The Buffalo National River Wilderness Area is filled with activities from waterfall chasing to gorgeous trails. One trail in particular, is filled with history including an abandoned cemetery. More intriguing than actually creepy, let’s tour this fascinating trail.
The Cecil Cove Loop Trail is one of the many hikes around the Buffalo National River.
AllTrails/Vinod Nadagoudar The trailhead is just north of the Erbie Church. For directions to the Erbie Church, use this map.
You’ll want to allot plenty of time to explore this trail.
AllTrails/Bradley Byassee The loop is 7.4 miles and is rated as moderate. It’s best by horseback since you’ll need to cross two streams but horsepower isn’t necessarily required. Just be sure to use caution when crossing.
After about 2 miles into the hike, you’ll arrive at the abandoned cemetery.
AllTrails/Tori Lampp It’s one of the handful of cemeteries in the Buffalo National River area. This particular one is the Jones Cemetery.
The cemetery is more melancholy than spooky, it’s one of the reminders of the hardships early settlers had to endure.
AllTrails/Miranda Kohout Most of the graves are for the wives and children of the area’s settlers.
In addition to the cemetery, there are other historic sites along the trail, too.
AllTrails/Miranda Kohout The remains of the William Jones’ homestead is also in the area.
The trail has interesting spots for everyone.
AllTrails/Miranda Kohout Historic buffs will appreciate the settler sites and nature lovers will love exploring the cave as well as the all-around gorgeous scenery.
Well-worn historic sites and caves aren’t the only treasures along this trail.
AllTrails/Miranda Kohout If this trail name sounds familiar, you may know it for Thunder Canyon Falls. It’s quite possible one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state.
No matter if you’re taking the trail for falls or the history, Cecil Cove Loop is a memorable adventure.
AllTrails/Tori Lampp For more details about the trail, use this site.
Have you taken the Cecil Cove Loop Trail? We would love to see your photos in 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.
AllTrails/Vinod Nadagoudar
The trailhead is just north of the Erbie Church. For directions to the Erbie Church, use this map.
AllTrails/Bradley Byassee
The loop is 7.4 miles and is rated as moderate. It’s best by horseback since you’ll need to cross two streams but horsepower isn’t necessarily required. Just be sure to use caution when crossing.
AllTrails/Tori Lampp
It’s one of the handful of cemeteries in the Buffalo National River area. This particular one is the Jones Cemetery.
AllTrails/Miranda Kohout
Most of the graves are for the wives and children of the area’s settlers.
The remains of the William Jones’ homestead is also in the area.
Historic buffs will appreciate the settler sites and nature lovers will love exploring the cave as well as the all-around gorgeous scenery.
If this trail name sounds familiar, you may know it for Thunder Canyon Falls. It’s quite possible one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state.
For more details about the trail, use this site.
You may want to visit these other trails that lead to interesting ruins, too. Of course, there’s these historic Arkansas gems as well.
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