Ozark-St. Francis National Forests Overview

Ozark-St. Francis National Forests (Dennis Flaherty/Photographer's Choice/Getty)

Ozark-St. Francis National Forests

Contact Details
Ozark-St. Francis National Forests
605 West Main St.
Russellville, AR 72801
Phone: 479-964-7200

Scenic 7 Byway is renowned as one of America's most scenic drives. It begins by crossing the Piedmont land of northern Arkansas and continues through the Ouachita Mountains until it drops to the Arkansas River Valley. It eventually climbs to the Ozark Highlands. Make sure you check out Mystic Caverns, Cove Natural Bridge, Buffalo National River, the Arkansas Grand Canyon, and the many hiking trails along the way.
April dogwoods give Shores Lake Campground a special charm. Situated among hardwood and pine within the Boston Mountain Ranger District, this historic campground is a particularly scenic destination for anyone in search of lakeside camping in a mountain setting. Nearby hiking includes Shores Lake Trail, which leads to White Rock Loop rail and the top of White Rock Mountain.
Four loop trails converge into one creating the Moccasin Gap Horse Trail in the Bayou Ranger District. Hardwoods, pine, streams, and small waterfalls decorate this path, which has been rated as one of the best horseback-riding trails in the state. The trail is often used as a site for competitive rides.
The most famous fly-fishing venue here is the White River, where large trout lurk below Bull Shoals Dam. Below its confluence with the Buffalo River, the White travels for many miles bordering the forest. Designated catch and release areas make for productive areas with big fish.

By Travel Expert: Johnny Molloy

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.
The Ozark National Forest features six federally designated wild and scenic rivers. (This is more than most entire states have.) These rivers run the gamut from the mighty Buffalo, easily the most famous river in Arkansas, to Richland Creek, also protected as a wilderness. The waterways range from placid to perilous, and the Forest Service offers designated river accesses for many of them.
Several multi-use trail networks with up to 42 miles per area make for many pedaling opportunities. These multi-use trail systems are usually comprised of interconnected loops, allowing you to alter your pedaling distance on the fly.
You can combine wilderness exploration with paddling along the East Fork Illinois Bayou. It offers a ten-mile paddle and is a good way to explore the East Fork Wilderness. This Class II section is normally only runnable in spring.

By Travel Expert: Johnny Molloy

Published: 6 Oct 2008 | Last Updated: 13 Sep 2011
Details mentioned in this article were accurate at the time of publication

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