Nestled in the tiny community of Oxley, between Leslie and Mountain View, is the beautiful Stem Rocks Nature Area. If you’re going to be using Maps to find the little hidden gem, use “1662 Oxley Rd. Leslie, AR 72645” This short, flat, one mile hike will lead you down a closed ATV trail to the beautiful rock formations overlooking the valley.

You can step carefully around the edge, walk down into the valley and look up at the wonder of the formation from below. Walk through a natural tunnel below the rock, and come out near a unique pedestal rock formation.

This was my first experience with one of Arkansas’s two native cactus plants. This Eastern Prickly Pear was growing up in a lonely stretch of bluff rock near the edge of the overlook. The only stressful moment in this entire hike was watching my husband get in touch with his inner mountain goat as he scaled rocks and searched for unique formations not visible from the main viewing area.

While this is a beautiful and easy hike, I wouldn’t recommend bringing small children as there are no safety features to prevent a fall. While we visited in the heat of the Arkansas summer, I would think this would be a gorgeous view in the fall when the leaves are changing. We didn’t encounter any wildlife beyond the occasional squirrel, but if visiting in the warm months, I would keep an eye out for a snake or two who could be warming himself along the path or on the rock formations!

Primitive Tent Camping is allowed around the rock area, it is pack in and pack out, with no amenities. Dogs are allowed on leashes, but as with small children I would be extremely cautious about the possibility of a slip or fall. Bicycles are also welcome on the trail.