Rock Overlook at Sam’s Throne
Description:
Sam’s throne is primaliy known as a premier rock climbing area in the Ozarks.
The legend dates back to the 1820s. Buffalo hunter and farmer Sam Davis roamed Arkansas valleys in what is now Newton County, searching for a sister he claimed was kidnapped by Indians.
Davis climbed the tall rocks every morning and yelled mighty sermons to those who lived in the valley below. The place became known as Sam’s Throne.
Sam’s Throne Arkansas
Cost:
There is not a fee for this area however donations are accepted. Open year round. No water available.
Best Time to Visit:
Anytime but summer.
Where it is:
Sam’s Throne is in the Ozark National Forest about 2.5 hours north of Little Rock near Jasper. Located just off State Hwy 123 (Possibly one of the most scenic roads in the State).
Directions:
Sam’s Throne is about 50 miles north of Russellville on Hwy-123 between Lurton and Mt Judea (pronounced Mt Judy) and the main parking area is clearly marked by a nice new wooden Forest Service sign. Follow this road through the camping area to a parking lot where you will find a sign for Sam’s Loop Trail Chickenhead wall access. Follow the well established trail and enjoy some fantastic views of the vally on your way to the wall and overlook.
Map:
GPS Cordinates
Sams Throne is located at latitude – longitude coordinates of N 35.870911 and W -93.058507.
Tips for the Photographer
Equipment:
To include the vast panoramas you will want a wide angle lens. There is also a lot of potential for shooting macro along the trail. Use of a polarizing filter will help with reflections on the leaves and make your skies bluer.
What to Photograph:
The valley below, the Chicken Head Wall, rock overhangs and trees clinging to the rock. You may also be able to photograph rock climbers.
Photography Tips:
When shooting with a polarizing filter you want the sun to be hitting the side of the lens for the most effect, with the sun at your back or shooting into the sun the filter will do very little.Shooting midday will result in high contrast and dappled shade, neither of which make for good landscapes. Best time to shoot is early morning or late in the day.
Chicken Head Wall – Sam’s Throne
Tree Clinging to Rock Bluf – Sam’s Throne
The Valley Below Sam’s Throne Loop Trail
Sam’s Throne Photo Gallery
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More Photographic Destinations in Arkansas:
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Great Places for Great Photos
Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure. I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography. I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination. I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip. I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!
Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country. Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos.
Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group.
All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need. Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two.
If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom. This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance.
