09/18/13 Featured Arkansas Photography–The Natural Bridge in Lost Valley near Ponca Arkansas

The Natural Bridge in Lost Valley near Ponca Arkansas on the Buffalo River–click on photo for a larger view

Taken with a Phase One P45+ in 3 vertical segments to be stitched into one frame, 35mm Mamiya lens, F14, iso50,  3 second exposures with ND filter and CL-PL. Lost Valley is one of my favorite spots in Arkansas to photograph, especially when there is water running in Clark Creek.  I would say that in the 100 or so trips I have made to Lost Valley over the years, I have only seen water like that shown in this picture about 10 times.  Clark Creek runs throughout Lost Valley and eventually empties into the Buffalo River above Ponca.  This one valley has more scenic value packed into the 1.5 miles of trail than most other places in the Ozarks.  You can find over 6 separate waterfalls when the creek is running at full flow.  If you have not been there before with a good head of water running in Clark Creek, I would put this on your list of places to visit.  You can be sure of good water in Clark Creek if the Buffalo River is running over 2000 cfs when gauged on the USGS gauge at Boxley.  Lost Valley can also especially pretty in the dead of winter if you happen to catch it after a heavy snow.