Information about Mountain Springs Cabin

“ For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
So great is his love for those who fear him.”

Mountain Springs Cabin is located (map) just off Highway 103 North five miles north of Ponca and the Buffalo River.

The Mountain Springs area is known for its many springs, beautiful bluffs, rock formations, and mountain vistas. It has one of the highest elevations in Newton County at approximately 2200 feet. The natural beauty of these mountains is unspoiled and offers a quiet haven from the hustle of the modern world.

 Misty View From Eagle's Rest Porch
View from the Eagle's Rest Cabin
Porch on a misty morning

The area is teeming with wildlife, and you will most likely see deer and wild turkeys feeding in the meadow, chipmunks, rabbits, and squirrels playing around the cabins, wild birds of all kinds gathering at our feeders and nesting boxes, eagles soaring overhead, and maybe a bear loping across the trails. Our hummingbirds will entertain you with their voracious feeding frenzies.

The cabins are surrounded by 65 acres with easy well kept hiking trails—both meadows and woods trails. From early spring to late fall you will marvel at the many wildflowers scattered along the trails. A highlight of your stay at Mountain Springs might be a hike through the woods to Wildflower Falls, a picnic at the falls or just relaxing on the porch while experiencing one of our spectacular sunsets which was described by one of our guests as “better than the sunsets at Key West.”

Our Cabin


Eagle's Rest on the Mountain

Eagle's Rest Cabin got its name when we saw an eagle perched on the future site of the cabin.

It is made of local cedar logs handcrafted by Amish craftsmen and is decorated in an eclectic style of old treasures, local art, heirloom quilts, and wildlife collections and is a perfect place to enjoy the peace and solitude of nature.

 

Many couples have celebrated special occasions such as honeymoons, anniversaries, and birthdays in Eagle’s Rest. The loft with beds and sitting area allow families and larger groups plenty of extra space.

Our cabin has the following;

  • Sleep 6-8 people
  • Fully equipped kitchen<
  • Microwave oven
  • Whirlpool bath
  • Gas Fireplace
  • Air conditioning
  • Digital TV/DVD with some DVD's provided
  • Queen beds
  • Wrap-around porches
  • Outdoor Campfire Ring
  • Gas grill
  • Linens
  • Picnic tables
  • Complimentary coffee
  • Fabulous mountain views

And lots of unique extras for the perfect Ozark Mountain vacation for a couple wanting to get away, or a family looking for fun and adventure.

All photos taken at Mountain Springs Cabins.

Attractions

We are minutes from the Upper Buffalo/Ponca Wilderness area. This area has some of the most scenic hiking trails in the Ozarks. A brief drive will take you to the trailheads of Goat Bluff, Cecil Cove, Broadwater Falls, Hawksbill Crag (the most photographed spot on the Buffalo), Lost Valley and Eden Falls Trail, Hemmed-In-Hollow (the tallest waterfall in Mid America), and Steel Creek Campground with its awesome Roark Bluff, and great swimming holes.

The new Elk Education Center in Ponca, located in a beautiful log build overlooking a clear Ozark stream is a hands-on museum for kids and adults with an emphasis on elk ecology, nature study, and wildlife.

Down the road from Ponca is Historic Boxley Valley. There you will see working farms, lovely white farmhouses, and interesting old barns, as well as elk herds grazing in a pastoral setting along the river. The several hiking trailheads are in the area.

Day trips include:

  • Fayetteville/Springdale—Northwest Mall, University of Arkansas and the Razorbacks
  • War Eagle — Mill Restaurant and craft fairs
  • Branson —Music shows, outlet malls, Silver Dollar City, Branson Landing, award winning golf courses
  • Eureka Springs —quaint shops, restaurants, historic Victorian houses, Passion Play
  • Lakes —Beaver, Table Rock, Bull Shoals
  • Rivers —Buffalo (canoeing), Kings (trophy small mouth bass fishing), White (trout fishing)
  • Caverns —Mystic Caverns, Cosmic Caverns, Hurricane River Cave
  • Springfield, Missouri—Bass Pro Shops, Wildlife museum
    Golf courses
  • Jasper —antique and craft shops, restaurants
  • Harrison —shopping and dining

Horseback riding, canoeing, fishing, and caving nearby.



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!

What our guests say

  • Location! Location! Location! This is a destination! Sherry and Sue, MO
  • Peaceful, awesome view, Such an art show by the Artist of All Artists! Michael, TX
  • We enjoyed being surrounded by God’s creation in the beginning of our marriage. Andy and Emily, AR
  • Our favorite part was waking up to watch the deer play outside. AR
  • You built the cabin. We built the memories.
  • The rainbow was a bonus. Ron and Sandy
  • Made incredible memories with the kids. Missouri
  • A Christmas we will remember for a long time. Cindy and Jim
  • Most of all—thanks for treating us like friends…Patty
  • Fresh cut wildflowers a very nice touch. Debbie
  • What a beautiful morning—Song of the meadowlark, the bluebirds’ bright flashes…Wildflower Falls was an incredible treat. The turkeys at dawn...but by far the best was to see the eagle soaring high above guiding us back to your place. David and family TN
  • A place where God is welcomed and lives are touched. A place where the eagles rest. K. Hill