How to Vacation in Ponca, Arkansas

Ponca, Arkansas is not famous but it offers a unique vacation destination. There is no cell phone service, no convenience store and no grocery store for miles around. If you are looking for an inexpensive place to truly get away from it all and relax, Ponca is the place to go. Tucked deep into the Ozark Mountains, Ponca is located on Highway 43 South, an hour's drive in any direction from the nearest town. Despite it's remote location, thousands of people come to Ponca each year to explore the beauty of the Buffalo National River, which runs right through the tiny community.

Things You'll Need

• Camera
• Food

Instructions

1. You won't find a Holiday Inn in Ponca, but there are numerous family owned and operated cabin rentals available, including one luxurious lodge named Cedar Crest Lodge. The Cedar Crest Lodge is a 6,000-square foot cabin that can be rented for weddings, reunions or a family vacation.

2. Canoeing is the transportation of choice in Ponca. The Buffalo National River starts just a few miles away and canoe rentals dot the area and will shuttle you to your choice of drop-off and pick up locations. Some canoe rentals may offer a guide to go along with you, but most just send you on your way down river with a map. All canoe rentals provide life jackets so there is no need to bring your own. There are no "grand rapids" on the Buffalo River, so canoeing here is suitable for most able-bodied adventurers

3. Ponca is primarily National Park Service property so the hiking trails are labeled well. There are numerous trail heads that venture out in the middle of the untouched wilderness, but if you are looking for a hike suitable for the young and old alike, take your family for a picnic and hike at Lost Valley. The Lost Valley trail consists of an easy-to-moderate walking trail that leads to a beautiful waterfall before looping back to the parking lot.

4. The wildlife in Ponca is plentiful and the most popular attraction is the elk herd. Every morning at sunrise and every evening at sunset, hundreds of elk migrate from the woods and graze in the fields along the river. When the elk are out, it is common to find cars lined up along the narrow two-lane road as everyone attempts to take pictures of the herd. In addition to the elk, there are deer, bears, turkey, coyotes and bobcats that all call the Buffalo National River home.

5. The highways of Newton County are most scenic during autumn. In the Ponca area, there are numerous historical landmarks including old homesteads, abandoned churches and family cemeteries rich with history. Just down the road from Ponca is the neighboring community of Boxley. The Boxley Church and it's picturesque setting has attracted photographers from around the world.

Tips & Warnings

• Since there are no restaurants near Ponca, plan on buying groceries before arriving at your destination. Grocery stores can be found in nearby towns of Clarksville, Jasper and Harrison.