Steel Creek and Roark Bluff
Buffalo National River, Arkansas · 1,078 ft
Typical peak
Oct 22 – Oct 30
high confidence in typical timing.
Best light
Best at sunset
Classic view faces NNE (25°)
Roark Bluff runs about 200 feet up across the Buffalo River from the Steel Creek gravel bar, with old sycamores along the water line. Late light warms the bluff face while the river below holds the reflection.
Seasonal model estimate. Timing remains uncertain; check recent reports before traveling. Source: seasonal timing model. Calculated .
Crowds
moderate
Often busier by mid-morning; consider arriving at first light.
Getting there
Turn off AR-74 two miles east of Ponca onto the steep Steel Creek access road, park at the campground, and walk 100 yards to the gravel bar.
What turns here
- american sycamore
- sugar maple
- white oak
Color progression
Typical peak Oct 26Typical color progression for Steel Creek and Roark Bluff. No change from Sep 18 to Oct 5. First color from Oct 5 to Oct 14. Approaching peak from Oct 14 to Oct 22. Peak from Oct 22 to Oct 30. Past peak from Oct 30 to Nov 9. Bare from Nov 9 to Nov 23.
Steel Creek and Roark Bluff is typically at past peak on Nov 1, 2026.
This season so far
First frost
None yet
No night at or below 32°F since Aug 1.
Last 14 days
76°F / 54°F
Average daily high and low.
Modeled weather for these coordinates from the Open-Meteo historical archive, Aug 1 – Oct 31; not a station record. Reported peak is the median date of approved peak-color reports.
Plan the light
Steel Creek and Roark Bluff on October 26, 2026, the center of its typical peak window.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 7:04 AM |
| Sunrise Rises ESE · 105° | 7:30 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 35 min of low, warm light | 8:05 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 12:57 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 35 min before sunset | 5:49 PM |
| Sunset Sets WSW · 255° | 6:24 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:50 PM |
Times in America/Chicago · day length 10h 54m · computed from NOAA solar equations.
Local terrain can hide the sun; allow extra time to reach your viewpoint.
Which way to point the camera
Both ends of the day: side-lit
Side light. Best for texture and depth across a ridge, and the safest bet for contrast.
Classic composition faces NNE (25°).
Shooting conditions
Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.
Recent reports
What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.
Nearby locations
Within 100 miles in a straight line; road distances can be longer.