The Buffalo National River area is nice. Lost Valley is a very good hike. It packs more into a 1.5 mile hike than any other hike I have ever been on. It wanders alon a small creek and passes several small falls and three large falls (large for this area anyway, 75 ft plus). At the end of the trail is a cave. You will need a flashlight to go to the back of the cave. The cave is only about 200 feet inside. At the end of the cave is a waterfall inside the cave, which is pretty unusual. There is many good hikes with waterfalls along HWY 7. They only run during rainy periods. Right now I would think it would be great. Petit Jean State Park is a great State Park that is a little further south near I40. I have a hiking book for Arkansas and a Waterfall book that has good hikes to waterfalls. You might try finding those.

I live in the Ouachitas next to the Ouachita National Forest, which has many hiking trails. You can pick up the trail maps in Hot Springs at the park HQ or go to the visitor center on Hwy 7 near Jessieville. I think the better trails are north of Jessieville.

There are lots of national park campgrounds, but I would recommend Lake Ouachita State Park, which has a marina, swimming beach, and nice campgrounds. I think some of the NP campgrounds are more rustic, which you may prefer.

Lots of good information for you here:
http://gorp.away.com/gorp/resource/us_national_forest/ar_ouach.htm

Thanks for the tips, I'll check them out before leaving.

If you are interested in the beautiful Ozarks, then Tim Ernst's books are a must:

www.cloudland.net

He is *the* expert on the region, and his info ia thorough and always up-to-date. His books on the Buffalao River are great too.

apologies for the typos!