If you’re seeking a road trip that combines adrenaline-pumping curves with breathtaking natural beauty, the Jasper Disaster in Arkansas is your perfect adventure.
This loop through the Ozark Mountains is one of the most scenic drives in the state. It is a favorite for motorcyclists, people with little sports vehicles, and those like us…regular families in a regular ol’ car.
What Is the Jasper Disaster?
The Jasper Disaster is a renowned 60-mile loop that winds through the heart of the Ozarks, encompassing Highways 7, 74, and 43.
Y’all it is anything but disastrous. It is an absolutely gorgeous drive.
It is said to have 316 curves. I didn’t count them myself, but I can tell you that it is very winding and beautiful.
We started in the small town of Harrison, drove south out of Harrison on Scenic Highway 7 to Jasper, then took Highway 74 from Jasper to Ponca, and up through the small town of Compton back to Harrison on highway 43.
Below is a map of the drive we made WITH a few side trips.
Where to Get Gas and Provisions on the Jasper Disaster
You can fuel up your car and get food and snacks for your body in Harrison, Ponca, and Jasper.
Stops Along the Way
Even if you make NO stops this is a beautiful drive. Without side trips it is approximately 60 miles.
However, you could choose to spend a whole day…or even two whole days on this route. There are some amazing places that you can choose to stop either on or just off of the actual Jasper Disaster loop.
I’m including restaurants and hikes as well as other stops. Obviously you won’t be able to do all of them in a day.
These are simply options so you can pick and choose and make this road trip your own!
Coffee and Pastries in Harrison:
The Neighbor’s Mill is a long time favorite of both locals and those traveling in the Ozarks. Grab a delicious pastry or some bread and a cup of coffee before you hit the road.
Daisy Queen 7 South:
I HIGHLY recommend a stop at the Daisy Queen. It is on highway 7 just south of Harrison. This is a great old-fashioned diner/dairy bar.
They serve an excellent southern breakfast and they also have daily home-cooked lunch specials, excellent burgers, milkshakes, pies, and so much more. We LOVED our stop here.
Pruitt:
This is where you can get your first sight of the beautiful Buffalo River! Pruitt is often a put-in point for floating in the late spring and early summer when the water is too low to float from Ponca. A good day float is from Pruitt to Hasty.
Check out the Buffalo Outdoor Center for more information on floating the Buffalo.
Jasper, Arkansas:
In our opinion Jasper is one of the cutest small towns in Arkansas. You are going to want to stop here, have a bite to eat, and check out some of the wonderful little shops and historic sites. It is a charming place.
You can even stop by the Little Buffalo River which runs right through the town.
Ozark Cafe:
The Ozark Cafe has been serving customers since 1909! It is situated right on the main square in Jasper. You will love the breakfast or the burgers, the chicken fried steak, or the milkshakes.
Stop in for friendly service and be sure to try the cobbler.
Low Gap Cafe:
We also really love the Low Gap Cafe. In our opinion this is one of the best places to eat in Jasper. They serve a perfect combination of fine dining and southern cooking. For those that have been there in the past it is no longer in the town of Low Gap – it has moved to Jasper.
​Round Top Mountain Trail:
Ready to do some hiking? Round Top Mountain trail is a bit off of the official Jasper Disaster route. You will head about 2 miles south on Scenic 7 from Jasper to find the trail head. There is a sign but it is small so you will have to look closely for it.
There are about 3 miles of trails here. The best view is the one from the north bluff. The hike is considered moderate because of a bit of elevation.
In our opinion we would only do this hike if we were on this road trip during a dry spell. However, if the streams are flowing we would do some of the waterfall hikes on this list instead.
Arkansas Grand Canyon and Cliff House Inn:Â
If you want to head even further off of the main route continue further south on Highway 7 where you will find both the Cliff House Inn and the Arkansas Grand Canyon.
This expansive valley offers panoramic views that are especially breathtaking during the fall foliage season and Cliff House Inn is a restaurant that literally hangs out over the valley. Be sure and try the companies coming dessert!
(If you took any of these side trips now head back to Jasper and then take Highway 74 towards the town of Ponca. This is going to lead you to:)
Triple Falls (Camp Orr Trailhead):
Triple Falls, sometimes called Twin Falls is an absolutely stunning waterfall when the water is flowing well. The hike itself is very short and easy however the drive to the trailhead is NOT.
The drive is steep and rough and not recommended for a low clearance or two wheel drive vehicle. To get here you will turn off of highway 74 at the sign for Kyle’s landing. When this dirt road divides you will go to the right.
Hammerschmidt Falls:
The trailhead for this waterfall is between Jasper and Low Gap. You will pull onto the road that goes to Horseshoe Canyon Ranch. There will be a big sign at the road and a small parking area right there as you turn.
The hike is .7 miles out and back and is considered easy. However, I will say that if you want to go to the bottom of the falls the trail is steep so that might put it into the moderate range. This is really pretty if the water is flowing well.
(Continue down 74)
Steel Creek Campground area:
This is just a gorgeous campground and a great place to spend a little time on the Buffalo River. The drive is a bit off the route but so beautiful.
Sometimes you can also see elk in this area.
The photo below was taken early in the morning at Steel Creek Campground in the fall. There is a great overlook hike here and you can even take a swim in the Buffalo River below the beautiful bluffs!
Ponca Low Water Bridge:
This is a great stop to see the Buffalo River and also a good place to take a swim! There is parking at the bridge and from there you can also access the next two stops on the Jasper Disaster Road Trip.
The “Beaver Jim” Villines Homestead:
There are several old homesteads in this area. This is an easy one to see. It was built in 1882 by a trapper in the area known as “Beaver Jim.”
Park at the Ponca low water bridge, cross over on foot (when accessible,) then follow the signs up the hill. This easy trail passes the old homestead and farm buildings.
Balanced Rock Trail:
While parked at the Ponca low water bridge you can also see Balanced Rock. After you cross the bridge (when accessible) you will see a brown sign indicating the Buffalo River Trail. Don’t take that. Just a few paces from the Buffalo River Trail sign, an unmarked path leads to the left —this is the trail to Balanced Rock Falls.
This is a 1.1 moderately challenging out and back trail that leads to a waterfall behind a boulder balanced between two bluffs. It is a very pretty walk when the water is flowing.
Lost Valley:
In my opinion Lost Valley is a must stop on this road trip! It is a little bit off the main Jasper Disaster route but well worth it. I have to say that Lost Valley is one of my favorite places in the state.
To get here you will go south on Hwy 43. The turn off is well marked.
This is a lovely 2 mile trail that is easy to moderate. At the end is a huge bluff overhang and gorgeous Eden Falls. If you are really adventurous, and have a good flashlight, and are NOT claustrophobic there is even a wild cave here with a waterfall inside that you see.
(Head north on Hwy 43 towards the town of Ponca)
Boxley Valley:Â
As you drive on Hwy 43 you will be in Boxley Valley. In our opinion, this is one of the most beautiful stretches of road in the state! You will see gorgeous fields, old barns, original homesteads, and so much natural beauty. This is also the prime area for spotting elk. The best times to view elk are early mornings and in the early evening. Watch along the tree line as you drive through!
Ponca Nature Center:
If you want to learn more about elk and the nature of this area then I definitely recommend a stop at the Ponca Nature Center! You can stop and enjoy the exhibits and activities, but they will also give you information about the latest elk sightings as well as other area information.
Buffalo Outdoor Center:
The Buffalo Outdoor Center is a great stop for all kinds of things. You can get gifts or T-shirts, rent a cabin, or schedule a float of the Buffalo River. They even have a store and deli where you pick up some snacks or have a sandwich!
(Continue North to Harrison)
Hemmed in Hollow:
If you are up for a hard and long hike then you can give the Hemmed in Hollow hike a try. The trail is steep and strenuous and about 5 miles round trip. It leads to a 200 foot waterfall, but It is definitely considered a challenging hike.
I’ve done it. It’s tough.
To get to the trail head route yourself to JB Trading Co in Compton, Arkansas. Just across the road is County Road 121. Take that .2 miles and then turn right onto CR 19. Go 0.8 miles, and turn right on Hemmed-in Hollow Road. The parking area and trailhead will be immediately on the left.
Paige Falls and Broadwater Falls:
Looking for a hike that is a little easier? I suggest Paige Falls!
Go about .8 miles north of the JB Trading Co. You will see gravel road 2660 on your right. Follow that until you arrive at an obvious parking area. This road is fairly steep and is not recommended for low clearance or two wheel drive vehicles.
Paige Falls is just a short hike from the parking area and although it is not very tall it is, in our opinion, one of the prettiest waterfalls in the state.
Head Back to Harrison!
Tips for the Journey
- Fuel Up: Ensure your vehicle is in top condition and fill up your gas tank in Jasper or Harrison, as gas stations are sparse along the route.​
- Drive Safely: The numerous curves require attentive driving. Take your time to enjoy the scenery and drive cautiously.
- Stay Overnight: Consider extending your trip by staying overnight in Jasper or nearby towns to fully experience the area’s offerings.​ We have a list of places to stay in Jasper!
- Leave no trace: Please follow leave no trace principles as you hike the wonderful trails of the Ozark Mountains.
- Best Season to Visit: The obvious answer is fall or spring. In the spring you will often have the best water flow for waterfalls and floating the Buffalo. In the fall the foliage in this area is simply stunning. However, I also have to give a nod to a winter visit. Check the weather before you go to make sure that no snow or ice is expected. We DO occasionally have some beautiful and mild-ish winter days in Arkansas.
Embarking on the Jasper Disaster route promises an unforgettable adventure filled with natural wonders, thrilling drives, and the warm hospitality of Arkansas’s Ozark region.
We highly recommend this remarkable journey through the heart of the Natural State!
If you are interested in another Ozark Mountain road trip check out this one which goes near the Mulberry River!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
