Ozark-St. Francis National Forests Guide: Hiking and Backpacking
Ozark-St. Francis National Forests Highlights
- The Ozark Highlands Trail extends over 100 miles east-west across the Ozark National Forest and has it all: overlooks, waterfalls, rockhouses, and solitude. Abundant trailheads scattered throughout the forest make hikes of varied lengths possible.
- Five wilderness areas offer exemplary Ozark terrain and get-away-from-it-all experiences. Hurricane Creek Wilderness offers a large loop trail; Richland Creek Wilderness has water features aplenty; and East Fork Wilderness is seldom visited. You can get lost for days in the Leatherwood Wilderness. And Upper Buffalo Wilderness presents Whitaker Point, one of Arkansas's most photographed places.
- The 7.8-mile Spy Rock circuit makes for a good hike on a well-marked and well-maintained trail that leads to its worthy namesake destination. The outcrop offers superlative views, but this trek is as much about the journey as the destination, with its all-encompassing beauty and pioneer history.
- Don't miss the Shores Lake Loop. It heads up White Rock Creek past waterfalls and then climbs up to White Rock, which offers 360-degree views for miles. After stopping for photo opportunities, head into the Salt Fork Valley, where some challenging ups and downs bring you back to Shores Lake.
- Base out of Blanchard Springs Recreation Area, and explore the North Sylamore Trail, a 15-mile, one-way trail traveling through a gorgeous canyon full of clear water, springs, caves, and waterfalls.
By Travel Expert:
Johnny Molloy
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