Has anyone else been thinking about small towns lately? I have. Actually, I’ve been thinking about one little town in particular. That town is called Jasper. It’s small, it’s in my beloved Natural State, and it’s home to some of the best-preserved, most awe-inspiring natural spaces anywhere. Because it meets all of these criteria, it’s pretty much my dream town. I wanted all of you to think about this nature lover’s paradise too, so today’s article is all about Jasper.
Population: 453. Value to nature lovers: incalculable.
You’ll find directions here.
The downtown area is positively adorable.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson DVM
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson DVM
There are plenty of cool places to stay.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson DVM The Arkansas House has suites, second floor rooms, and a cabin on the river. Plus it’s just a stone’s throw away from the organic Boardwalk Cafe.
And you won’t find a better homey Ozark Mountains eatery than the Ozark Cafe.
Wikimedia/Chris Litherland
Jasper is just a few miles from the breathtaking views of the Arkansas Grand Canyon.
Flickr/Noel Pennington And of course, there’s another fine Jasper eatery and hotel located overlooking the Arkansas Grand Canyon, the Cliff House Inn.
It’s also close to the magnificence of Triple Falls.
Flickr/Jonathan Ball This spot is also called Twin Falls.
Of course there’s always the easy access to the Buffalo National River…
Flickr/Mike Norton
…and its incredible bluffs.
Flickr/JustTooLazy
Mystic Caverns is just a little ways north of there.
Flickr/Finch Lake 2000
If I ever take up climbing, I can find a world-renowned climbing area at nearby Horseshoe Canyon Guest Ranch.
Flickr/Emily Camp
It takes less than an hour to get from Jasper to the trailhead that leads to Hawksbill Crag.
Flickr/AR Nature Gal
The surrounding forest is fantastic.
Flickr/Matt Moy
If you’re lucky (and quiet), you may spot elk in the area.
Flickr/latteda
It’s a great place to spend time with friends.
Flickr/Maureen Didde
There are plenty of places to camp.
Flickr/Justtoolazy
And nothing beats a starry sky in the Ozarks.
Flickr/Mike Norton
In short, I’m thinking of moving to Jasper. (Or at least spending as many weekends as possible there.)
Flickr/Ani Old Chai
If you like Jasper, check out this other incredible small town.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson DVM
The Arkansas House has suites, second floor rooms, and a cabin on the river. Plus it’s just a stone’s throw away from the organic Boardwalk Cafe.
Wikimedia/Chris Litherland
Flickr/Noel Pennington
And of course, there’s another fine Jasper eatery and hotel located overlooking the Arkansas Grand Canyon, the Cliff House Inn.
Flickr/Jonathan Ball
This spot is also called Twin Falls.
Flickr/Mike Norton
Flickr/JustTooLazy
Flickr/Finch Lake 2000
Flickr/Emily Camp
Flickr/AR Nature Gal
Flickr/Matt Moy
Flickr/latteda
Flickr/Maureen Didde
Flickr/Justtoolazy
Flickr/Ani Old Chai
If you’re looking for natural wonders, try this amazing road trip.
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