Natural Arch Scenic Area

Natural Arch Scenic Area is a day use area in Daniel Boone National Forest. We came here for a short hike with our dog. The highlight is a spectacular 100-foot sandstone arch. A paved, accessible trail leads to a nice overlook or a 1-mile loop trail leads under and around the arch. The area also has picnic areas and an amphitheater and a couple longer trails, but we didn't have time to check these out.

This place is so nice. Clean restrooms,nice trail,and places for a nice picnic. Next time I'll do the trail which goes underneath the arch.

Decent amount of parking for cars and a few spots for RVs and such. The access to get a look at the Natural Arch is very good; a relatively short distance down sidewalks gets a person very close to a viewing area. If a person was able to walk down and then back up a steep incline then they can get a much closer view.nI walked the Buffalo Canyon trail, which is a loop starting near and finishing near the Arch. I would only recommend the Buffalo Canyon trail to the hardiest of souls. First part of the trail was narrow, with quite a few loose rocks covered with leaves. After the trail drops down a hiker gets to cross multiple streams with no improvements at any of the crossings. Near the back of the trail (the farthest away from the arch) there are 2 small river/large creek crossings; I removed my boots and socks and rolled up my pants to cross. I imagine it would be enjoyable to cross barefoot in the heat of summer, I did not enjoy my December crossing. In between the two small river/large creek crossings the trail was used by 4 wheelers regularly, and the vehicles created multiple large mudholes right in the middle of the trail that I had to leave the trail to pass. After crossing the second small river/large creek the trail doglegs to the south and it is very nice uphill walk. I describe these challenges for those souls that are not looking for that level of adventure.nnThere are many beautiful locations at nearly every stream; and the streams are audible quite often through the trip. I also enjoyed a lot of the rock formations that are on both sides of the trail in the first portion. I live close by and will probably give it another go when it gets warmer.

Great views. The 508 trail was great with the exception of a ~?1/2 mile stretch on a gravel road.

Absolutely gorgeous view of arch from overlook! Paved trail to overlook only a few hundred yards from parking area and wheelchair accessible. Sign when exiting parking area directs you to another panoramic trail 1 mile from main entrance. DO NOT BOTHER with this trail! While it does skirt close to the rim there is absolutely no view of the gorge. We were there in late fall with no leaves on trees and still no view.