A Visit To Tyler Bend And Snowball
An Old Bridge Hangs On
It was another fabulous February day! Temperatures were again 20 some degrees above normal and the sky was blue. We could not resist the chance to take another photo trip to somewhere. I had mentioned that I had not been to Tyler Bend in quite a few years so we decided to head over there first, then drive down through Snowball and onto Witt Springs where we wanted to see if we could locate the real spring.
The Buffalo National River Park's main visitor center is located at Tyler Bend in the middle section of the river. We pulled up in front and went in to check it out. The staff was extremely friendly and very informative. They handle requests for information that covers the entire park. There are some excellent exhibits at the center that are worth examining. There is also a very large campground which gets a lot of use in-season. The campground opens March 15 so by the time you read this it will be open.
The river at this point is not quite as dramatic as some of the upper sections but it is still a beautiful spot and a great place to bring the family for a camp out or just a picnic and a swim. They have excellent day use facilities at Tyler Bend.
Leaving Tyler Bend we headed to the small community of Snowball. Founded in the early 1800's, not much remains of the old community, which grew up along Calf Creek. A few abandoned stores and homes and a still used Masonic Hall and church. I always enjoy doing a little research once we visit an old community. You can read about Snowball's history here and here.
After a lengthy exploration of Snowball we turned the truck down the highway to the community of Witt Springs. Poking around a bit we could discover no spring so we stopped in at the local store. They informed us that there is an actual spring but it is on private land and that due to folks trespassing and leaving their trash the area has been closed to the public.
After a lengthy exploration of Snowball we turned the truck down the highway to the community of Witt Springs. Poking around a bit we could discover no spring so we stopped in at the local store. They informed us that there is an actual spring but it is on private land and that due to folks trespassing and leaving their trash the area has been closed to the public.
We decided to wander back along some dirt roads but as we headed back down the highway we noticed an odd structure. I thought it looked like an old utility pole sitting in a field, but there was another near the road with vegetation growing around it.. We pulled over to get a better look and were amazed to see the remains of an old footbridge spanning the creek. There was not much remaining, just the end poles and a few strands of cable still attached to them. It was hard to get a good picture and mine did not do it justice. We also found a side creek and took the time to wander down it for a ways before turning back and heading home.
Any season of the year is a good time to visit the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas. Soon the redbuds and dogwoods will be blooming and the wildflowers will make their appearance, signaling the beginning of spring. I hope you get the chance to come and check out the Buffalo National River and as much of the rest of our area as you can cram into your visit.
Any season of the year is a good time to visit the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas. Soon the redbuds and dogwoods will be blooming and the wildflowers will make their appearance, signaling the beginning of spring. I hope you get the chance to come and check out the Buffalo National River and as much of the rest of our area as you can cram into your visit.