Trails can be steep, but flat rides available along Buffalo River

Valley offers level ride, hills bring thrills

A scenic bike ride along the Buffalo National River can be experienced between Boxley and Ponca. The route is in the river valley so it's mostly level with no major climbs. Tom and Karen Mowry of Nob Hill pedal on Sept. 27 2023 along Arkansas 43 en route to Ponca. (NWA Democrat-Gazette/Flip Putthoff)

Some of the loftiest hills in the Ozarks are part of the spectacular landscape along the Buffalo National River.

Fans of riding a bicycle might think of the Buffalo region as a steep biking destination, with lung buster climbs that test the legs of even professional cyclists.

Yet