Harrison, Ark. – National Park Service officials expect heavy traffic in Boxley Valley Historic District this fall, a popular destination for hiking, hunting, horseback riding, and elk viewing in October and November. Visitors are reminded to stay safe when viewing wildlife by maintaining appropriate distances and to create safe situations by parking only in designated parking areas.
Elk viewers along Highways 43 and 21 should use only designated roadside parking areas in order to allow traffic and emergency vehicles to move through Boxley Valley. Parking or stopping on a state highway is strictly prohibited unless wildlife is actively crossing the road. Please respect private property by not blocking driveways or crossing fences, and always maintain a safe distance of at least 150 feet from all wildlife.
If visitors are also interested in hiking during their stay, they are reminded that congestion is expected daily at popular trailheads like Lost Valley, Ponca, Centerpoint, and Compton. Hikers and horseback riders are encouraged to arrive early in the morning to find a parking spot. Rangers will be on duty to assist with parking and traffic control in high-use areas. Visitors are urged to have backup plans in the likely event that a designated parking lot is full when they arrive. As a reminder, Eden Falls Cave on the Lost Valley Trail remains closed currently as a public health precaution for COVID-19.
Here is a flyer on Elk Viewing from the National Park. Boxley Elk Viewing Flyer
Learn more about the elk at Buffalo National River and safe viewing practices at https://www.nps.gov/buff/learn/nature/elk.htm .
