Explore the Buffalo River & Arkansas Ozarks

Brush Creek Retreat puts you close to some of the most beautiful outdoor experiences in the Arkansas Ozarks. Located in Marshall near the Middle Buffalo River, our private 40-acre retreat gives you a peaceful place to come home to after a day spent exploring the Buffalo National River and surrounding mountains.

Float the river, hike to waterfalls and overlooks, swim in clear Ozark water, explore scenic backroads, go horseback riding or mountain biking, or simply spend the day discovering the small towns and natural beauty of the Buffalo River region.

Use this guide to start planning your adventures around Brush Creek Retreat.

Buffalo National River & Floating

The Buffalo National River is one of the highlights of the Arkansas Ozarks and a favorite part of a stay at Brush Creek Retreat. The Middle Buffalo River offers beautiful stretches of water surrounded by limestone bluffs, forested hills and quiet swimming holes.

Depending on water levels and the season, guests can spend the day kayaking, canoeing, floating, fishing or swimming. The Gilbert area is especially popular for accessing the Middle Buffalo River, and local outfitters can help with canoe and kayak rentals and shuttle service.

River conditions change throughout the year, so always check current Buffalo National River conditions before planning your float.

Plan Your Floating Adventure

RENT CANOES & KAYAKS
LOCAL VISITOR & SHOPPING GUIDES

Buffalo Camping & Canoeing – Gilbert
Canoe, kayak and raft rentals with Buffalo River shuttle service.

Buffalo River Outfitters – St. Joe
Canoe and kayak rentals, float-trip planning and shuttle service.

Hiking, E Bike Rental Waterfalls & Scenic Overlooks

The Buffalo River region is filled with hiking trails, waterfalls, bluff lines and sweeping Ozark views. Whether you’re looking for an easy walk or a full day on the trail, there are beautiful places to explore throughout the area.

Discover waterfalls tucked into the Ozark forest, hike to dramatic rock formations and overlooks, or spend an afternoon exploring the trails and scenic drives around the Buffalo National River and Jasper area. Spring is especially beautiful for waterfalls and wildflowers, while fall brings colorful mountain views throughout the region.

Trail conditions and access can change with weather and the season, so it’s always a good idea to check current information before heading out.

POPULAR HIKES & SCENIC STOPS

Tyler Bend Trails
Explore trails in the Middle District of Buffalo National River, with river views, Ozark scenery and access to the historic Collier Homestead.

Lost Valley Trail
One of the Buffalo River area's best-known hikes, with a natural bridge, bluff shelter and Eden Falls.

Big Bluff & the Goat Trail
A more strenuous adventure with one of the most dramatic views above the Buffalo River. Best for experienced hikers who are comfortable with heights.

Arkansas Grand Canyon
A beautiful Scenic Highway 7 overlook near Jasper that's easy to enjoy without a long hike.

South Mountain Scenic Overlook
A convenient panoramic Ozark overlook just outside Marshall—perfect for a quick scenic stop close to Brush Creek.

E-BIKE RENTALS

LR All Terrain E-Bike Rentals – Marshall
Explore Marshall and the surrounding Ozarks by all-terrain electric bike. Rentals are available for local riding and area trails, with convenient drop-off and pickup available in Searcy County.

Where to Eat Near Brush Creek Retreat

One of the perks of staying at Brush Creek Retreat is having several local places to eat within an easy drive. Marshall has casual restaurants, coffee shops and local favorites for days when you don't feel like cooking, while St. Joe and Jasper offer even more options to enjoy while exploring the Buffalo River area.

MARSHALL

Daisy Queen
A longtime Marshall favorite for burgers, classic diner food, ice cream and shakes.

Boston Mountain Pizza
A casual local stop for pizza, wings and sandwiches.

Los Locos
Mexican and Tex-Mex favorites including tacos, fajitas, burritos and more.

Rock-N-Java Ozarks
Coffee, breakfast bites and a scenic stop overlooking Marshall.

Humble Grounds
A local coffee stop for coffee, specialty drinks and a quick morning pick-me-up.

ST. JOE & MIDDLE BUFFALO

Ferguson's Country Store & Restaurant
Country cooking, breakfast and lunch near the Middle Buffalo River.

Big Springs Trading Company
Southern comfort food, barbecue and deli-style sandwiches in St. Joe.

LESLIE

Skylark Cafe
A charming local restaurant in historic Leslie serving creative American fare in a relaxed small-town setting.

Serenity Farm Bread & Pastries
A destination bakery known for naturally leavened sourdough breads, pastries and treats baked with old-world methods.

Cove Creek Emporium
A fun combination of coffee, antiques and small-town shopping in downtown Leslie.


MOUNTAIN VIEW

PJ's Rainbow Cafe
A longtime downtown favorite for breakfast, Southern comfort food, homemade pies and classic cafe favorites.

Tommy's Famous A Pizzeria
A local Mountain View tradition known for pizza, calzones and barbecue.

JoJo's Catfish Wharf
Catfish, seafood and Southern favorites with beautiful views along the White River.

The Rusty Cup Cafe
A cozy downtown cafe for breakfast, lunch, coffee and a relaxed stop while exploring Mountain View.

The Skillet
Located at Ozark Folk Center State Park, serving Southern and American favorites in a unique Ozark setting.

Antiques, Shopping & Small-Town Exploring

Slow down and spend an afternoon exploring the small towns of the Arkansas Ozarks. The communities surrounding Brush Creek Retreat are filled with antique stores, flea markets, locally owned shops, artisan goods, gifts and unexpected places to browse.

MARSHALL & SEARCY COUNTY

Start close to home in Marshall, where you'll find antique and thrift shopping, local businesses, museums and seasonal events. Taylor's Corner is a fun stop for antiques, collectibles and new and used treasures. Marshall and the surrounding communities are also home to local makers, farmers markets and special events throughout the year.

LESLIE

Historic downtown Leslie is one of our favorite places for a slower afternoon. Walk Main Street, browse antique stores and locally made goods, stop for coffee or lunch, and enjoy the character of this small Ozark town. Leslie Antique Mall, Antiques And., Brick House Artisans, Cove Creek Emporium and The Little Hill Shop are all worth exploring.


MOUNTAIN VIEW

For a full day of shopping and exploring, head to Mountain View. The downtown square is surrounded by boutiques, antique stores, craft shops, galleries and locally made Ozark goods. Look for handmade pottery, jewelry, woodworking, traditional crafts, vintage finds and Arkansas-made gifts.

LOCAL VISITOR & SHOPPING GUIDES

Greater Searcy County Chamber of Commerce
Newton County Chamber of Commerce
Mountain View Area Chamber of Commerce