Cob Cave - Lost Valley Trail

A hiker stands in Cob Cave, a bluff shelter, looking out toward the Lost Valley Trail.

Terra Fondriest

Quick Facts

Location:

Approximately 1 mile down the Lost Valley Trail

Significance:

Native American Bluff Shelter

Amenities

13 listed

Amphitheater, Benches/Seating, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto, Parking - Bus/RV, Picnic Shelter/Pavilion, Picnic Table, Restroom, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Toilet - Flush, Toilet - Vault/Composting, Trailhead, Water - Drinking/Potable

Cob Cave is a natural bluff shelter on the Lost Valley Trail in the Upper District of Buffalo National River. This bluff shelter is approximately 50 feet tall, 150 feet deep, and 260 feet long from end to end, and it was formed when a soft, soluble layer of rock was undercut by Clark Creek, leaving a harder upper rock layer as the shelter's "ceiling." Archeological surveys indicate that this shelter was used by Native Americans approximately 2,000 years ago. Artifacts like lithic tools, woven basketry, and small corn cobs (the shelter's namesake) were excavated by University of Arkansas archeologists in 1931.