Lost Valley Trail Hike to Eden Falls
Written by Gina Allgaier, 37 North Brand Ambassador Class of 2023
It’s always wonderful to get outside with our guests and explore the beauty of the Natural State! This hike was special because it took place on the Lost Valley Trail in the Buffalo River region and springtime there is truly spectacular. Permitting for guides is required here and very limited so to be able to go hike with 37 North out here on a beautiful spring day with perfect weather was quite a treat.
Our group of ten guests met up at The Hub in Bentonville, AR for a chilly start to the day but the sun was shining and by the time we reached our destination it had warmed up and was the perfect day for a waterfall hike. Tyler Hamedi here at 37 North guided this trip and he’s full of insights and knowledge about hiking and the trail we took but also about biking, rock climbing and paddling. And he’ll share his list of best places to eat in our region (He’s a food scientist after all!).
The spring flowers were just beginning to bloom and the field was covered with golden flowers which was so pretty. While we didn’t arrive in time to see the infamous protected Elk at Boxley, we did spot a Bald Eagle soaring above the fields as we drove away. Breathtaking!
The hike was short and easy to manage from the trail head to Eden Falls where we stopped to have lunch while perched on the large boulders at the base of the falls. It was so serene and the perfect spot to just sit and soak in the beauty of this place. Eden Falls is, actually, a multi-tiered waterfall, but Lower Eden Falls is the star of this popular hike and plunges 53 feet to the base of the box canyon to form Clark Creek, a tributary of the Buffalo River.
Along the way to the falls we stopped at several caves including Cob Cave with its 50-foot-tall bluff ceiling! Have you heard the story about this one? You’ll have to join 37 North on a future expedition to see its magnificence and hear about its history as a bluff dwelling for the Native American Indians approximately 2,000 years ago. We then stopped to explore Eden Falls Cave and it was amazing. Be aware that you do have to crawl about 200ft through the cave in mud and water if you choose to explore all of it, but it’s 100% worth it when you enter the large room to see a waterfall streaming down inside the cave! This underground waterfall feeds into Eden Falls and Clark Creek below. The cave is wild, meaning it’s undeveloped without pathways or artificial lighting, but the 37 North team was prepared with three light sources so we were able to see, clearly, the waterfall and also the rock formations inside each cave. What a wonderful and unexpected experience!
Note: When hiking at the Buffalo River I highly recommend wearing hiking boots with grip. Those rocks are slippery when wet.
These spots are just a few of the truly special places to enjoy at the Buffalo River which was established in 1972 as a “national river”, the first of its kind in the national park system and is one of the few remaining undammed rivers in the lower 48 states. Along with hiking along the towering bluffs, exploring caves, and camping, floating the more than 135 miles of river, whitewater kayaking during rainy years and fishing, visitors can also mountain bike the 40+ miles of singletrack trails of the Upper Buffalo Mountain Bike Trail system which range from easy to difficult levels.
The Buffalo River region is truly a gem in the natural state and a playground for those who love to be outdoors offering a wide variety of activities to enjoy. Experiencing this hike with 37 North was a great way for me to learn about the area and have more of a unique experience than I would have gotten by exploring the area on my own. And best of all, the guide was knowledgeable and the team was prepared with first aid gear, so I felt safe while climbing over boulders, through caves and enjoying an even richer experience than I expected. We ended the day by stopping at the Ozark Beer Company in historic downtown Rogers. This unique taproom serves up a wide variety of crafted year-round and seasonal beers, a few varieties of frozen cocktails and has several non-alcoholic options as well. It was a perfect afternoon to sit out on their patio, listening to music and reflect on the day. 37 North exceeded my expectations and provided a truly memorable experience! I’m excited for my next adventure with the 37 North team and highly recommend joining them for any of their unique and expertly led experiences.