Harrison and Fairfield Bay, Arkansas
I have visited Arkansas twice and was in 2 different cities. I stayed in Harrison and Fairfield Bay and withe these trips, it wasn’t the properties that made the trips, but specifically the places that I visited.
Arkansas is a diverse state, with unbelievable beauty and honestly, I had no idea how beautiful it was.
I was in Texas in May of 2024 and traveled through Arkansas on my way to Branson, Missouri. As I entered into the central and northern part of the state, I was intrigued by the scenery. It was during that drive that I decide for sure to make Arkansas an upcoming destination.
The first city that I visited was Harrison, Arkansas. It’s as cute little town and it reminded of a town out of a late 60’s TV show. The downtown area was small, quaint, clean and quiet.
The Area and My Adventures
I was only there for a couple of days and I had specific plans on what I wanted to explore, so I didn’t spend much time site seeing in town. The property that I stayed in was adequate and I didn’t have any complaints, but it wasn’t anything special and not a property that I want to showcase.
After doing some research on things to see and do in Arkansas, I found the Buffalo National River and that was the reason that I booked the place in Harrison. It was only about 20 minutes aways (father to visit some sections), but it looked great and it was.
The river level was extremely low when I was there, but the bluffs were so beautiful.
There is a 40 mile trail that runs through that whole area, Buffalo River Trail: Boxley to Pruitt, but you can drive up to the individual points and explore, which is what I did. Once again, I always do the research before I go someplace and pick out at least a few trails that I would like to see, but the rest I can figure out through All Trails while I am there.
The second city that I visited (in October), was Fairfield Bay, Arkansas.
The property that I stayed at was less than desirable, so I won’t spend a lot of time talking about it. The place itself was adequate, but on both sides of the condo where i stayed, there were dogs and the people let them bark constantly. It was frustrating and my complaints to the host did get addressed, but not completely corrected.
The Area and My Adventures
The area around the condo complex was spectacular and extremely beautiful. Hilly and winding roads and plenty of things to gaze at along the way.
“Hidden in the Ozark Mountains is an almost 1000-acre tract of land that includes hiking and mountain bike trails, campsites, paddling and fishing opportunities, and picnic areas. Bluffton Preserve is managed by The Nature Conservancy with the support of local and statewide volunteers. Situated along the Archy Fork of the Little Red River, Bluffton Preserve feels like it’s far removed from civilization while being only minutes from Clinton, Arkansas.”
I took the drive to the preserve and ventured through a couple of trails. I had great luck again with the weather and it was a beautiful day to be out on the trails.
It’s a little bit of a walk initially to get the the overlooks and the bluffs, but well worth it. And the warning sign is legitimate.
There is a little bit of tree cover as you start to approach the overlooks, but the payoff is right around the corner.
This was from the first full overlook.
I am a huge fan of bluffs and these were wonderful.
This was a relatively easy trail, basically just a walk through the woods, but the end result it very cool.
All Trails had mentioned to keep a lookout for the Emerald Pool and thankfully it is well marked and worth the stop.
It’s a short walk down to the overlook and you get a really nice view of the water below.
Then a look at the other direction.
And then yes, some more bluffs.
I am guessing that there is a way to get down to the water, but I didn’t see any easy way to get down there.
Arkansas is definitely a favorite of mine and there are a handful of other areas in the state that I want to visit. What I have found is that no matter where I have been (and hopefully any place that I decide to visit) has something beautiful to see.
