Since there are so many scenic stops around the Buffalo Wilderness Area, it’s inevitably a few get looked over. QuiVaLa Elise Falls is a gorgeous waterfall that most folks miss during their excursion in the area. Let’s take a hike and take in the beauty of this hidden gem.

Although not totally off the map, QuiVaLa Elise Falls is quite the hidden gem.
Rick's Hiking Blog
It's located in the Smith Creek Wilderness Area between Ponca and Murray. For directions to the parking area for the trail, use these coordinates.
The waterfall is the perfect excursion since it's off-the-beaten-path yet still maintained.
AllTrails/Doug Neidholdt
You won't need to tackle a lengthy bushwhack to reach the falls. Just a moderate 1.7-mile out-and-back trail that's fairly well marked.
The area has some interesting history.
AllTrails/Doug Neidholdt
Before being donated to the Nature Conservancy in 2004, the land was owned by Marty and Elise Roenigk. These beloved preservationists also owned 1886 Crescent Hotel and Spa and the 1905 Basin Hotel in Eureka Springs at the time. The 1,316-acre Smith Creek Nature Preserve now protects spots like the QuiVaLa Elise Falls as well as the largest colony of Indiana bats in the state.

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It's unlikely you'll come across other hikers during your trip.
AllTrails/Mallory Martinson
Be sure to take a map at the start of the trail. There's all sorts of other stops in the area including other waterfalls, trails, and a canyon.
The waterfall was named by the landowner at the time, Elise.
AllTrails/Mallory Martinson
'Qui-Va-La' is a French-Indian word for "Who Goes There." The story goes that when Elise found this waterfall while exploring, she thought the rushing water sounded as if it were saying "Qui Va La", and she answered "Elise."
QuiVaLa Elise Falls is a gorgeous gem that just about anyone can enjoy.
Rick's Hiking Blog
This trail is perfect for casual hikers wanting a bit more adventurous (though not totally remote) excursion.

For more details about this trail and the general area, you can visit the Nature Conservancy’s website or read Rick’s Hiking Blog.

We would love to see your photos of your Smith Creek Nature Preserve adventure in our Facebook Group, Arkansas Nature Lovers.

Another remote Arkansas trip to take would be this gorgeous country drive.

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