Villines Homestead trail

Click here to get directions from Jasper

Click here to get directions from Anywhere

Parking GPS: 36.019464240790064, -93.35732660269032

Description

Over the past decade, the Buffalo River National River folks have been spending some time and money fixing up many of the old homesteads they took years ago that are along the Buffalo River. WWE are excited about this one as its special to us as my wife is a Villines and this is her great great grandfather’s cabin. The Homestead was built and belonged to Jim Villines. We rated this a 3.5 because you are not allowed in these structures. But to us it’s a solid 5+. If you want to go inside some cool old structures check out our historical page for a list of all the local Cabins.

Beaver Jim’s adult homestead is easily accessible from the Ponca Buffalo River access low water bridge. Just head down to the Ponca river access and park on the side of the river you came in on. Cross the Ponca low-water bridge and then head out on the old road to the left. It is slightly uphill. This is a part of the Buffalo River Trail to Steel Creek. Quickly, the trail splits with the Buffalo River Trail heading off to the left and the road trace up the hill to the right. Head up the road trace, and within a few hundred yards you’ll see the old Barn. Go check that area out. On the back side of the barn is a short trail that heads up the hill to the home site. They no longer allow you to enter any of the structures here. Aso, last time we were here the rout showed a loop but the path wasnt mowed so we went back and forth from the main sign.

There is a BRT, and Balanced Rock Falls entrance is here and Buffalo River access where you can enjoy all river water activities.