If you are looking for an Ozark Mountain getaway, I think you will find the little town of Jasper, Arkansas to be a perfect base for both adventure and relaxation.
The Ozark Mountains just may be my favorite place in the world. There is something about this part of Arkansas that gets to me every time I visit.
The beauty here is often in the small things. Sometimes it is a bend in the Buffalo River catching the morning light, fog resting low in a valley, an old barn tucked beneath the mountains, or a ridge of hardwoods turning color in the fall.
Then, of course, there are also the big spectacular views!
The mountains, clear rivers, towering bluffs, winding roads and tiny towns all combine to create a very special place.
In my opinion, Jasper, Arkansas is one of the best towns to use as a base for exploring the Arkansas Ozarks.
Location of Jasper, Arkansas
I think that most Arkansans would agree that Newton County has some of the most iconic and gorgeous scenery in the state. It is the heart of the Ozark National Forest and the Buffalo National River.
Jasper is situated near the center of Newton County and it also happens to be the county seat.
Here are a couple of interesting facts about Newton County:
- there is not a single stoplight in Newton County
- there has never been even a foot of railroad track constructed in the county
- Jasper is located along Scenic Highway 7 which happens to be the state’s first scenic highway.
It’s important to know that there are no easy ways to get to Jasper. There are only slow and beautiful ways. The roads are steep and winding, but the scenery is gorgeous. Take your time, watch the curves and enjoy the drive.
Why is Jasper, Arkansas a Perfect Town for Ozark Mountain Exploration
Why do I think that this town is a perfect base for exploring the Ozark Mountains and the Buffalo National River?
- It is in the middle of some of the most gorgeous scenery in Arkansas!
- It has a grocery store and some excellent restaurants.
- There is a cute town square.
- There are larger stores (Wal-Mart) in the town of Harrison less than 30 minutes away.
In other words…Jasper provides great access to all the sights and activities and nature of the Buffalo River and the Ozark Mountains while providing the modern necessities.
Do know that although the population of Jasper is only about 600 people this is a tourist town so the population swells during the peak seasons.
Summer weekends, holidays, and during the fall color change are the most popular.
Driving Around Jasper
One thing that is important to know before you head out on the roads around Jasper is that mileage can be misleading in this part of Arkansas. A destination may not look far from Jasper on a map, but the mountain roads can make the drive take longer than expected.
Don’t plan your days too tightly. You will enjoy yourself more if you leave room for winding roads, overlooks and unexpected stops.
Outdoor Adventures and Beautiful Places Near Jasper
Most people do not come to Jasper simply to stay in town. They come to float the Buffalo River, hike to waterfalls, see elk, drive the mountain roads and experience some of the most iconic scenery in Arkansas.
These are the things I would put at the top of your Jasper vacation list.
The Buffalo National River
Floating the Buffalo National River is one of the most popular things to do near Jasper.
The Buffalo became America’s first national river in 1972. It flows freely through 135 miles of the Arkansas Ozarks alongside towering bluffs, gravel bars, forests, fields and old homesteads.
It is truly an Arkansas treasure.
It’s important to know that you should not just assume that the river is floatable in all areas, at all times, year round. The Buffalo River, in particular the upper Buffalo, is highly dependent on rainfall to be floatable.
If floating the upper Buffalo is the main purpose of your trip, spring generally gives you the best chance of having enough water. Some years the season extends later, while other years the upper sections become too low earlier than expected.
It can also get too high to safely float! Always check current river conditions before you go.
I like the Buffalo Outdoor Center for planning your visit to the Buffalo River. They provide kayak rentals and shuttle services and will keep you informed about which sections of the river are floatable.
There are other authorized outfitters serving different portions of the Buffalo as well.
Spend Time Beside the Buffalo River
Even if you don’t want to float the Buffalo National River and surrounding wilderness provide so many great recreational opportunities. You can also swim, hike, ride horses, picnic, camp, fish, or just sit by the river and enjoy the gorgeous scenery.
Pruitt is one of the closest Buffalo River access points to Jasper. The Pruitt area has river access, picnic spots and access to the Buffalo River Trail.
Ozark Campground is another pretty spot beside the river. It is located down a gravel road north of Jasper and has campsites and river access.
Steel Creek, which is closer to Ponca, is one of the most beautiful places along the upper Buffalo. The enormous Roark Bluff rises above the river and creates one of the classic Buffalo River views.
Take a Drive Through Boxley Valley
You cannot miss Boxley Valley if you are staying in Jasper, Arkansas. In my opinion, a drive through this valley is one of the premier Arkansas experiences.
Boxley Valley stretches along the upper Buffalo River and Highway 43 near Ponca. It is a peaceful rural landscape filled with old barns, fields, historic homes and forested mountains.
Several historic structures remain in the valley, including the Boxley Grist Mill. The mill is not normally open for walk-in visits, but ranger-led tours are sometimes offered.
This is also a wonderful place for photography. The old farm buildings and barns look as if they were placed there specifically to be photographed against the mountains.
However, do remember that much of the land in Boxley Valley is privately owned. Enjoy the views from public roads and designated areas and do not enter fields or approach homes and barns without permission.
Elk Sightings
Yes, there are elk in Arkansas! Newton County is known as the Elk Capital of Arkansas, and Boxley Valley is usually the easiest place to spot them.
Elk were once native to Arkansas but disappeared from the state during the early settlement period. They were successfully reintroduced to north-central Arkansas beginning in 1981, and the herd has since grown to several hundred animals.
You will often see people watching for elk along Highways 43 and 21.
The elk are most active around sunrise and sunset. Fall is an especially exciting time to see them because it is rutting season and the bull elk may be bugling and displaying their antlers as they compete for the attention of the cows.
We once saw a herd of elk near Steel Creek right around sunrise. It was one of those Arkansas moments that I’ll never forget.
Do not stop in the road to watch elk. Pull completely off the highway in a designated area, stay behind fences and give the animals plenty of space.
Elk are wild animals. They may look calm from a distance, but they are very large and can be dangerous.
Overlooks on the Arkansas Grand Canyon
The Arkansas Grand Canyon is one of the best-known scenic areas near Jasper. Yeah, we know it isn’t as deep as the Grand Canyon out west.
It is still beautiful, though.
The Arkansas Grand Canyon is a wide valley surrounded by the Boston Mountains. You can see the valley from several overlooks along Scenic Highway 7 south of Jasper.
There are several places to pull over to see the views, but one of the best is actually at the Cliff House Inn and Restaurant. Near the restaurant you will also see a stop with a lookout tower that you can climb for even more expansive views of the canyon.
TIP: Because most of the overlooks face east the Grand Canyon is particularly beautiful at sunrise!
Drive Arkansas Scenic Highway 7
Jasper is located right on the Arkansas Scenic 7 Byway, the state’s first nationally recognized scenic byway…by the way.
It actually traverses 290 miles north and south across almost the entire state, passing through 4 of the state’s geographical regions. The section near Jasper is particularly stunning as well as steep and winding.
In this area the highway winds through the Ozark Mountains, crosses the Buffalo National River and passes overlooks, forests, small communities and mountain valleys.
We have an entire itinerary for a road trip on this scenic highway heading north from Russellville, passing through Jasper, and ending in Harrison.
Drive the Jasper Disaster Road Trip
The Jasper Disaster is one of our absolute favorite road trips in Arkansas. It is not a disaster at all, but instead is a beautiful winding route which makes a loop through the Ozark Mountains.
You can take it from Jasper and return back home later that day.
Here is all the information you need about the Jasper Disaster.
Lost Valley Trail and Eden Falls
Lost Valley Trail is one of my favorite hikes in Arkansas. In fact, I would say that a visit to Lost Valley is a must-do when visiting Jasper, Arkansas.
It is also one of the most popular trails in Buffalo National River, so arrive early if you are visiting on a busy weekend or during fall color.
There is a nice parking area and then the trail enters a beautiful forest and winds alongside a stream-bed. You will pass giant boulders, a natural bridge, an enormous bluff shelter, and then Eden Falls.
The first portion of Lost Valley is relatively flat and gentle, but the trail becomes steeper and rockier as you continue toward the bluff shelter and the falls.
The area is simply stunning. Eden Falls is aptly named. You will feel as if you are in the garden of Eden.
If you want a little more adventure, the trail continues up above the waterfall to Eden Falls Cave. Reaching the cave requires more climbing and scrambling than the earlier portion of the trail and you will have to bring a flashlight if you intend to enter the cave.
Do be aware that the waterfalls in Arkansas are rain-dependent. Lost Valley is still a beautiful hike in dry weather, but Eden Falls will be more impressive after a period of rain.
Hike Round Top Mountain Trail
Round Top Mountain is one of the closest hikes to Jasper.
The mountain rises immediately south of town and is a good choice when you want to hike without spending a large part of your day driving to a trailhead.
It is also a historically interesting mountain. A military plane crashed into Round Top Mountain during World War II, killing the crew. A memorial along the trail tells their story.
The views are especially pretty during fall, but the trail is enjoyable in spring and summer as well.
See Triple Falls
Triple Falls is one of the prettiest waterfalls in Arkansas.
You may also hear it called Twin Falls, Boy Scout Falls or Camp Orr Falls. Yes, this one has a lot of names.
The hike to the waterfall is short. Getting to the trailhead is the hard part.
The access road descends steeply, and I mean steeply, y’all, into the valley and can be rough, particularly after wet weather. Don’t forget that you will eventually have to drive back up that same road.
I’d suggest that you choose your vehicle carefully and check current access conditions before going.
When the water is flowing well, the waterfall and surrounding greenery make this area look almost tropical.
Other Hikes Near Jasper
There are enough hiking trails near Jasper to keep you busy for days.
The best trail for your trip will depend on your experience, physical ability, the weather and how far you are willing to drive.
A few more hikes to consider include:
- Hammerschmidt Falls is a shorter trail with a pretty pay-off at the end.
- Hemmed in Hollow is one of the toughest and steepest hikes in the area when approached from the trailhead. Floaters can reach it much more easily from the Buffalo River.
- Hawksbill Crag (aka Whitaker Point Trail) is probably the most photographed hike in Arkansas. It is a bit of a drive from Jasper, but is considered to be one of the best hikes in the state.
- Pedestal Rocks Loop and King’s Bluff Trail share a trailhead and can easily be combined. Pedestal Rocks has some of the most unusual rock formations in the state.
- Steel Creek Overlook is one of the most gorgeous places to view the Buffalo River from up high.
- Centerpoint to Goat Trail is another tough hike with some of the most stunning scenery in the state. This one is definitely not for children or for those with a fear of heights.
Visit the Ponca Nature Center
If you want to discover more about the elk in Arkansas stop by the Ponca Nature Center! Here you can learn about this animals’ recovery, biology and history.
The staff may also be able to share information about recent elk sightings and current conditions in the area.
There are also plenty of other exhibits that will help you learn more about the flora and fauna of the Ozark Mountains.
Check the schedule before going because the nature center is not open every day.
Things to do in the Town of Jasper
The lovely town of Jasper is a great place to be after a day of outdoor adventure. Save some time to walk around the town square and enjoy a nice meal.
Town Square of Jasper
Downtown Jasper has a small, historic courthouse square surrounded by local businesses and interesting old buildings.
The whole Jasper Commercial Historic District is even listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Many of the buildings are constructed from a distinctive mixture of native stone, brick and concrete.
Take a few minutes to walk around the square and the nearby side streets. This is not a large downtown that will require half a day. It is simply a sweet little Arkansas town that is worth exploring.
You will find restaurants, gift shops, art, historic buildings and places to pick up Buffalo River souvenirs.
This is a good area for a slow walk after breakfast or lunch.
Look for Jasper’s Historic Buildings
Several interesting buildings are located on or near the town square.
- There is a building that was designed by renowned Arkansas architect E. Faye Jones. It is currently the Bank of the Ozarks and is made of orange brick.
- You will definitely want to check out the historic Arkansas House. Gould Jones constructed it in 1933 using a mixture of buff brick, glazed brick and flagstone. Don’t miss the beautiful shape of Arkansas in stone on the front center of the structure.
- Also, check out the old Newton County Jail which is right near the town square. It was built in 1902 of local stone and was used as a jail until 2009!
Visit the Bradley House Museum
The Bradley House Museum is operated by the Newton County Historical Society.
The museum preserves historical and genealogical information from Newton County and the surrounding area. The property includes the former home of Dr. and Mrs. W. A. Bradley as well as the historic Chaney Log Cabin.
This is a particularly good stop for anyone interested in local history.
The museum has limited operating days and hours, so check the schedule before planning your visit.
Relax at Bradley Park and the Little Buffalo River
The Little Buffalo River flows directly through Jasper.
Bradley Park has a nice playground and provides easy access to the river along with places to walk, picnic, fish and enjoy the water.
This is a peaceful place to slow down after a day of driving or hiking. It is also convenient for families who want to spend some time beside the water without traveling out to one of the Buffalo National River access points.
Restaurants in Jasper
You might be surprised to know that there are a number of good restaurants in Jasper, Arkansas.
Restaurant hours in Jasper can vary by season, and some places close on certain days of the week. Check the current schedule before planning your meals, especially if you are visiting during the quieter winter months.
Here are a few of our favorites:
- The Ozark Cafe is right on the town square across from the courthouse and is one of the oldest restaurants in the state of Arkansas. This is old-fashioned southern food; great burgers, breakfast with biscuits and gravy, cobblers, chicken fried chicken, and much more. Not only that but you can have a front row window seat on the activities of the town.
- The Cliff House Inn is only about a mile outside of town. This restaurant has, in my opinion, the best views of any restaurant in Arkansas. It sits on the edge of Scenic Highway 7 and hovers over the Arkansas Grand Canyon. Not only that but they have excellent steaks and pasta dishes. The restaurant is also known for its Company’s Comin’ pie.
- The Low Gap Cafe is known for farm to table dining and serves more elevated food than you might expect to find in a small mountain town. The menu changes, but you may find seafood, pasta, steaks and various specials. The salmon with red pepper cream sauce has been a personal favorite of mine. This is a good choice when you want something a little different from burgers and traditional country cooking.
- The Jasper Pizza Company is on the square near the Ozark Cafe. We ate there recently and were very impressed with both the food and the service. I know it’s a pizza place but you also need to try the cheese dip. Cheese dip is a thing in Arkansas, ya know. We had the hot honey pizza and it was very good!
Shopping in Jasper
There are some nice little shops in Jasper that you might enjoy. Just walk around the square and pop in to places to find various Ozark Mountain and Buffalo River crafts, gifts, and souvenirs.
Yeager’s Junction Quik Stop, near the Little Buffalo River bridge, is also a fun place to look for locally themed souvenirs, candy, drinks and road-trip snacks.
You will not need an entire day to shop in Jasper, but it is fun to browse before or after a meal downtown.
There is also a Harp’s Grocery store in Jasper as well as a Dollar General. If you need something bigger, like a Wal-Mart, there is one in the town of Harrison which is only about a 30 minute drive from Jasper.
Where to Stay in Jasper
You will find a mixture of cabins, vacation rentals, campgrounds, small inns and historic lodging in the Jasper area. Of course, there is also great camping.
Staying in town gives you convenient access to restaurants and supplies. Staying closer to Ponca or the Buffalo River may put you nearer to floating, hiking and Boxley Valley.
We have a list of some of our favorite stays in Jasper that you might want to check out.
Best Time to Visit Jasper
Jasper is a four-season destination, but each season offers a different experience.
Spring
Spring is one of the best times for floating the upper Buffalo River and seeing waterfalls. The forests begin turning green, wildflowers bloom and the temperatures are usually comfortable for hiking.
Summer
Summer is a good time for swimming, camping, and spending time beside the river.
The upper Buffalo may become too low to float during summer, particularly during dry years. Other sections of the river may still be floatable.
Summer weekends and holidays can be busy.
Fall
Fall is one of the most popular times to visit Jasper. It is a wonderful season for road trips.
The mountain color can be gorgeous, the weather is often good for hiking and the elk are especially active during rutting season.
Restaurants, overlooks and popular trails can become crowded during peak fall color. Make lodging reservations early.
Winter
Winter is quiet and peaceful.
You will not have fall leaves, but the bare trees open up distant mountain views. This can be a good time for scenic drives, hiking uncrowded trails and a quiet cabin getaway.
Check the weather though. It does occasionally snow in Arkansas and that doesn’t mix well with steep, winding roads.
Important Things to Know Before Visiting Jasper
- Check restaurant schedules before your trip. Small-town restaurants may have limited hours or close on certain weekdays.
- Check Buffalo River levels before planning a float.
- Check trail and road conditions, particularly after heavy rain, snow or ice.
- Download maps and directions before leaving town. Service can be unreliable in parts of the mountains.
- Keep your gas tank filled. Distances take longer than expected, and services are limited once you leave the larger roads.
- Don’t trespass on private land
- Give wildlife plenty of space.
- Most importantly, slow down.
Jasper is not a place where you need to rush from one attraction to another. The winding roads, river valleys, mountain views and unexpected stops are part of the trip.
Enjoy your trip to the mountains of Arkansas. Life is simply better in the Ozarks.
