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
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.
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