A private, small-group exploration from Huntsville that brings you into the limestone and sandstone heart of the Arkansas Ozarks. Tailored stops, flexible pacing and quiet overlooks make this a great pick for photographers, families, and geology fans.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3–6 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in average fitness; involves several short hikes up to a mile with uneven, sometimes rocky terrain.
Wildlife
History
The region sits within the broader Ozark Highlands; the nearby Buffalo National River was designated the nation’s first national river in 1972.
Conservation
Tours emphasize low-impact travel—staying on durable surfaces, packing out waste, and avoiding sensitive spring and cave features to protect groundwater and habitat.
E Fay Jones Conservancy
Established to present guided access to the Faubus House, the E Fay Jones Conservancy in Fayetteville, Arkansas offers focused public tours that highlight the architecture of Fay Jones. The conservancy’s programming centers on the Faubus House, a residence completed in 1967 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.\n\nTours emphasize the house’s signature features, including a dramatic catwalk that extends over a bluff, detailed design elements, and the surrounding lush gardens. The conservancy offers a Standard Tour that provides an hour-long exploration of design and views; a Thanksgiving Tour that presents the same one-hour experience during the Thanksgiving period; and a Sunset Tour that showcases the house as it illuminates at dusk.\n\nEach guided trip centers on architectural interpretation, historical context, and visual access to the bluff-side setting. The Faubus House’s recognition on the National Register of Historic Places and its authorship by Fay Jones provide clear credentials for these structured tours. For visitors seeking an informed architectural visit to a National Register landmark in Fayetteville, the E Fay Jones Conservancy provides defined tour options that highlight the Faubus House’s design, history, and scenic context. Tours emphasize the house completed in 1967, offering garden observation, architectural interpretation, and accessible viewing points of the bluff and catwalk and evening lighting.
Location
Fayetteville, AR
Tours take place in Fayetteville
Historic Listing
National Register
Recognized historic property status
Signature Feature
Catwalk over bluff
Dramatic architectural element
Tours Offered
3
Standard, Thanksgiving, Sunset
Select a Standard, Thanksgiving, or Sunset Tour to experience Fay Jones’ Faubus House, its catwalk over the bluff, and the gardens — secure a spot for the next available date.
Start early for photo light
Request a sunrise start to catch soft light on river valleys and sandstone faces; early hours also mean cooler hiking and quieter trails.
Protect spring seeps
Avoid stepping on saturated ground around springs and karst features—stick to durable rock and existing paths to prevent erosion.
Layer for variable weather
Ozark ridge tops can be several degrees cooler and windier than valleys; bring a lightweight insulating layer and a rain shell.
Footwear for slick rock
Choose grippy, trail-ready shoes—wet sandstone and leaf-covered trails can be slippery after rain.
Sturdy trail shoes
Grippy shoes handle sandstone, creek crossings, and uneven dirt tracks common on the route.
Water bottle or hydration pack
Stay hydrated on warm days—some itineraries access remote sections with no potable water.
Camera with polarizer
A polarizer reduces glare on water and deepens sky color for creekside and overlook photos.
Light rain shell
A compact shell is useful in spring and fall when showers develop quickly in the Ozarks.
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