Things To Do in Jasper, Arkansas

Jasper is the gateway to the upper Buffalo National River, the first national river designated in the United States. The town sits on the edge of the Arkansas Grand Canyon, and on a clear day the lookout tower at Scenic Point (3.6 miles south on Hwy 7) lets you see more than 40 miles, all the way into Missouri. The upper Buffalo runs cold and clear through spring, making it the go-to stretch for early-season floats. The Pruitt to Hasty section (about 7 miles) is a classic canoe or kayak run, and Pruitt itself is one of the best swimming holes on the whole river. Drive Hwy 43 or Hwy 21 through Boxley Valley at dawn or dusk and you're likely to spot elk grazing in the valley fields. For dining, the Ozark Café on Jasper's downtown square is a town staple. Historic, unpretentious, and worth a stop after a long day on the trail. One note on navigation: the NPS warns that GPS can send you down unpaved or dead-end roads out here. Carry a paper map or pick up a printed park map before you head out.