Autumn Elk Experiences and Hot Springs Tea in Arkansas

Arkansas’s elk herd puts on autumn show

If you want a breathtaking experience this fall, head to Boxley Valley. Elk have free range here and can be seen at several different locations near the Buffalo National River in North Central Arkansas. The most common place to view them is the six miles of AR 43 and AR 21 in Boxley Valley. You can park on the pull-offs on the side of the road and stand along the fence line to see them. The best times to see the elk are dusk and dawn. Autumn is a great time to see them in the fields, particularly October and November. They put on an extra show because it’s rutting season and bull elk have large antlers to show off to their cow elk, other bulls, and you. While you’re there, rent a cabin, canoe the Buffalo National River, go hiking and eat some really great food.

Keep warm with Arkansas’s hot springs

Hot Springs National Park, the oldest unit within the National Park System, is a great autumn destination because of the park’s namesake attraction. The springs are the reason this land was first set aside for protection and this thermal water can be found in everything from spa treatments on Bathhouse Row to the craft beer at Superior Bathhouse Brewery, the first brewery located inside a national park. You can also taste this hot water for free at one of the various jug fountains located in the park. If you bring a cup and tea bag with you, you can even enjoy hot tea while you stroll the Row. Aside from thermal water experiences, you can also stay warm by staying active. Hot Springs National Park has over 25 miles of hiking trails that lead to scenic vistas and to destinations like the Hot Springs Mountain Tower, which offers an aerial view of downtown Hot Springs and the surrounding Ouachita National Forest.
Media Contact
Leah DiPietro, Deputy Director, Division of Tourism, [email protected]
View and download assets, visit Arkansas’s Media Hub

If you publish anything as the result of any Arkansas, The Natural State’s story ideas, please let us know so we can share your work across our social media platforms and say thank you!