View A Wild Elk Herd In Boxley Valley For A Magical Experience In Arkansas
By Carol Ann Carson|Published October 10, 2019
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Carol Ann Carson
Author
Arkansas native, Carol Ann Carson, has written for OnlyInYourState for three years now. She resides in Western Arkansas' Mountain Frontier but calls NWA home as well. The graduate of University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, Carol Ann earned her B.A. in English and will soon be pursing her M.A. in Library Science. She loves exploring the trails around the Buffalo National River and has yet to find a waterfall that wasn't her favorite.
As fall weather continues to roll into the Natural State that also means it’s time to plan a visit to Boxley Valley. Just south of Ponca, this valley is one of the best places to view Arkansas’ wild elk herd. Take a road trip or a plan a weekend camping trip for a chance to see these majestic creatures.
Not only does the district have a fantastic collection of historic barns and settlements dating back to the 1830s, the valley is also the stomping ground of an elk herd!
These elk are not native to Arkansas but they've thrived in our state for generations.
Arkansas used to have Eastern Elk but they were hunted to extinction. All of the elk we see today in the area are thriving because of the reintroduced herd brought in by Arkansas Game and Fish in 1981. The Rocky Mountain Elk have an estimated 800-1000 member herd that spans all along shoreline of the Buffalo National River.
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The elk are most prominent during their mating season which runs from mid-September to November.
In addition to the dazzle sights of the herd, this is also when you'll hear the most "bugling." The distinct call from the bulls is impossible to forget!
The herd tends to stay in the open fields at the base of the valley. One of the best views in all of Arkansas is the gathering of elk in the morning fog, it's simply unforgettable.
Highway 43 has plenty of pull-off stops along the way so be sure you're not blocking traffic.
The elk are year-round residents of Arkansas but there's two main times to see the herd.
In addition to the fall mating season, the elk are also numerous in the spring. This is when the new calves will be born so during your return trip you'll be able to see the whole family!
At some point in your journey be sure to stop by the Ponca Elk Center.
The education center has everything you could ever want to learn about Arkansas' elk herd. Listen to experts and interact with different exhibits inside. The center also has a lovely wraparound deck that overlooks Ponca Creek. This free attraction is a great addition to your elk trip.
These beautiful creatures are out and about so don't hesitate to plan your trip soon!
Are you ready to see the elk this year? Have you made the trip into a family tradition? Share your Arkansas elk stories with us in the comments below!
Some of these captures came from the members of our Facebook group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why there’s nothing better than Arkansas’ stunning nature.
