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The Atlas/Arkansas/Boxley Valley Road (AR-74)

Boxley Valley Road (AR-74)

34 mi
Length
3
Verified stops
2,200 ft
High point
Scenic
Road type

Arkansas Highway 74 through Boxley Valley runs roughly from Huntsville west and north to Ponca at the Buffalo National River, threading through the upper Buffalo River corridor in Newton County. The road winds along crystal-clear streams and through wooded hollows, delivering smooth sweepers in the valley sections and more technical curves near Ponca. The valley is home to a free-roaming elk herd — one of the few places in Arkansas where elk can be reliably spotted from the road. Ponca itself sits at the doorstep of the Buffalo National River Wilderness with access to bluffs, caves, and outfitter services. The route connects to AR-21 (Ozark Highlands Byway) at Boxley, making it a natural pairing for a Boston Mountains loop. Traffic is extremely light.

// Mile by mile

What you'll hit along the way.

Rider-verified stops, overlooks, fuel, and the corners worth knowing about — in the order you'll meet them.

Mile 0.0

Ponca

Small Ozark town at the western trailhead of Boxley Valley, a good spot to fuel up and orient before heading east.

Mile 30.0

Round Mountain

A prominent peak offering open views over the Buffalo River highlands and the surrounding forested ridges.

Mile 10.0

Mount Sherman

A quiet community mid-route sitting within the pastoral farmland of Boxley Valley, framed by limestone bluffs.

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