Around Th’ Woods Buffalo River Cabins and the surrounding areas, there's always plenty of places to go and things to do and see. Maybe a day  float on the Buffalo National River. There are plenty of good places to put in your canoe or inner-tube or if you have horses bring ‘em on, we have a place available for them with water. If you prefer, there are a number of local outfitters that supply both. Don't hesitate to get out and do some exploring on your own. For those that have ATV four-wheelers, bring ‘em on. There are a lot of good ATV trails in the area. Here are some more ideas:

EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS

There are a lot of great ways to explore the Ozarks while your here but it don't get any better than either a Float on the Buffalo National River or if you're not a water enthusiasts, a Trail Hike, Horseback Ride or ATV Trail Ride. Speaking of trails, we have several here on TWBRC estate. With our over 100 acres to explore, it's more than enough to get you warmed up. But you don't have to stop there. There are a lot of trails and country dirt/back roads in the area to be explored as well.

Horse Trail Riding
If you have your own horses, we offer a 3 acre common corral with shelter and water - you bring the feed. Our property and the surrounding area has some great trails for your use. The horse trails on our 100 acres are marked for you.

If you need a horse there are outfitters within a 15-25 minute drive in the area that offer terrific scenic trail rides with varying times based on the time of day. They generally run about 1.5 to 2 hours but can be tailored for a flexible schedule. Depending on the time of year, days with extended daylight hours can be booked from morning rides or mid to late afternoon rides.

Most outfitters offer rides in the range of $30-$35 dollar per person + tax depending on the number of people and the length of the ride.

ATV Trails
As we said, there are a lot of trails and country dirt/back roads in the area to be explored, but you don't need to go off our 100 acres to have a great ride. We have special trails just for ATV off road riders. Like the horse trails and hiking trails, they're marked so you know there there just for your ATV pleasure ride.

Hiking Trails
Like the Horse and ATV Trails, they're marked for hikers and we have over a 100 acres to explore. There are several other hiking trails in the area to be explored. From short hikes that can be covered in a few hours to a day to multi-day trips requiring a backpack and rations, the Ozark Mountains offer a cornucopia of hiking choices. From scenic over looks to historic stops along your way you'll find a hike worth the effort to fit your needs. There is even a national river trail that meanders through Arkansas with sections winding along the Buffalo National River from the Boxley area to on over to the Gilbert area. Some of the more popular hikes include:

In the Historic Rush Mining Area
The area is famous for its old mines and historic structures and you can certainly enjoy viewing these old areas, but for your own safety, we don't recommend that you enter them.

Morning Star Trail (0.3 mile / 5 km)
Once one of northwest Arkansas's larger inhabited communities, a hike through historic Rush takes you past the buildings of the Morning Star Mining Company, a smelter built in 1886 and what is left of the old blacksmith shop.

Rush Hiking Trail (2.2 miles / 3.5 km)
You'll enjoy your climb up historic Rush mountain and the beautiful area that it encompasses.

In The Buffalo Point Area
Overlook Trail (0.7 mile / 1.1 km)
This is an easy hike. The real payoff is the trail takes you out to an overlook of The Buffalo National River and a view that is awesome.

Indian Rockhouse (3.5 mile / 5.6 km)
Featured in a 1930's National Geographic article, the Indian Rockhouse trail is one of the most popular trails along the Buffalo National River. As you hike along this trail, you'll enjoy scenic sites such as a waterfall, sculptured rock, glory hole and pebble springs with the payoff/destination being the large bluff shelter once occupied by Indians. One note; be prepared for the return trail. It has one strenuous section.

In The Boxley-Ponca Area (Newton County)
Lost Valley (2.3 miles / 3.7km)
All ages, especially kids will enjoy the beautiful creek side scenery. There are lots of giant rocks and unique canyon bluff formations. Like Indian Rockhouse, Cobb Cave is a huge bluff shelter that was home to the areas early Indians. Once you get to Eden Falls you'll want a flashlight to explore the short cave. There is a portion of the trail that is wheelchair accessible.

Hemmed-In Hollow (5 miles / 8.2km r/t)
This popular scenic trail begins its' trey in Compton - lactated on Hwy 43 North just seven miles up the road from Ponca. Typically, it takes about four hours to complete - unless you decide to take in the great scenery along the way including old homesteads and lots of wild flowers. Oh yea, we can't forget to mention it has what is reported to be the tallest waterfall in mid-America. You'll want to be in reasonably good physical condition for this trail because there are several areas that require some fairly steep hill climbing on the way out. Once you've finished you'll appreciate both the scenery as well as the effort.

Fishin'
If you're into fishing, may we suggest Smallmouth Bass on the Buffalo River or maybe Crooked Creek. Other species of fish found include largemouth & spotted bass, catfish, goggle-eye bass, carp, and a variety of pan fish . If you do a Buffalo River float, you'll find a popular & fun activity is spotting these fish as you meander through the slower pools on the river. Of coarse it don't get any more exciting than catching them! For World Class Trout fishing, plan a day trip to the White River. You'll need either a resident or a non-resident fishing license and maybe a trout stamp. You can purchase them directly from the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission with a credit card by calling 1-800-364-4263 or they're available from local outfitters and bait shops.

Mountain Biking
The Syllamo Mountain Bike Trail is newly developed, with phase 1 featuring 22 miles of trail for intermediate to advanced enthusiasts. It consists of three interconnecting loops, which are accessible from the Syllamo Trail head on Arkansas Highway 5, as well as several locations along Green Mountain Road.

Wild Life
Th’ Woods Buffalo River Cabins is in the middle of the wilderness and offers an abundance of wildlife, including white-tail deer, Arkansas black bear, wild turkey, great horned owl, bobcat, beaver, racoon, ‘possum, coyotes and an occasional red fox. The best times to get a glimpse of these animals are usually during the early morning hours or late in the evenings around dusk. They can often be seen moving about either looking for food or roaming their habitat.

Bird watching
If you're an avid bird watcher, you'll find a wide variety of bird species in the area to enjoy. In the winter you're likely to see bald eagle on the property. Other birds of prey include the osprey and the red-tail hawk. Aside from migratory birds including scarlet tanagers, yellow canaries, and brilliant indigo buntings, other species often seen, include red-winged blackbirds, bluebirds, cardinals, goldfinches, nuthatches, juncos and downy, hairy, and piloted woodpeckers.

Trees & Wildflowers
Short-leaf pine, cedars, hickories, oaks, and maple trees are abundant in the area. Other trees you'll find intermingled with these include flowering trees such as dogwoods, cotton-candy pink mountain azaleas, and umbrella magnolias. The best months to catch flowering trees in bloom in the spring include April, May and early June. Many folks love to plan their visits to the Ozarks around the last week or two of October through the first week or two of November. This is the most popular time because of it being when the leaves of autumn are at their peak showing off their brilliant fall colors including yellows, reds, oranges, and browns.

Caving
If you're a spelunker, you'll be glad to know that the Ozarks has a variety of caves from novice to expert that can be explored. Check out the Caving link for some ideas. Organized underground tours are available at the following:

Blanchard Springs
On Hwy 14 south of Th’ Woods Buffalo River Cabins, Blanchard Springs is home to one of the largest caverns west of the Mississippi. The park service offers year round tours of the caverns with a varied schedule for one trip a day in winter months to several in peak summer season.

Mystic Caverns
Located between Jasper and Harrison on Scenic Highway 7, Mystic Caverns is ‘one of the prettiest open for touring' Ozark Mountains mysterious caverns. It offers beautiful limestone formations enhanced with some exciting and colorful local history from times back when prohibition days made Mystic Caverns a real popular experience. Hosted by the Rush family.

Hurricane River Cave
Located just off Hwy 65N in north most Searcy County half way between Marshall and Harrison. This is a beautiful cave filled with stories of it's past. A very popular stop-over attraction along 65N made by its ancient underground riverbed of water-eroded passageways. Heralded as one of the most unique caves of its kind, features include stalagmites, stalactites, flowstone, draperies, soda straws, rimstone dams, cave popcorn, columns, moonmilk, stalactoflats, canopies, along with rare and unique shields, and more!

Talking Rocks Cavern
Caving experts refer to it as “Missouri’s most beautiful cave.” Considering how many caves there in the state, that is saying a mouthful of praise . Easily accessible to most everyone, it’s a beautiful cavern that is as interesting as it is picturesque. Talking Rocks is located near Kimberling City just outside of Branson.

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HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS

Ozark Heritage Arts Center and Museum
In Leslie on Oak Street, This museum is devoted to the story of Leslie and the surrounding area. The museum exhibits are well displayed and interpreted. Rare old pictures and authentic local articrafts tell the story of the people and town of Leslie, Arkansas. The museum is mostly free and open to the public. Closed Jan-Mar.

The Searcy County Museum
Operated by the Retired Teachers Association, its located in the 1902 Searcy County jail, just one block of the square in Marshall. It houses a collection of artists reflecting 12,000 years of human habitation in Searcy County, including a planned collection about Searcy County's 1940's country singer Elton Britt. The building was built to replace a wooden jail across the street which had trouble keeping its prisoners, and was used until 1976.

North Arkansas Ancestor Fair
Started in Searcy County in 1900, it has been copied by other county historical societies in Arkansas and Oklahoma. Now held the first Saturday in June in Leslie & Marshall, Arkansas, it is described as a genealogical swap shop, or a place to brag on your ancestors. It brings together family and local history researchers, who are working on North Arkansas families, from all over the US.

Historic Communities
Marshall, Arkansas is located at the base of Devil's Backbone Mountain which has one of the most spectacular views in Mid-America. In 1867, the name of Burrowsville (originally Racoon Springs) was changed to Marshall. Napoleon B. Burrow, who had originally donated land for the town, had been a general in the confederate army which might explain the name change. Marshall was also the home of Elton Britt, the first country and western singer recording artist to sell over a million copies of a single record "There's a Star Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere".

Gilbert, Arkansas with a population of 45, is located on the Buffalo National River. The town of Gilbert was formed and planned by the M & NA Railroad soon after the tracks were laid to the Gilbert area. The town was named for J.A. Gilbert the railroad Superintendent. The Gilbert General Store was built in 1902 and is on the National Historic Register. The store is still in use today. Gilbert is noted for having the lowest recorded temperatures in Arkansas.

Mountain View, Arkansas You won't want to miss a trip to this little town over in Stone County. Located southeast of TWBRC. Mountain View is home to The Ozark Folk Center and Tommy's Famous . . . a pizzeria. Known as the ‘Folk Music Capital of The World’ its downtown square features live music just about every night of the week during the summer. Folks - both local and them thar 'outsiders' - just show up with their guitars, fiddles and banjos and start to play. On the weekends, you can't hardly drive through downtown for all the people. Mountain View is a town full of historical sites & legends and there's plenty of places to shop and eat.

Other area historical site include the Wolf House Log Home, Mountain Village 1899, Historic Highway 101 area, Buffalo City, and the Cotter Bridge.

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DAY TRIPS TO OTHER COMMUNITIES

Yellville in Marion County
Go north on Hwy, 14 to Yellville. The historic square features shops, the old court house and live music from local bands benefit the area literacy council for a Saturday afternoon/evening showcase with area truck farmers there to hawk their homegrown goods. The music gets started about 6 PM and goes June through August.

Harrison in Boone County
Located north of Marshall on Hwy 65 N, Harrison features the Lyric Theater with live theatre productions and music, shopping, the world famous Devito’s Italian Restaurant, The Benton House restaurant, located on Hwy. 43 South and you might want to stop in the Boone County Visitors Information Center for area information.

Jasper in Newton County
Located on Hwy. 74, this picturesque mountain town features family restaurants including The Dairy Diner, Point of View, Ozark Café, and Sharon K’s. There are also unique shops to check out interesting fossils and rocks for sale, an antique shop and a local bakery.

Eureka Springs in Caroll County
Located in northwest Arkansas on Hwy 62 W, this charming Victorian mountain town states it 'has something for everyone' and once you've been there you'll agree. Starting with an eclectic variety of unique clothing & specialty shops, great restaurants, inspiring attractions such as the world-famous Passion Play, then mix in an active art community, an abundance of art galleries, live music venues, festivals and an assortment of hearty bistros & pubs, not to mention a lot of fun to be had -- you get a town on the edge, especially in the downtown historic district.

Branson MO
A great day-trip adventure worth your time. Beginning with Silver Dollar City, a terrific theme park with an 1800’s mining town setting. Kids love the rides - especially the roller coaster. Other popular attractions include watching expert craftsmen ply their trades. These include wood- carvers, glass blowers and a variety of artisans/craftsmen. The rest of the day can be spent in Branson itself. The Music Row has quickly became the Live Music Capital of Mid-America with major music theme show attractions from the 50's, 60's, 70's 80's through the present crop of Country stars. Area favorites often include shows from major starts such as Mickey Gilley, Dolly Pardon and the list of county stars that make periodic appearances there is endless. Aside from all the music there are a number of factory outlet stores for shopping, museums and other attractions such as the Butterfly Place, where the 'stars' of the show are hundreds of gorgeous, tropical butterflies freely flying in an open walk-thru atrium.

Scenic Driving Day Trips
There are many Scenic drives in the area and many can be planned as a day trip so you can not only take in the scenic drive, but you can visit several historic areas, shop and taste some of the great eateries of the region.

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OTHER ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA

Antiquing
The area is filled with all kinds of antique shops and flea markets, From Leslie (6 shops in this one town alone) to Mountain View on Hwy's 65 and 66, to Harrison and Eureka Springs on Hwy's. 65 and 62, which either routes making for a nice day-trip for fun, adventure and shopping as well as other sites & attraction in either area.

Culture And Arts
If you're looking for Live Theater, there's the Twin Lakes Theater in Mountain Home area, the Ozarks Heritage Killebrew Theater in Leslie, and the Lyric Theater in Harrison. The area also boasts a number of good Art Galleries including ones in Leslie, Harrison, Mountain Home and Mountain View. Most of the above listed theaters also have galleries and information on local galleries in their respective areas.

Golfing
How about a great tin cup to knock around or a tough back nine? The area offers Golf from easy to pro, from public to private. Need help with your putting? Need a Pro Trainer? Whatever you're looking for in your next round you'll find it in the Ozarks.

Loafing
Don't hesitate to enjoy the most enjoyed activity in the Ozarks. Sometimes the best things to do include staying in your cabin to read, play a board or card game, spend time with your family or friends or kick back, hangout and watch nature from your large cabin porch.

Area Festivals & Holidays

Annual Turkey Trot Festival - Yellville, in October
Annual Mountain Mania BBQ Championship and Fall Festival - Mountain Home, in October
Leslie Homecoming - 3rd full week of June
Spring Bluegrass Festival - Mountain View, in March
Arkansas Folk Festival - In Mountain View, in April
Memorial Day Weekend
July 4th Weekend
Labor Day Weekend
Thanksgiving Day & Weekend
Christmas Week
New Years Weekend

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