lost valley hiking trail

A1350EGcarols

One of the most beautiful places on earth! Breath-taking waterfalls, caves to explore, and billy goat trails wind through craggy rock formations in a maze of awe-inspiring beauty. Best to do with older kids that can handle steep inclines, but the nice flat trail at the beginning is great too. Visited in April when the wildflowers were in bloom and the waterfalls were roaring with the spring melt, adding to the dramatic landscape. We'll definitely be back!

LWill2

I am so glad that this place has been preserved it is gorgeous. I would recommend a walking stick to maneuver all the steps.

lauracE7435MN

Great trails to hike. Plan to go again soon. No pets allowed on the trails (even though others don't follow this rule). Part of the Buffalo National Park.

jh26

We hiked the very easy trail up to the falls, and then explored the cave leading to the underground waterfall. Beautiful. The cave section is optional, and the hike is still worthwhile even if you skip that part.

A3151CXamyb

This trail was beautiful and a challenge for the hikers. There are stairs and a steep incline in some parts, but the views a worth it.

RichardsonTX

We went on a Saturday (10/25/14), and that was a mistake. The parking was overflowing to the annex lot (a 5 minute walk through a field) and there were lines for the restrooms. For the first time ever in a Buffalo National River park, we encountered a park ranger. He had to direct traffic. A trip to Lost Valley on a weekday should be no problem.As usual, we headed directly into the creek bed and explored our way up to the big shelter cave. There is so much beauty in that creek bed, and even with all of the people, nobody else was there. The attached pictures are from two trips a few years ago.We skipped the staircase climb to the cave at the top because there were just too many people on that narrow path.If you have time, you could combine Lost Valley, hiking the trails at Kyle's Landing (off of Hwy 74), the trails at Round Mountain (2 or 3 miles south of Jasper, on Hwy 7), and a walking tour of Jasper. And if you're staying in the Harrison area, skip Hwy 7 and drive Hwy 43. It isn't quite as pretty, but the traffic is way better.

JessicaW324

This was amazing and so worth going to. Our family enjoyed every minute of the hike as well as the cave. We will be back again in the spring when the waterfall is running heavier. For sure reccommend this attraction. Being FREE was a big plus.

engineeryfromokc

Loved the creekbed, Beautiful and fun to trek. Trail is wide and easy. Many 60+ travellers. No dogs. Awesome caves and slides. Gigantic Trees. Beautiful way to spend an afternoon

jlp306

This was our first hike in the Buffalo River area. Easy to find. But again, definitely stop at the BOC for questions and directions as there is no cell service in the park. There were bathrooms, but it said they were closed, and there was a port a potty of sorts nearby to use instead. Someone had left a container of food in there, idiot, so it was floor to ceiling flies. SO NO BATHROOMS until someone cleans this. Lots of parking. Park in the shade. Wear bug spray. Easy hiking path. We went down to the pool / falls first. But it was a dry day and the falls was just a trickle. Amazing rock formations though. Then we hiked up to the cave. Nice and cool in there. It goes back quite a ways if you want to explore that far. My husband did. You need a flashlight. There was a park ranger there who we ran into twice. He was really helpful. He had helmets and head lamps for people who wanted to go deeper into the cave, with helpful advice on how to be smart about exploring it. Really nice that he was there.

578elisad

It is nice that there is concrete walkway at the beginning and people in wheelchair can also enjoy. We did the whole length of the trail and it's beautiful, but it should had been more beautiful if there is more water in the waterfalls. Maybe better to go in Spring or early Summer that in the Fall.

429dustink

A very easy hike with a ton of things to see. Recommended for everyone. My lady enjoyed it greatly. Such a scenic hike

CandaceD477

This is a great location for a day trip... plenty of parking... bathrooms... a pavilion... well maintained trail to a natural bridge. The trail to the natural bridge is wheelchair accessible and has many benches along the way. The trail to the cave and waterfalls are not so maintained. Besides the cost of gas and picnic supplies...this is a free day trip for the whole family. Enjoy the beautiful scenery on the drive in... if you are lucky, maybe you will see some elk (we saw 5 on our trip).

richardw306

What a wonderful hike this was. My wife and I enjoyed hiking up to the falls. Easy walking most of the way. The closer you got to the falls it was a little harder. Was definitely worth the hike. There is even a water fall in the cave.

ROBA87

This trail is almost 3.5 miles return but takes a long time because even though half of the way is well paved, the rest for going to the falls and the cave is not paved at all and requires going on broken stairs and dirt. Even though it was raining when we went (may end), it was still beautiful. The falls are a good sight and based on pictures, it seems fall is the best time to visit. The stairs leading to cave are a bit difficult to walk on but worth it. When you reach the cave - make sure to go in. It is another 50 yards and quite dark so you should take a torch or something.

Terrie-Kerr

Beautiful scenery: Waterfall, caves, easy trail. The first part of this trail is handicap accessible, which is an awesome concept! Family friendly!