It was all right here.
-Tyler Childers
I have good news and bad news. Actually, that is not the case at all. What I really have is good news and other good news. An adventurer’s allowed a different perspective on occasion, right? Since you can’t respond I will – with a resounding right!
The good news? We had an amazing autumn here in The Natural State! Much is made of fall in Arkansas, and rightly so. It’s a glorious adventure – and, let’s be honest, a tourism bureau’s dream. To the Arkansas Adventure Guide crew early October is kind of like a long, dreamy Christmas Eve. One never knows what gifts are in store until one finds them under (or in this case on) the tree.
Left to Right – Izzy the Adventure Dog and Alex the Photographer, Buffalo National River
Okay, okay Deuce. We get it. Everyone loves fall in Arkansas. So what’s the other good news?
I’m glad you asked! As it happens fall is immediately followed by another very special season. You won’t find it on the calendar or in the tourism bureau marketing materials, but it’s a grand Arkansas adventuring tradition nonetheless. Fellow adventurers, I’m talking about Leaf-off! It’s that magical time when fall has fallen, the woods are silent save for their inhabitants and the horizon is laid bare as far as the eye can see. All sorts of things we might have missed at the beginning of November are now ours for the viewing.
Hmmmmm. Like?
Well, like baby Birches in the forest understory that are usually overshadowed by their taller brothers and sisters clad in seasonal attire. Show-offs! Or, rock formations that two weeks prior were only partially exposed or not at all but are now having a moment…
Don’t mind us. We’re just having a moment.
or…
The glint in the center is a creek meandering toward a waterfall.
Bart Simpson joined us on this adventure.
At this point I would be remiss if I didn’t give you a little bit of advice, so here it is. When leaf-off season arrives seek out adventures with treasures that are usually hidden. For example, this is an especially great time of year to experience the Buffalo River Trail between Ponca and Steel Creek. River views the tree line usually keeps to itself are all yours, fellow adventurers!
Now, I know what you’re thinking. Where were these images captured (except those of you who already know where these images were captured)? Let’s just say here at The Guide we put this trail on a pedestal. If that doesn’t get you there drop a comment and I’ll fully disclose the location. It’s no great secret, but what’s an adventure without a little mystery?
In closing Izzy the Adventure Dog will leave you with this little incantation…
Leaves off boots on.
Iz does not, of course, wear boots (except when she goes line dancing, and those boots sport rhinestones and such), but you get the idea. When the mystical fifth season of Leaf-off arrives do yourself a favor and show it the love it deserves. It’ll do the same for you. Remember, you couldn’t see it before, but it was all right here.
See you out there!
Deuce
- Kayaks 101 - August 6, 2023
- Just the Place – Lower Buffalo River - September 20, 2022
- Sweet Release - June 23, 2022
