Stay connected with everything happening in our area with this exclusive access to local events, trails, best things to do nearby, and lodging in the area. Whether you're a local or just passing through, this page keeps you in the loop with what's going on around the area.
Ozark Mountain & Buffalo National River Rentals & Tourism
There are 3 Buffalo National River concessions located within 3 miles of our store:
Buffalo River Outfitters (9664 US-65, Saint Joe, Arkansas 72675)
Gilbert General Store ( 1 Frost Street, Gilbert, Arkansas 72636)
Silver Hill Canoe Rental ( 9826 US-65, Saint Joe, Arkansas 72675)
They are your experts for anything Buffalo National River! You can get immediate directions on Google Maps by clicking their respective links above.
Craving a bird’s-eye view of the river? Or how about an epic flight over your own hand-picked stretch of the Ozarks?
Buffalo River Air Tours (flying out of the Marshall and Harrison airports) offers amazing views of the Upper, Middle, and Lower Districts on 45-60 minute flights (Upper District is a 60 minute flight). They also offer tailored flights to fill your adventure needs! Book through their website! Just have general questions? Give them a call here. Clicking the “Buffalo River Air Tours” link above will take you directly to their Facebook page.
Ready to grab a lawn chair (or relax in the vehicle), kick back under the stars, grab some popcorn and watch a movie at the Kenda Drive-In?
The Kenda Drive-In, nestled in Marshall, Arkansas, is an outdoor, retro style movie theater and has been a cherished destination for movie enthusiasts since its inception in April 1966. It’s one of only three drive-in theaters still operating in the entire state! Clicking ‘The Kenda Drive-In” above will take you directly to their Facebook page. Get directions here.
River Trails & Vista Views
Here in the Middle District of the Buffalo, you will find many wonders. A lot of them are found along the several trails that we have around the area. Clicking any of the links below will take you directly to the trail head or its parking area via Google Maps. Here is a nice compiled list of our favorites nearby:
River View Trail of Tyler Bend (“Collier Homestead Trail”): Use the parking lot on the left side of Tyler Bend Road marked by brown park service signs. This trail is 1.5 miles down to the Tyler Bend Visitor Center. Take the return trail half way through or you can take the same way back to the car after you visit the Tyler Bend Visitor Center.
Buck Ridge Trail of Tyler Bend is a 0.8 mile trail that starts halfway in on the Spring Hollow Trail mentioned below. At the end of the .8 miles, you will come to a Y, where the BRT winds down to the highway 65 bridge and on to Dillard’s Ferry in the Lower District.
Spring Hollow Trail of Tyler Bend: Use the parking lot on the left side of Tyler Bend Road marked by brown park service signs (the gravel parking lot for the Collier Homestead Trail). This trail is a little over a mile long, taking you down to the Tyler Bend Amphitheater. Walk back on the same trail or walk along the highway back to the car.
Rock Wall Trail of Tyler Bend is another .9 mile trail that meets up with the Spring Hollow Trail at the amphitheater and the BRT down to the highway 65 bridge and on to the Lower District at the Highway 14 bridge.
*You can find more information and maps for the first four trails above on the NPS website.
Gilbert Railroad Trail is a 2.4 mile (if you hike just the railroad part of it only) trail that takes you out to the at-one-time operational railroad piers of the M&NA Railroad. This is an out-and-back trail but definitely a must try.
Grinder’s Ferry/Shine Eye River View Trail (Grinder’s Ferry bluff trail) is a super short .10 of a mile trail that starts just off the side of the road on Shine Eye Rd. Within just a couple minutes, you will be atop Grinder’s Ferry bluff overlooking the gravel bar and the highway 65 Bridge. There are two trails to choose at a ‘Y’ in the road where you can either go left or right. Either one is beautiful and offers a great view but staying on the longer route to the left is better viewing. Please use extreme caution on this trail.
Devil’s Backbone Overlook in Marshall is just off highway 65 on the right if you’re Southbound out of Marshall on your way to Conway. Devil’s Backbone offers views up to 40 miles on a clear, sunny day. If you’re coming from Conway, it is on your left just 1 mile before the Marshall city limits. It just so happens to be one of Arkansas’s most photographed locations.
Lodging Around the Area
Two of the local concessions mentioned to the left have lodging that can accommodate any size group with their multiple cabin options:
Buffalo River Outfitters and the Gilbert General Store. You can call them by clicking their respective links above.
There are several Airbnb &Vrbo rentals around the area, so to make a long list short, here are some of our favorites that are close to our store:
The Baker Ford House by the Baker Ford access. The Baker Ford House is located near the BNR and sleeps 6. Enjoy watching the wildlife, floating the river, fishing, swimming, horseback riding, and hiking. A few of the nearby destinations include: Baker Ford River Access, Gilbert, Tyler Bend, Grinder’s Ferry, and the Kenda Drive-In Movies. 3 bedrooms, 4 beds, 1 bath. Book by clicking the “The Baker Ford House” Airbnb link above or by calling them directly here.
Bear Creek Log Cabins between Saint Joe and Marshall offers several lodging options along the banks and fields of Bear Creek. Find them on Facebook or by calling them directly. Clicking the “Bear Creek Log Cabins” link above will take you straight to their office via Google Maps.
The South House is a 3 bed, 2 full baths house located on Osbourne Road in Saint Joe. The South House is located only ten minutes from the Buffalo River! Hike, float, play at the creek/river, and then come back to: star gaze in the spacious back yard, grill in the screened-in porch, visit around the fire pit, snuggle up in the living room for some tv time or soak in 6’ jetted tub! Clicking ‘The South House’ above will take you straight to their Airbnb website.
Sky Hawk Ridge of Gilbert has two fabulous cabins on a 185-acre refuge at the doorway of the Buffalo National River! Find them on Vrbo by clicking the “Sky Hawk Ridge” link above or by calling them directly here.
Willow Bend Log Cabin is a spacious, 3 bed cabin just minutes from our store and the town of Gilbert. Full kitchen and living space available. Find them on Facebook by clicking the “Willow Bend Log Cabins” link above or by calling them directly.