Gary Davis Here’s a look back at our 9 most popular articles and places we visited in 2021.
Wild Bergamot
Native Americans historically used wild bergamot for treating colds by infusing it into a tea. This use has been borne out because we now know that it has antimicrobial properties, which would make it helpful for fighting off a cold. They used it for not only colds, but coughs, nausea, sore throats, gas, colic, and fever. The tea can also be used to increase peripheral circulation (circulation in the hands and feet). The increased circulation can help with cold hands or feet. The tea can be used as a topical wash to help heal wounds.
Bowers Hollow Falls
We set out at around 8 am on a cold morning in January 2021 to drive down to the trailhead. We came in from the north and used Highway 43 from Harrison to Ponca and the Lost Valley Area. If traveling from the north when you reach the intersection of Highway 43 and Highway 21 turn left and travel about 1.2 miles and turn right on Cave Mountain Road (County Road 5) at the Hawksbill Crag sign just before you cross the Buffalo River Bridge.
This road is very steep and rough. It can be very slick in wet weather also. It took us 45 minutes to travel a little less than 10 miles to the trailhead. At around the 8.6-mile mark, you will see FR-1410 to the left. Stay on FR-1410 for a little over 1.5 miles. On your left, you will see FR-1410B. If you don’t have a 4WD be sure and park here. This also adds about a mile to your hike. However, going past here without a 4WD IS NOT a good idea. The road is rough and muddy and could easily get you stuck without a high-profile vehicle.
Bear Creek Canyon
We set out at around 7 am on a cold morning in early February 2021 to drive down to the trailhead. Our trip took us out of Harrison, AR. on state Highway 7 south. From Harrison, the drive down took a little over an hour and a half. Once you reach Sand Gap (still listed on some maps as Pelsor) turn right onto State Highway 123 to the west. Approximately 4.4 miles west, you will see a forest road to the left. There isn’t a traditional road sign on the highway, so you want to be looking for a small signpost close to the trees with 1802 on it. That is the road to the trailhead.
Gray Spring
Although this spring may not have the natural beauty of some other springs you may see, it is still worth visiting if you are in the area. The water is cold and clear. You should fill a water bottle while you are there and enjoy the refreshing taste of real natural spring water.
The Peel Ferry
The Peel Ferry is the last publicly operated ferry boat in the state of Arkansas. It crosses a section of Bull Shoals Lake because there is no bridge connecting the two sections of AR Highway 125. This is something you should see if you are in the area. It operates on Highway 125 crossing Bull Shoals Lake between the 125 Recreation Area and The Buck Creek Recreation Area. This is the last remaining operating ferry in Arkansas.
Big Springs Park in Cotter, AR
There is plenty to do at Big Springs Park in Cotter, AR. Besides the historic Cotter bridge, the park includes a boat launch, Big Springs Catch & Release area, a historical marker with some old railroad cars, and a playground for the kids. There are also trails to a couple of walk-in areas where you can access the White River to fish for trout.
Arkansas Grand Canyon
Arkansas’ Grand Canyon may not be as deep as the one in the western US, but the views of the valley are stunning nonetheless. Located along scenic Highway 7 just a few miles south of Jasper, AR. you can pull off the highway and catch the views on your drive. This roadside area has a gift shop, observation tower, and ample parking to get out and stretch your legs while admiring the beauty of the Ozark countryside.
Grinders Ferry
Grinder’s Ferry is a popular swimming hole and canoe launching site on the Buffalo National River. Grinder’s Ferry is located between Marshall and St. Joe, Arkansas, on US Highway 65. If you are traveling from central Arkansas, take US Highway 65 North from Conway. The turn-off to reach the parking and gravel bar is 10.6 miles north of Marshall on the right, just before you cross the bridge. From St. Joe on US 65 South, the turn-off is 5.1 miles on the left immediately after you cross the bridge.
Bear Creek in North Arkansas
Our adventure today takes us on a tour of Bear Creek in North Arkansas. This pristine creek begins near Harrison, Arkansas, and meanders through the Ozark countryside until it finally empties into Bull Shoals Lake. There are interesting sights all along Bear Creek for those who like to get off the beaten path.
Thanks for a fantastic 2021, and we’re looking forward to bringing you more sights from the Ozarks in 2022, as we continue to get Lost In The Ozarks.
