Hike #2 - Lost Valley

Today we headed to Lost Valley near Ponca, Arkansas.  This is one of our favorite spots!  There are some great unique features.  We also came with friends today for a total of six adults and nine kids.  The first half mile is a fine-gravel path that is smooth enough for a stroller if needed.  This easy path ends in a nice little water hole that is usually about a foot deep.  The water hole is filled by a small waterfall that flows through a cave.  You can climb up the waterfall, through the cave, and come out the other side.  This isn't even the best part of the trail!

From here the trail gets more rugged with rocks and some up and down leading to the second very beautiful waterfall.  Here you can cross the creek to a rock overhang that is great for kids to explore.  There is a rock fort that has been built over the years, which is where our kids like to eat lunch and add some rocks.

The last feature of the trail gets more treacherous, but it is definitely worth it.  The second water fall that we just left also flows out of a cave.  You can also hike into this cave and there is a third waterfall inside the cave.  The 9, 7, and 5 year olds made their way into the cave with dad and friends and really enjoyed it.  (Full disclosure: this was their second trip into the cave and the first involved a little more hysterics.)

This is a really exceptional hike.

Travel time from home: 1 hour 15 minutes
Today's miles: 5.5
Remaining miles: 91.3