USEFUL WEBSITE www.arkansas.com


ARKANSAS DEPARTMENTS OF PARKS & TOURISM


Blanchard Springs is named for John H. Blanchard, a veteran of the Civil War who left his family’s plantation home in Kentucky to search for a place of greater solitude


Bridal Veil Falls


Located in Cleburne County, Bridal Veil Falls is 584 feet above sea level, but the hike itself is considered easy. The falls are the perfect spot to enjoy the beauty of Heber Springs. If it’s been awhile since you visited, in 2014, there was a collaborative effort between the city, organizations and volunteers to landscape the area and improve the observation platform.


The falls are part of the Heber Springs Parks & Recreation Department. If you make it to the falls, you should consider exploring Heber Springs, which has excellent fishing, hiking and is charming.


Directions: The park is off AR Highway 25 on Bridal Veil Falls Road next to Heber Springs Collision Center. Bear right at the fork. Turn right into the parking area and walk to the observation platform above the falls. The hike down to the falls is steep, but easy.


Mirror Lake Eden Falls


Blanchard Springs Caverns, located 14 miles north of Mountain View, off AR Highway 14, feeds Mirror Lake, which is known as a trout haven. The lake was created in the 1930s when the Civilian Conservation Corps built a stone and concrete dam. The falls cascade over the dam and it’s stunning.


Blanchard Springs Caverns and recreational facilities are nearby and include camping, picnic areas, hiking trails and creek swimming holes. The lake is restocked periodically and all state fishing laws apply.


Blanchard Springs is named for John H. Blanchard, a veteran of the Civil War who left his family’s plantation home in Kentucky to search for a place of greater solitude. He settled near Blanchard Springs and homesteaded 160 acres of land and built an undershot grist mill.


Directions: Take AR 5 South to AR 14 West. Located 14 miles north of Mountain View, turn right onto Blanchard Road.


12 Living Well i March/April 2017


In a narrow canyon in Buffalo National River Park, you will find this waterfall gushing — or sometimes a mere trickle — over tall, moss-covered rocks and boulders. It’s considered to be a moderate hike to the falls, but worth it if you’re looking to capture some amazing photos or just admire the natural beauty.


If you plan to spend the night or want to float the river, Lost Valley Canoe & Lodging on AR Highway 43 in Ponca, offers cabins, primitive campsites, canoe and kayak rental service. Call (870) 861-5522.


Directions: From AR 43 between Boxley and Ponca, turn onto the road to Lost Valley, a unit of the Buffalo National River. Park at the end of the road and follow the signed trail to the bluff shelter. Eden Falls will be found at the far end of the massive overhang.


ARKANSAS


DEPARTMENTS OF PARKS & TOURISM


If you make it to Bridal Veil Falls, you should consider exploring Heber Springs, which has excellent fishing, hiking and is charming


Living Well i March/April 2017 13


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