Kids (and kids-at-heart) Activities at Mountain Springs

Many of our guests are families with children from those riding in a backpack on Dad’s back to ‘cool’ teens who would have preferred to be ‘hanging out’ with friends at home. Here are a few ideas that seem to work for any age child, including the grown—ups. All activities are within a 15 mile or less radius. And, good news, most are free or almost free!

  1. Take a hike right outside the cabin door. Follow our map of well-maintained trails through fields and woods to Wildflower Falls. It is an easy hike of about ½ mile. Pack a lunch, and picnic on one of the many boulders. Please refer to “Trails Instructions’ and map on fridge in cabin.

  2. Drive down the mountain (south on 43) through Ponca to Boxley Valley and ‘elk watch’. In summer, they will be out early morning and late afternoon in various fields in the valley—usually NOT in the same field with cattle

  3. Spend some time stocking up on snacks and outdoor gear at the neat old Lost Valley Store in Ponca. This is the place to rent canoes also.

  4. The Elk Education Center (operated by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission) in Ponca is a great place to bring the kids when the weather isn’t cooperating (too hot, too cold, too wet!). It is a ‘kid-friendly, hands on’ nature center. Adults will enjoy it also. The staff will have tons of information for the adults, as well as fun things for the kids to take home. You might want to picnic on the grounds or just relax on the large deck while the kids play.

  5. Lost Valley Trail (watch for sign just past river access road) on hwy. 43. The trail is easy, shady, and fun for all. ( See next activity)

  6. At the end of Lost Valley Trail, you can explore Cob Cave, an Indian shelter cave (named for the many Indian corn cobs found on the floor by early explorers). Or go into Eden Falls Cave to see the waterfall inside. Be sure to take along your flashlight! Eden Falls comes out of the cave and flows like a cascade down the rocks.

  7. Take the kids down to the low water bridge at Ponca, on left just past Hwy. 74. Fish off the bridge, swim, or just throw rocks in the water. They love it! Nice activity after riding too many miles in the back seat!

  8. Pack the beach towels, hot dogs etc. and spend the afternoon at Steel Creek Campground. Turn onto Hwy. 74 at Ponca and drive up the mountain about 3 miles toward Jasper. Campground sign is on the left. Swimming in the crystal clear pools is refreshing on a hot summer day, and you can make a beach fire or use the fire pits provided. As always, put out any fires before leaving.

  9. Our friends at Rimrock Cove Ranch are just up the road and provide horseback riding along mountain trails for a fee. Call in advance to reserve a time. (Brochures in cabin or check with us)

  • Don’t forget you really don’t have to leave Eagle’s Rest Cabin for fun activities.
  • Build a campfire and cook s’mores after dark, (if wind is up, you may want to check with Jack and Camille about safety),
  • Play a rousing game of horseshoes in the yard, (near the fire pit)
  • Lay on a blanket under the stars and count them.
  • Bring board games from home,(you may find card games in the cabin)
  • If the kids really need a dose of tv, there are a number of dvd’s –family friendly movies—provided
  • Read a ‘scary’ story around the fire.
  • Bring books for the whole family and declare a ‘reading break’ after a long day on the trail.
  • Decorate rocks (a tradition at Mountain Springs) Bring markers and paints—rocks provided!