Harrison Balloon Festival and Lost Valley Hike Adventure

Balloons and Boulders

Balloon Race

 Arkansas is a lot of fun in the Fall. It is also a super busy time for me which is why I am just now getting around to posting this adventure.  My family and I went to watch the 20th annual balloon race in Harrison, Arkansas. It happens every year around the beginning of September. It is a great way to kick off the Fall travel season! They drove in and got a hotel Friday night so we could watch balloons Saturday morning instead of cartoons. It was AMAZING! I believe that was a direct quote from my 7 year old. We were able to watch them over head while we ate our breakfast at a local place called, "The Neighborhood Diner" It had pancakes, as big as my kids heads. We ate there every morning because of good service.  After breakfast and chasing the balloons across the sky, we watched them land at the Soccer complex. The kids were worried that was it with the balloon, but I assured them we would see them again that night at the CASA Festival. It is a local festival held in conjunction with the balloon race to help raise money for abused and neglected kids.  

 Lost Valley Trail

We left Harrison, AR  mid morning to make our way to the Lost Valley Trailhead.  It was about 40  minutes with my husband driving. I was a little worried about navigation, but I shouldn't have been--- It is well marked and GPS can get you there we put in (Lost Valley State Park Ponca, AR) . This hike ranks in the top 3 best hikes in Arkansas-- according to my kids.  Getting there was just fun too. There were many beautiful vistas. Just before our turn to the trail head, we saw Arkansas elk, a whole herd of them. They didn't show up well on my phone camera and that was the only camera I used this trip. The path is well marked so no worries there, but it can be strenuous. It was beautiful with something exciting around every bend. My kids, spotted may little creepy crawlies along the way.  I will say if you go during the damp time you may look out for spiders, we did see some.  We went during the dry season. Before you start the trail there is a composting toilet. If you are someone who prefers a regular toilet, I suggest stopping a the Ponca Elk Educational Center up the road. They had super nice bathrooms and a neat little display area while you wait on the rest of your party.

Okay, so I planned this hike because of the waterfall, but the truth is the natural bridge was my favorite. It was a total doable climb for the novice climber. Once under the bridge, it was wide enough to feel more cave like. Speaking of caves, there are two on this hike for the adventure seeker, so I suggest you bring flashlights for everyone. If you have kids 7 and under the headlamps work best so they can still use their hands to climb. Trust me you don't want to share flashlights, I only brought only brought two and found out what true darkness is like more than once. There is a small cave just on the other side of the natural bridge and one at the top of the waterfall.

CASA Event and Balloon Glow

After our hike we were starving so we ate at a local restaurant  back in Harrison, AR called, "El Mexico Lindo" It was really good! That evening we made our way back to the CASA event and to the Balloon Glow. The girls had a lot of fun there were bouncy houses and games to play. I saw pony rides too. We were there for the balloons and they were really fun to watch. You could do a tethered ride for a nominal fee. They didn't go very high and weren't very long rides at all, but call me a sucker, we did it for the girls. Overall, I spent very little money on this trip-- The hike was free and so was the Balloon Festival and CASA event. They also had an Artist Walk Downtown on Saturday. It should also be noted that Branson, MO is only about 45 minutes north from Harrison, AR. It is a place that holds a lot of fun too, just over the border in Missouri.

Powhatan State Park

Fall Fun at Powhatan

Saturday has finally arrived and the girls and I are looking for adventure once again. This time we found it at Powhatan Historic State Park.  It is located near Black Rock, Arkansas. On our way we found some flea markets for browsing.  The grounds at the state park house many different buildings. There is a telephone exchange building, which would be a great place to take pictures of the family.  The jail was my oldest daughter's favorite because of the creepy factor. 

 I didn't get a picture of the jail, we were too in grossed in its history.

 
Probably the most involved building is the 1888 Courthouse, you are allowed to go in and peruse all of the artifacts inside without a fee. That is always subject to change, but that is also one of my favorite things about Arkansas State parks-- most are free. I think that some people believe the courthouse is haunted, which would make for a great trip around Halloween. They have a special activities around that time of year as well. They also have bathrooms. The buildings are along a path that is easily accessible.