exit 6 and take ramp towards 270/70W Glenwood/Mount Ida. Loop onto the Martin Luther King Expressway. Take Exit 7 or highway 128 (Carpenter Dam Road). At the end of the ramp, turn left onto Carpenter Dam Road and travel 4 miles to Arkridge Road. Signage will instruct you to turn right onto Arkridge Road. Travel 1.1 miles to the Garden entrance, keeping to the left when the road forks.
Directions from Arkadelphia area:
Traveling on I-30 EAST from Arkadelphia, continue traveling to exit #97 or AR 171. (Follow signs for Lake target pharmacy generic Catherine State Park). Turn left onto highway 171 toward Diamondhead (AR 290). Bear left on HWY 290 to 128 (Carpenter Dam Road). Turn right and drive 1-2 blocks to Arkridge Road. Turn left and travel 1.1 miles to the Garden entrance.
Directions from historic, Downtown Hot Springs:
Take highway 7 SOUTH (Central Avenue) past Oaklawn Race Track and stay in the left lane under the Martin Luther King Expressway overpass (270/70 E). Stay in the far left-hand lane and turn left onto the frontage road, then left again (heading EAST) onto the MLK Expressway. Drive approximately 1.5 miles to Exit 7(Highway 128 or Carpenter Dam Road) and veer right onto Carpenter Dam Road. Drive 4 miles. Turn right on Arkridge Road and drive 1.1 miles to the Garden entrance.
Directions from 270/Martin Luther King Expressway:
Take Exit #7 or 128 (Carpenter Dam Road) and turn west. Travel 4 miles to Arkridge Road. Turn right onto Arkridge Road and travel 1.1 miles to the Garden entrance.
Directions from Highway 7 South (near Hot Springs Mall and Lake Hamilton bridges areas):
Driving SOUTH on Highway 7 – Turn EAST/LEFT on Hwy. 290. Travel 6.5 miles, bearing left the entire distance. Turn LEFT on Carpenter Dam Rd. (Highway 128). Drive 1-2 blocks, Turn LEFT on Arkridge Rd. The Garden entrance is 1.1 miles straight ahead.
Directions from Highway 7 South (Arkadelphia/Lake DeGray area):
Traveling NORTH on Highway 7 and before reaching Lake Hamilton, turn RIGHT/EAST on Highway 290 and drive approximately 6.5 miles, bearing left the entire distance. Turn left on (Highway 128) Carpenter Dam Road and drive 1-2 blocks. Turn left again and travel 1.1 miles to the Garden entrance.
Maps:
Click here for larger map
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.
Location Contact Information:
Garvan Woodland Gardens
Physical Address:
550 Arkridge Road
Hot Springs National Park, AR 71913
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 22240
Hot Springs National Park, AR 71903
Phone:
501-262-9300
800-366-4664
Links
Garvan Woodland Gardens Website
Nearest City or Town:
Hot Springs Arkansas
Garvan Woodland Gardens Photo Gallery
Click Here for full page gallery
More Photographic Destinations in Arkansas:
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page.
Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State
All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published. Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.
Great Places for Great Photos
Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure. I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography. I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination. I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip. I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography.
If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!
Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country. Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos.
Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group.
All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need. Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two.
If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom. This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
At Fort Smith National Historic Site you can walk where soldiers drilled, pause along the Trail of Tears, and stand where justice was served. The park includes the remains of two frontier forts and the Federal Court for the Western District of Arkansas. Judge Isaac C. Parker, known as the “hanging judge,” presided over the court for 21 years.
What to Photograph:
Barracks/courthouse/jail building, the site of the first fort, the courtroom of judge Parker and of course the gallows. The fort was built at Belle Point overlooking the confluence of the Arkansas and Poteau Rivers and looks much the same as it did 100years ago. The 37 star Garrison flag atop a 100′ flag pole, in the Parade ground where for more than 30 years, during the mid 1800’s soldiers drilled. A recent addition to the site was the aquistion of the Frisco Station Depot, which is currently housing the Offices for the United States Mashal Museum, which will be building a new facility nearby in the near future. There are exhibits in the vistor center which focus on Fort Smith’s milatary history.
Visitors touring these buildings can see Judge Parker’s restored courtroom, the “Hell on the Border” jail, a partial reconstruction of the 1888s jail cells, as well as exhibits and videos on military history, Native Americans, the Trail of Tears, the operation of the federal court and its impact on Indian Territory, and U.S. Deputy Marshals and outlaws.
Best Time for Photographers:
Most anytime, is a good time to photograph here, you can shoot during all seasons and the site grounds are open at night for those interested in night photography.
The Visitors’ Center is open daily, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is scheduled to be closed only on December 25 and January 1. The Park’s Grounds are open 24/7/365 and include the paved Rivertrail, parking lots, picnic tables, and some outdoor exhibits.
Where it is:
Downtown Fort Smith, Arkansas along the Arkansas River.
Directions:
From downtown Fort Smith on Rogers or Garrison Ave turn south at 4th St. Turn right onto Garland Ave. At the end of the next block is the entrance to the main parking lot. Parking is also available on Third Street.
Maps:
Click on map to enlarge
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.
Cost:
Entrance Fees Individual (16 and Above)
$4.00 (7 day pass)Individuals aged 16 and above are charged a $4.00 fee. Entrance fee is good for individual entrance into the exhibits inside the Barracks / Courthouse building.Other National Park passes are accepted.
You can walk around on the grounds without paying the entrance fee, it is only collected for the inside exhibits.
Links:
Fort Smith National Historic Site
Fort Smith Convention and Visitor’s Bureau
Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce
City of Fort Smith
Location Contact Information:
Fort Smith National Historic Site
PO Box 1406
Fort Smith, AR 72902
E-mail Us
Phone:
Visitor Center and offices
(479) 783-3961
Fax (479) 783-5307
Nearest City or Town:
Fort Smith, Arkansas
Facilities:
Fort Smith is the second-largest city in Arkansas. With an estimated population of 85,544 in 2009, it is the principal city of the Fort Smith, Arkansas-Oklahoma Metropolitan Statistical Area, a region of 293,063 residents which encompasses the Arkansas counties of Crawford, Franklin, and Sebastian, and the Oklahoma counties Le Flore and Sequoyah.
Tips for the Photographer:
Equipment:
You do not need a great deal of equipment to photograph the National Historic Site, most things can be shot with a standard lens. A flash will be necessary if you want to shoot inside the buildings.
Photography Tips:
There is a great veriety of subject matter to photograph and most any style and type of photography can be done at the Historic Site. If you are shooting outdoors you will want a polarizing filter to enhance the blue skies. Try and find interesting angles and be sure to watch your backgrounds, you are in downtown Fort Smith.
Fort Smith National Historic Site Photo Gallery
Click Here for full page gallery
More Photographic Destinations in Arkansas:
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page.
Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State
All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published. Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.
Great Places for Great Photos
Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure. I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography. I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination. I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip. I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography.
If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!
Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country. Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos.
Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group.
All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need. Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two.
If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom. This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway
Step back in time to an earlier age of locomotive transportation and enjoy the Excursion Train or the Dining Car. See the 1940-era diesel locomotive in operation or view the stationary steam locomotive exhibits.
What to Photograph:
The collection of vintage rolling stock at ES&NA is one of the Ozarks’ largest, and all the authentic railroad memorabilia is here to re-create the turn-of-the-century era and give modern visitors a taste of how it was when rail service brought the first visitors to Eureka Springs in 1883. Between trains is a good time to see all the other exhibits, including a restored turntable, a handcar, vintage locomotives and rolling stock galore, and even an automobile outfitted to run on the rails.
Best Time for Photographers:
The ES&NA is open April through October, Tuesday through Saturday.
Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway – Images by Greg Disch
Where it is:
The Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railroad is located in Historic Eureka Springs Arkansas, and operates from the depot on Highway 23 North (North Main Street).
Maps:
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.
Eureka Springs Map
Eureka springs map
Cost:
You can walk around on the grounds without paying an entrance fee, charges are for the excursion train rides and the dinner train.
Click here for schedule and rates
Links:
Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway
History of the ES&NA
Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce
Eureka Springs Visitor Information
Location Contact Information:
The Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway Company
Post Office Box 310 – 299 North Main Street
Highway 23 North – Eureka
Springs, Arkansas 72632
479-253-9623
Nearest City or Town:
Eureka Springs Arkansas
Facilities:
Eureka Springs has over a hundred years ofVictorian history, plus hundreds of lodging options, from cozy and romantic bed and breakfasts nestled in our Historic Loop to secluded cabins by the lake. Choose a motel close to your favorite attraction, or stay in a historic hotel close to all the downtown action. take your pick from family-friendly attractions and entertainment, shops, art galleries, day spas, water-sports and restaurants.
Tips for the Photographer:
Equipment:
You do not need a great deal of equipment to photograph the historic railroad depot and trains, most things can be shot with a standard lens. A flash will be necessary if you want to shoot inside the depot.
Photography Tips:
When photographing large items such a railroad cars and train engines, after you get the big picture, be and use a longer focal length lens and shoot the small details. These will often be the best photos, and have a greater impact.
Weather:
Sunrise and Moon Phase for this Photographic Destination
Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway Photo Gallery
Click Here for full page gallery
More Photographic Destinations in Arkansas:
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page.
Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State
All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published. Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.
Great Places for Great Photos
Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure. I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography. I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination. I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip. I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography.
If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!
Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country. Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos.
Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group.
All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need. Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two.
If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom. This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
Located in Lee Creek Valley of the Ozark Mountains is Devil’s Den State Park. With its deep crevices, mysterious caves, and striking bluff overlooks, Devil’s Den State Park is ideal for hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, mountain biking and camping in Arkansas. Several of the park’s backcountry hiking trails lead into the adjacent Ozark National Forest. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax or want an outdoor adventure, Devil’s Den is a place where you can get a feel for the spirit of the ancient, scenic hills known as the Ozarks.
Devil’s Den State Park
Cost:
There is no fee for this area for day use. Fees apply for camping, cabins, Backpacking Equipment rental, Boat Rental, Use of Group Facilities and Swimming
Best Time to Visit:
The area has many photographic opportunities all year long. Wildflowers in the spring, summer sports like backpacking and mountain biking along with water recreation, followed by brilliant fall foliage. Add an occasional winter snow and you have four seasons of photography.
Where it is:
Directions:
To reach Devil’s Den State Park, travel eight miles south of Fayetteville on I-540 to Exit #53 (West Fork), then go 17 miles southwest on Ark. 170; or I-540 at Exit #45 (Winslow) and go 7 miles west on Ark. 74 to the park. From Fort Smith go east on I-40 to I-540 to either of the above exits.
Map:
Click map to enlarge
Links:
Arkansas State Parks – Devil’s Den
Contact
11333 West Arkansas Highway 74
West Fork, AR 72774
Email: devilsden@arkansas.com
To reach the park office or make campsite reservations call 479-761-3325
Facilities
There are 143 campsites located in the park: 44 Class AAA, 12 Class B, 13 Class C, 24 Class D (no hookups), eight Hike-in (tent only) and 42 sites with water and electric hookups in the Horse Camp that includes a bathhouse and access to the horse trails. There is also a group camp area. The park also has 17 cabins. Cabins feature kitchens and fireplaces and are available throughout the year. A park cafe and store are available in the summer months. A park grocery is open year round.
Tips for the Photographer
Equipment:
You will want to bring everything that you have and then borrow some of your friends equipment. Ok I just kidding, but you will have the opportunity to shoot birds and other wildlife that will require as long of lens as you have. There are a great number of possibilities for doiing close-up and macro work. Scenic’s may require normal to wide angle lenses. To shoot in the caves you will need a flashlight to see and focus (it is totally dark in there) and a flash to light the cave.
What to Photograph:
Devil’s Den has more to photograph than you could possibly fit into one day. Nature photographers will enjoy the butterflies, wildflowers, caves and crevices, and wildlife.
Photography Tips:
When shooting the wildflowers in spring be sure to bring something that can be used as a diffusion filter. The sunlight filtering through the leaves will leave hot spots and ruin your images. Also a reflector can help to fill the shaded parts to get a great exposure. Using a longer lens (around 200mm) will help to narrow the angle of view and elimate distracting backgrounds.
Devil’s Den State Park Photo Gallery
Click Here for full page gallery
More Photographic Destinations in Arkansas:
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page.
Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State
All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published. Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.
Great Places for Great Photos
Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure. I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography. I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination. I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip. I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography.
If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!
Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country. Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos.
Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group.
All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need. Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two.
If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom. This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
Cherokee Prairie
Description:
Cherokee Prairie Natural Area represents one of the largest remaining tracts of tallgrass prairie in the Arkansas River Valley. Located just north of Charleston, this tract is a high-quality prairie representative of the more extensive Cherokee Prairies that once occurred across the western portion of the Arkansas River Valley. The natural area contains a diverse array of forb species (herbaceous species other than grasses) including compass plant, purple prairie clover, and Indian paintbrush. It also hosts several animal species that are now considered rare, or even endangered. Prairie Creek flows through the center of the natural area.
Cost:
No Fee
Best Time to Visit:
Spring is a great time for shooting a great variety of native wildflowers
Where it is: Directions:
The natural area is located approximately 2 miles north of Charleston, at the intersection of State Highways 60 and 217.
Map:
Click map to enlarge
Topo Boundry Map
Links:
Cherokee Prairie Brochure Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission
Contact
ARKANSAS NATURAL HERITAGE COMMISSION
An Agency of the Department of Arkansas Heritage
1500 Tower Building, 323 Center Street
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
Phone: (501) 324-9619 / Fax: (501) 324-9618 / TDD: (501) 324-9150
arkansas@naturalheritage.org
Arkansas Natural Areas
Natural areas are lands specifically managed to preserve, and sometimes restore, natural communities that are now rare. Lands within the System of Natural Areas belong to all Arkansans and represent some of the only opportunities present and future generations will have to experience what Arkansas was like prior to settlement. They also represent vital habitat for a host animal and plant species.
Along with actively managing these areas to maintain their ecological character, the ANHC also promotes low-impact, considerate use of natural areas. That means that activities such as hiking, botanizing, and bird-watching are perfectly suited for ANHC natural areas. However, to minimize impact on these lands, camping, horses, mountain bikes, and motorized vehicles are not allowed on natural areas.
Tips for the Photographer
Equipment:
Shooting wildflowers will require closeup or macro lenses. If visiting on a bright sunny day a diffuser will improve photos of flowers.
What to Photograph:
If you are looking for something big and exciting to photograph this may not be the place. This is a natural prairie (a field) which hosts over 150 spieces of plants and many animals and birds some of which are considered rare. Prairie Creek runs through the middle of the area so you have a variety of habitat.
Photography Tips:
Great location for macro photography. Best to shoot on an overcast day.
Links:
How to Photograph Wildflowers
Cherokee Prairie Photo Gallery
Click Here for full page gallery
More Photographic Destinations in Arkansas:
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page.
Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State
All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published. Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.
Great Places for Great Photos
Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure. I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography. I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination. I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip. I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography.
If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!
Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country. Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos.
Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group.
All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need. Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two.
If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom. This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
Boxley Mill
Villines Mill, also known as Boxley Mill or Whiteley Mill, was originally built circa 1840 by Abner Casey in the Buffalo River valley, in what is now Buffalo National River. After becoming known as Whiteley Mill, the mill was at the center of a Civil War skirmish known as the Battle of Whiteley’s Mill. The mill was rebuilt in 1870 and replaced with a larger mill, becoming known as Villines Mill after the new owner. After three generations of Villines, the mill closed in the 1960s. The mill is included in the Big Buffalo Valley Historic District.
The National Park Service now owns the mill and normally opens it to the public on weekends in October.
History:
The first mill was built about 1840 by Abner Casey at its present site below the Boxley Spring. After a period of operation, it was purchased by Samuel WHITELY and became known as the Whiteley Mill.
The Civil War broke out, and while records reveal no major battles in Newton County, there were a number of bloody skirmishes, including one at Whiteley’s mill on April 10, 1864. In his book, The History of Newton County, Walter LACKEY, relates the following “James Larking VILLINES was two years old when the battle of Whiteley’s Mill was fought. As a young boy he later saw much of the battle ground. The Whiteley Mill then stood on the same ground that the present old water mill stands, and where Mr. VILLINES was the miller for many years. He says that the rebel army was camped opposite the present Duty store (Boxley) and that the Union Army attacked the enemy with both mounted and un-mounted troops, being assisted by cannons located on the flinty ridge. John CECIL, the well-known, well-loved sheriff of Newton County was the leading rebel Captain in this battle.”
The war ended and by 1870, many new families had established homesteads in the Upper Buffalo River Valley and the need for a larger grist mill became evident.
A man by the name of MILLER was employed to build a large, two-story frame building and Robert VILLINES became the miller. The mill had a large under-shot wheel with plenty of water from the Boxley millpond spring supplying sufficient power for grinding corn and processing flour.
Over the years, Cager BOEN and James Larkin VILLINES, the son of Robert VILLINES, were the millers, providing a much needed service for Boxley, Ponca and the surrounding countryside.
Jasper resident Carl VILLINES recalls: “Old Jimmie VILLINES was running the mill when I was about 12 years old. I couldn’t lift the sack of corn up on the horse, so my father would load the corn and then I’d ride to the mill with it. We lived at Center Point, which was eight to ten miles away, and I had to cross the Big Buffalo five times to get to the mill. The round trip took about all day. Then Lester YOUNG put up a grist mill at Ponca which was a lot closer, so I’d go there instead.”
Clyde VILILNES son of James Larking VILLINES and present owner of the Boxley Mill continued to do custom grinding until 1950 when the mill was closed down, ending more than 80 years of service and closing a chapter of Newton County history.
What to Photograph
There is a great deal to photograph here, the mill itself along with other nearby structures including an old house and some small cabins. There is also an old springhouse across the road which during periods of heavy rain a waterfall runs right beside the structure.
Where it is:
The Boxley Grist Mill is located just off of Highway 43 approximately 1 mile north of the Highway 21/43 intersection. It will be on the right side just past the Mill Pond and behind an old stone home and fishing cabins.
3-13-17-Updated-BUFF-Map (1)
Maps:
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.
Click here for PDF version of map
GPS:
35°59’25.544″ N 93°23’53.151″ W
Cost:
There are no fees for access to the Buffalo National River.
Hours:
The Gorgas Science Foundation, in partnership with the National Park Service, maintains and preserves the historic mill and nearby fishing cabins. The Boxley Grist Mill is open to the public only during ranger-guided tours. There is a fence around the mill, but you can photograph from behind the fence at any time.
Facilities:
There are no facilities at this location. The closest restroom and drinking water is located a couple miles north of the mill at the Lost Valley Day Use Area.
Location Contact Information:
Mailing Address:
By Mail
Superintendent
Buffalo National River
402 N. Walnut, Suite 136
Harrison, AR 72601
By Phone
Tyler Bend Visitor Center Information
(870) 439-2502
Headquarters
(870) 365-2700
Headquarters (TDD)
(870) 365-2789
Buffalo Point Ranger Station Information
(870) 449-4311
Steel Creek InformationStation
(870) 861-2570
Boxley Mill Photo Gallery
Click Here for full page gallery
More Photographic Destinations in Arkansas:
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page.
Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State
All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published. Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.
Great Places for Great Photos
Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure. I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography. I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination. I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip. I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography.
If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!
Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country. Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos.
Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group.
All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need. Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two.
If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom. This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
Blanchard Springs Recreation Area
The Blanchard Springs Recreation Area offers a rich outdoor experience. Stroll on the paved trail to where Blanchard Springs gushes as a waterfall from the hillside. Swim in the clear waters of the North Sylamore Creek. Hike into the Ozark woods for an hour or a weekend. Try your luck catching rainbow trout from Mirror Lake, an accessible facility.
Current Conditions:
For current conditions and updates call Blanchard Springs Caverns at 870 757 2211.
Operational Hours:
Visitor Information Center hours 9:30 am to 6:00 pm – open 7 days a week from mid-March through October. Open Wednesdays through Sundays November through mid-March.
Reservations:
Group campsites, picnic shelters (group shelter electric) and amphitheater (group walk to) must be reserved throughrecreation.gov or call (877) 444-6777.
Area Amenities:
Interpretive Site,Accessible,Toilets,Parking
Fees
Day Use, Swim Beach – $3 per vehicle
Campground – $10 site per night
Large Group Camp Site, GS1 – $60 per night
Small Group Site. GS2 – $35 per night
Large Pavillion – $60 day
Small Pavilion – $30 day
Amphitheater – $40 day
Open Season:
Year-round
Closest Towns:
Mountain View
Water:
Drinking Water
Restroom:
Flush / Hot Showers
Operated By:
Forest Service
Blanchard Springs Caverns
Located in Stone County, approximately 2 miles off Highway 14 near Mountain View, the Blanchard Springs Caverns is one of the most spectacular and carefully developed caves found anywhere. Visitors enter a “living” cave where glistening formations like stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and flowstones are still changing. These crystalline formations are the result of minerals deposited by dripping water. Forest Service interpreters guide all tours
Stroll through large, beautifully lighted rooms with handrails and paved trails for comfortable walking. Climb over rocks, crawl through and slide down red clay mud in an undeveloped section of the Caverns. Tour the “Water Works” exhibit hall and view the movie “The Amazing World Below” which introduces you to the underground world.
Blanchard Springs Caverns is a three-level cave system, two of which are open for guided tours. Click on the links below to get more information about each of the following tours.
Dripstone Trail
This shorter, easier trail takes you almost half a mile one-way through the Caverns. All stairs can be avoided, making trails accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. For more informatin click the link above.
Discovery Trail
Open June-August. This longer, more strenuous tour is 1.2 miles long, with nearly 700 stairsteps.he longer, more strenuous of the trails explores the middle level of the Caverns system. For more information click on the link above. Discovery in the Dark Headlamp tours are conducted in the last part of the Discovery Trail, September through May. Visitors are supplied with helmets and headlamps, and tours are conducted by Forest Service guides with the cave lights off.
Wild Cave Tour
This tour offers you an introduction to off trail caving in a structured environment. The newest of the Caverns tours takes visitors to the undeveloped sections of the middle level. Click the link above to get more information
Cost
Blanchard Caverns Rates
Adults – $10.00 for Dripstone / Discovery Tours
Children age 6-15 – $5.00 for Dripstone / Discovery Tours
Golden Age Passport Holders – $5.00 for Dripstone /Discovery Tours
Wild Cave Tour – $75.00 plus ticketing fee; no Refunds; balance on day of tour; no other discounts apply.
Golden Age Pass – $10.00
Season Pass – Adults $25.00; Children 12.50; Golden Age Passport holders $12.50
Special Rates – Half price discounts are available to senior citizens aged 62 and up with a Golden Age Passport, disabled visitors.
Complimentary tours are available to ex-prisoners of war and Purple Heart recipients with a POW/PH card, available at the Visitor Information Center.
Pets are not allowed in the Visitor Center or Caverns – seeing-eye dogs and service dogs are an exception. There are no kennels. Pets are welcome in the recreation areas, outside the swimming areas, as long as they are leashed.
Please call 1-888-757-2246 between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. CST for current rates.
What to Photograph:
The Blanchard Springs Recreation Area features many photo oportunities including the remains of Mitchell Mill on North Sylamore Creek. There are some fantastic stone bridges and Mirror Lake and Dam built by the CCC during the 1930’s. Blanchard Springs flows through the Blanchard Springs Caverns for nearly a mile before pouring out of the mouth of the cave.
The main attraction is the cavern itself, a living cave which is said to be one of the most beautiful in the country. The Forest Service offers guided tours through the cave on a daily basis, but for the best photo opportunities a special photography tour is recommended. The photography tours are usually offered a couple of times a year or can be scheduled for a group.
Best Time for Photographers:
The Blanchard Springs Recreation area is best photographed during the spring and fall, when colors are at their peek. The cavern can be photographed at any time as the weather in the cave is constant throughout the year at 58 degrees and totally dark.
Getting There:
Directions:
To get to the Blanchard Springs Recreation Area from Mountain View, take Arkansas Highway 14 West for 12.1 miles, turn right (north) at the Blanchard Springs Caverns sign. Follow signs to the different facilities.
Maps:
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.
Location Contact Information:
Address:
Blanchard Springs Recreation Area & Campground
Ark. 14 West
Fifty Six, AR 72533
Phone: 870-269-3228
Toll-Free: 888-757-2246
Fax: 870-757-2675
Supervisors Office
Ozark-St. Francis National Forests
605 West Main Street
Russellville, AR 72801
479-964-7200
Links
US Forrest Service Site
Blanchard Springs Recreation Area Brochure
Nearest City or Town:
Mountain View AR
Blanchard Springs Photo Gallery
Click Here for full page gallery
More Photographic Destinations in Arkansas:
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page.
Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State
All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published. Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.
Great Places for Great Photos
Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure. I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography. I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination. I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip. I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography.
If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!
Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country. Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos.
Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group.
All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need. Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two.
If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom. This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...
Description:
Outstanding among the many natural features of the Ozark Natural Forest is the huge stone arch that forms a natural bridge at Alum Cove National Recreation Trail. The natural arch is all that remains of what was a quartz sandstone cave. The arch is 130 feet long and 20 feet wide. The weathering process of wind, rain and ice formed the opening between the arch and the rock overhang. The Alum Cove Natural Bridge Recreation Area is designed primarily for visitors to be close nature.
The Alum Cove National Recreation Trail wanders past the natural arch, across a small stream and to the bluff line with overhangs, the entire trail is 1.1 miles long
Alum Cove Natural Bridge
Description:
Outstanding among the many natural features of the Ozark Natural Forest is the huge stone arch that forms a natural bridge at Alum Cove National Recreation Trail. The natural arch is all that remains of what was a quartz sandstone cave. The arch is 130 feet long and 20 feet wide. The weathering process of wind, rain and ice formed the opening between the arch and the rock overhang. The Alum Cove Natural Bridge Recreation Area is designed primarily for visitors to be close nature.
The Alum Cove National Recreation Trail wanders past the natural arch, across a small stream and to the bluff line with overhangs, the entire trail is 1.1 miles long
Cost:
$ 3.00 per vehicle, per day
Best Time to Visit:
The best time for great photos is in the spring with wildflowers blooming and flowerring dogwoods and redbud trees, or in the fall when the forrests turn to their many shades of red and gold.
Where it is:
Ozark National Forest – Arkansas – USA
Alum Cove Natural Bridge Recreation Area is in Newton County, Arkansas. It has an elevation of 2,177 feet.
GPS:
Degrees Minutes Seconds:
Latitude: 355136N
Longitude: 0931352WDecimal Degrees:
Latitude: 35.86
Longitude: -93.23111
Directions:
Alum Cove National Recreation Trail is located near the community of Deer, Arkansas, west of the intersection of Arkansas buy alprazolam tablets State Highways 7 and 16. Signs at intersection and on Highway 16 give directions to the Natural Bridge Area.
Map:
Links:
Alum Cove National Recreation Trail
Trail Map
Tips for the Photographer
Equipment:
You will want to bring a wide angle lens, this is a heavily wooded area and you have to shoot from up close. You may also wish to bring a Macro lens for closeups of wildflowers, insects, and all the other cool things in the forrest.
What to Photograph:
The Natural Bridge, the rock formations and caves on the side of the bluff. In spring and summer wildflowers, in fall the fabulous folage.
Photography Tips:
When shooting the caves and window openings in the rocks, there will be a great deal of contrast in the scene from the bright background to the dark area in the cave. Using a flash to fill the dark cave will give a good exposure.
Alum Cove National Recreation Trail Photo Gallery
Click Here for full page gallery
More Photographic Destinations in Arkansas:
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page.
Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State
All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published. Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.
Great Places for Great Photos
Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure. I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography. I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination. I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip. I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography.
If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!
Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country. Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos.
Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group.
All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need. Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two.
If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom. This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance. [...]Read more...