Chapter six
Elk Viewing
Reintroduced in 1981, Arkansas' wild elk herd now numbers around 500 — and the best place to see them is Boxley Valley.
Boxley Valley runs along the headwaters of the Buffalo River between Ponca and Boxley. Elk graze in the open meadows on either side of AR-43 morning and evening, year-round. The rut, in late September and October, is when the bulls bugle — an experience worth structuring a trip around.
When to go
- Dawn (first 90 minutes after sunrise)
Best overall. Elk graze in open fields before retreating to forest.
- Dusk (last 60 minutes before sunset)
Second-best. Watch from pullouts on AR-43.
- The rut — late September to mid-October
Bulls bugle, spar, and gather harems. Plan to be in the valley at sunrise.
- Winter mornings
Frost on the meadows, fewer visitors, herds easier to spot.
Where to park
- Boxley Baptist Church pullout
Mile marker 35 on AR-43. Wide gravel pullout, excellent meadow views.
- Steel Creek turnoff
Just north of Ponca. Frequent elk crossings at dawn.
- Lost Valley Road junction
South-facing meadows often hold herds on cold mornings.