Auto Tours & Driving Tours in the Ozark Mountains
We invite you to explore the beautiful scenery and hidden treasures found in the Ozarks and along the Buffalo National River. Whether your interests are auto touring, waterfalls, historical sites and old homesteads, notorious rail towns, the thousands of acres of wilderness areas located in the area, or the unique wildlife found along the river, we are sure to have something that fits your vacation's agenda.
Auto Tour Routes
Compton to Boxley Valley
Length: 15 miles one way
Location: Compton (Highway 42, approximately 15 miles south of Harrison) to Boxley Bridge (approximately two miles south of the highway 43/21 junction)
This route is great for hikers. The major trailhead for the Ponca Wilderness begins in Compton. This wilderness features the tallest waterfall in Mid America, Hemmed-in-Hollow. On Highway 43 south, you will pass Ponca. Here there are plenty of canoeing, lodging, hiking, and lodging opportunities. Boxley Valley is listed as a historical district on the National Register of Historical Places. There are many historical sites, old homes and farmsteads located in this area. There are also a large number of elk in this area that can best be seen in early morning or early evening hours.
Erbie Loop
Length: 24 miles, mostly gravel roads
Location: Marble Falls (13 miles south of Harrison) to Erbie to Highway 7 and return to Marble Falls
Marble Falls was once the home of Dogpatch, USA. Dogpatch, USA was a well known theme park that was built based upon the L'il Abner cartoon series. This park closed down years ago. There are many trails in this area. Cecil Cove Loop is approximately seven miles long, and takes hikers past an old homestead and cemetery. After the turn left at the intersection of the Cecil Cove Trailhead, the old Erbie Church is visible on the right. The church was built in 1896, and still holds services at the present time.
