Frequently asked questions about Bearly Earth

Bearly Earth sits on a private ridge in the Ozark Mountains of Newton County, Arkansas, between Jasper and Pelsor along the Scenic 7 Byway corridor. Jasper's town square is about 30 min (17 mi) away and the Arkansas Grand Canyon overlook is about 20 min (10 mi). The exact address and directions are shared after you book.

Sam's Throne is about 35 min (19 mi) from the cabin, near Mount Judea. It is one of the best-known traditional rock climbing areas in Arkansas and also has short hikes and big views over the Big Creek valley.

The wild elk herd is easiest to see in Boxley Valley along Highways 43 and 21 near Ponca, about 50 min (32 mi) from the cabin. Go at dawn or dusk and use the roadside pullouts; September and October are the rut, when the bulls bugle. The free Ponca Nature Center (Arkansas Game & Fish) is open Wednesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m., and staff can share recent sightings.

The Arkansas Grand Canyon, the sweeping valley view off Scenic Highway 7 at the Cliff House overlook, is about 20 min (10 mi) north of the cabin. It is the closest big-name sight to Bearly Earth.

Pruitt Landing is about 40 min (23 mi) away, and the upper-river put-ins at Ponca and Steel Creek are about 50–55 minutes. Floating the upper Buffalo depends on rainfall and is usually best in spring, so check current river levels with an outfitter.

Bearly Earth is 70 private acres, and the whole property is yours during your stay. It borders thousands of acres of the Ozark National Forest and has more than 15 miles of private trails, three wet-season waterfalls, two ponds, sandstone bluff lines, boulder fields and a shallow rock-shelter cave.

Yes. Guests regularly trailer in their own four-wheelers and side-by-sides to ride the private trails. There is trailer parking and a large gravel staging area by the house. One group brought three trucks with trailers and noted there was room for more. On national forest roads beyond the property line, follow the Forest Service Motor Vehicle Use Map and Arkansas OHV rules.

Yes. There are two private ponds. The lower pond is stocked for catch-and-release fishing and has a private dock with a canoe. No fishing license is needed to fish the private ponds on the property. You only need an Arkansas license (ages 16+) for public water like the Buffalo River, where smallmouth bass are within an hour.

The property has sandstone bluff lines and boulders to explore and scramble on, so bring crash pads and climb at your own risk. For established routes, Sam's Throne (about 35 min (19 mi)) and Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, with more than 900 routes (about 50 min (26 mi)), are two of the best climbing areas in the state.

Yes. Three private waterfalls run during the wet seasons, usually late fall through spring and after heavy rain. In dry summer weeks they can slow to a trickle. Glory Hole Falls, Lost Valley and Hemmed-In Hollow are nearby waterfall hikes.

Up to 10 guests. It has 4 bedrooms, 7 beds and 3 full bathrooms, including a kids’ bunk room, plus a playroom. Guests describe it as a good fit for two or three families traveling together.

It is a full kitchen with a gas stove, Whirlpool oven, dishwasher, LG refrigerator and freezer, microwave, blender, toaster, a Keurig and drip coffee maker, cookware, baking sheets, wine glasses and a dining table. Outside there is a gas grill with BBQ utensils. Guests say the basics like spices, foil and coffee filters are already stocked.

Yes. There is Wi-Fi and a dedicated workspace, and guests have worked remotely during their stays. The cabin also has central heat and air, a wood-burning fireplace, a TV and a Sony Bluetooth sound system.

No, pets are not allowed at Bearly Earth. Service animals are welcome, as Airbnb policy requires.

Self check-in with a keypad runs from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., and check-out is before noon. Minimum stays vary by season, so check the live calendar on Airbnb or Vrbo.

Bearly Earth is remote, which is the point. A small country store and café are about 15 minutes away near Deer. For a full grocery run, stock up on the way in, in Russellville off I-40 (about 1 hr 20 min) or in Harrison (about 1 hr).

Spring (March–May) brings flowing waterfalls, dogwoods and the best Buffalo River floating. September–October is elk rut season, and peak fall color in the Ozarks usually arrives in late October or early November. Winter is quiet, with long views through bare trees. In summer, bring tick and chigger repellent for the trails.

Bearly Earth is booked through Airbnb, where it is a Guest Favorite rated 5.0 from 59 reviews, or through Vrbo. Both show the live calendar and current pricing.