The Buffalo River at the National Park Service’s Buffalo National River in northern Arkansas, is one of the nation’s last major rivers that is still free-flowing. Its ancient current gives life to well over 300 species of fish, insects, freshwater mussels, and aquatic plants.

Photo by National Park Service

Fall colors grace the trees of the bayou at Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge in Arkansas. The cypress knees extend above the water, and while their function is speculated about, it’s mostly unknown, adding to the mystery of swamps. The refuge has 160,000 acres to hunt, fish, paddle and hike through, and is the largest bottomland hardwood forest to be found in the lower Mississippi River Valley. Those who visit find it a prized place, a haven for wildlife and people alike. With abundant forests, close to three hundred lakes and connected with streams and bayous, this wonderland offers up much to the imagination all year round.  Photo by Rita Szabo (www.sharetheexperience.org).

Happy Mother’s Day! For all the moms that protect, feed and teach their little ones life lessons, we say thank you! This mama opossum sure looks like she’s working hard. Opossums are the only marsupials found in the U.S. They first carry their babies in a pouch, then the little ones ride on her back. Better than a minivan. Photo from Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge in Arkansas by Bill Peterson, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Located in northern Arkansas, Buffalo National River has some of the most breathtaking scenery of the Ozark highlands. Rich forests, grassy meadows, tall cliffs and a clear, meandering river are all easily explored. A stunning variety of wildlife, trees that have weathered centuries and a complex cultural history all encourage visitors to reflect on their place in this landscape. Photographer Travis Coan is particularly drawn to Big Bluff. He said, “At over 550 feet tall, it is the tallest, sheer bluff face between the Rocky and Appalachian mountains. On this late summer day, I arrived at the bluff a little before sunset and decided to take a 10 shot panorama framing the Buffalo River in the overhang of Big Bluff. I stayed till the sun set over the mountains and enjoyed every minute.” Photo courtesy of Travis Coan.

Buffalo National River in Arkansas flows pure and clear over a 132-mile meandering course through grassy meadows and by rocky bluffs. Its ancient current gives life to well over 300 species of fish, insects, freshwater mussels and aquatic plants. In addition to the thriving aquatic life, on land there are many more natural wonders to behold: caves with hidden formations, untrodden passageways, tall waterfalls and old pioneer farmsteads that provide food for elk, whitetail deer, wild turkey, bobwhite quail and many other species of wildlife. Settle on a rock by the river and you’ll see for yourself. Photo by John Bingaman (www.sharetheexperience.org).

A vital wetland in the Mississippi River watershed, Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge in Arkansas is a haven for a terrific variety of native wildlife and migratory birds. Its fertile forests and some three hundred lakes are interlaced with streams, swamps and bayous. The refuge also shows off some pretty fall colors. Photo by Rita Szabo (www.sharetheexperience.org).

Easily one of the most beautiful sights in Arkansas, the view from Big Bluff looking down on Buffalo National River will amaze you. Established in 1972, Buffalo National River flows freely for 135 miles and is one of the few remaining undammed rivers in the lower 48 states. Once you arrive, prepare to journey from running rapids to quiet pools while surrounded by massive bluffs as you cruise through the Ozark Mountains down to the White River. Photo courtesy of Aaron Bates.

This is what the morning carpool looks like for a mama opossum in Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge.

Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge located 20 miles northwest of Memphis, Tennessee, in Crittenden County, Arkansas was established in 1961 to provided habitat for migrating and wintering waterfowl. Today the refuge literally stands as a wildlife oasis in an agricultural sea. An excellent diversity of habitat exists comprised on mainly agricultural land, bottomland hardwood forest, early stage reforested hardwoods, open water and flooded cypress/willow swamp. Thirty small field impoundments totaling 190 acres have been developed for waterfowl in the agricultural area. Because of its strategic location in the heart of the Mississippi Flyway and the diverse habitat, the refuge is a prime wintering area for migratory waterfowl and a major stopping place for migrating warblers. Bald eagles, great blue herons, great egrets and anhingas nest on the refuge.

Photo: Bill Peterson - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The Battle That Saved Missouri For The Union.

On March 7-8, 1862, 26,000 soldiers fought here to decide the fate of Missouri and the West.  The Pea Ridge National Military Park honors those who fought for their beliefs. Pea Ridge was one of the most pivotal Civil War battles and is the most intact Civil War battlefield in the United States.

Photo: National Park Service 

The Ouachita National Forest covers 1.8 million acres in central Arkansas and southeastern Oklahoma. Headquartered in Hot Springs, Arkansas, the forest is managed for multiple uses, including timber and wood production, watershed protection and improvement, habitat for wildlife and fish species (including threatened and endangered ones), wilderness area management, minerals leasing, and outdoor recreation. Enjoy camping, hiking, biking, scenic driving, trail riding, water recreation, fishing, hunting, and more!

Photo: Laura Vu, National Park Service