Buffalo National River Park -- NW Arkansas

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Check out this national park. It is largely unknown outside nearby states, but it is a national treasure. Fall is one of the best times to visit. We now are heading into the elk rut and fall color. Photographers interested in coming down here should write me an email and I will be glad to offer advice on places to stay and shoot.

If you are interested in finding out more about visiting the area, I recommend you contact two local resources. These folks know what is going on and are impartial. The Ponca Elk Education Center is a great place to visit and get detailed information from their staff. They have maps and guidebooks that will make you stay productive, and they can fill in the blanks regarding local resources. I recommend you stay in the Ponca area for easiest access to photo opportunities. The Chamber covers the entire Newton County area. I have a small gallery their gift shop.

Ponca Elk Education Center 870-861-2432

Jasper Newton County Chamber of Commerce 800-670-7792

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Taken in October, a fairly typical overview of the Buffalo National River canyon. This is just after peak color.

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This is typical of the waterfalls that dot the area. They are largely seasonal, with strong flows in the wet seasons, and weak other times. This was taken after an October rain.

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Anohter elk photo, one of my best. This bull posed for me in the Buffalo National River near Ponca.

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This was taken along the Old River Trail, ORT, west of Kyles Landing.

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Boxley Valley is one of my favorite photo destinations and this is an example of what you can shoot from the road with a 400MM lens.

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People who rented this cabin in Boxley Valley had the treat of seeing huge bull elk in the field in front of it. This particular bull elk is just about the largest bull in Boxley Valley this year. He has a herd of about 40 cows. The Ponca Arkansas area and Boxley Valley are just about the very best choice for vacationing photographers.

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The Buffalo National River area has hundreds of miles of outstanding hiking trails. Many follow the river and along the bluffs bordering the river. This was shot just off the Buffalo River Trail. Not exactly shooting beside your car, but with a little work, you can experience scenes you would never expect to witness like this.

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Bluff top fall color, Buffalo National River. Near Kyles Landing.

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Along the Buffalo River near Ponca on a November morning.

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Three photographers visiting from out of town shoot pictures of elk from Highway 43 in Boxley Valley.

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A flock of wild turkey in the Buffalo River near Ponca, Arkansas. It is not unusual to have to opportunity to film many different species in the same trip. The Buffalo National River area teems with wildlife and there are remarkable geological subjects everywhere.

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This is another popular destination on the Buffalo River. This is called Cove Spring and you can camp near here. Nearby there are interesting trails and caves. One could spend a lifetime photographing the interesting subjects withing 5 miles of this location near Erbie.

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Elk in a farm field in Boxley Valley. The mornings are often a bit foggy which either creates moody photos, or total photographic disasters depending on your point of view. This was shot from the Highway 43 near the intersection with Highway 21.

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This was taken in the same field along Highway 43 near the intersection with Highway 21. This is the dominant bull of a big herd watch a calf elk walk by. This is part of the current rut.