A Scenic Drive and Photography Adventure Through the Ozarks

Sometimes, the best photo shoots happen when you least expect them. Last Saturday morning, I woke up with an urge to hit the road and take photos. Instead of taking the usual 2.5-hour drive to my family’s farm in Greenbrier, Arkansas, I decided to ditch the interstate and explore the scenic two-lane roads.

I spent the next 7 hours driving, shooting, hiking, and enjoying the company of my dog as we wandered through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Arkansas. Starting from Fayetteville, we headed through Wesley and Huntsville, making our way toward Ponca and then on to Jasper. In Ponca, we stopped to watch the elk grazing in the fields along the Buffalo National River—always a peaceful sight.

After that, I’m not entirely sure of the exact routes I took, but I followed the winding roads toward Hwy 65, passing through some of the Ozarks’ most picturesque areas. One of the highlights of the trip was hiking the Pedestal Rock Loop in the Ozark National Forest. Although the beauty of the trail was undeniable, the mosquitoes were relentless, turning my hike into a comedy show of swatting and flailing. It was a challenge, but definitely memorable.

The drive itself was an adventure, and my dog was the perfect travel companion, always eager to explore new places. After a few days of exploring, we made it to “The Land”—my family’s farm. We’re currently thinning pine trees on the property, so I spent some time photographing the woods and the ongoing work.

Taking a trip without a set destination was exactly what I needed—a peaceful change of pace. Sometimes, it’s not about where you’re going, but about enjoying the journey and the moments along the way.