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The Ozark-St. Francis National Forests have something for everyone and are on the way to almost everywhere in Arkansas! Rustic mountain cabins have provided a peaceful getaway for people since the 1930's at Lake Wedington and White Rock Mountain. Six National Scenic Byways offer breathtaking Ozark vistas and out-of-the-way places for those who enjoy driving for pleasure. There are 200+ camping and picnic sites, 9 swimming beaches, 11 special interest areas, 5 wilderness areas, thousands of acres of lakes and streams, and more than 400 miles of trails. Located in central and northwest Arkansas and also along the Mississippi River in eastern Arkansas, the forests offer numerous opportunities for either one-day trips or extended vacations filled with fun and relaxation.
The Ozark National Forest offers three spectacular multiple use trails - the Moccasin Gap Horse Trail, the Huckleberry Mountain Horse Trail, and Mill Creek Trail. Although the first two trails were designed primarily for horseback riding, all three trails are also open to hiking, mountain bike riding, and off-highway vehicles (OHVs). There are over 400 miles of hiking trails including the 196-mile-long Ozark Highlands Trail. This trail has already become one of the most important trails in the midwest. The trail traverses the forest from the western end at Lake Fort Smith State Park near the Oklahoma border to the famous Buffalo National River in northern Arkansas. The newly added section of the Ozark Highlands Trail, called the "Sylamore Section," begins on Spring Creek Road near Mountain View and winds around the Leatherwood Wilderness Area.
For over 30 years, spectacular cave formations have drawn visitors to Blanchard Springs Caverns. Located on the Sylamore Ranger District 15 miles northwest of Mountain View, Arkansas, the caverns offer the visitor a view of the subterranean world below. The Caverns are open seven days a week from mid-March through October (closed Mondays and Tuesdays November through mid-March). One of the guided tours, the Dripstone Trail, is accessible with assistance. Blanchard is also closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Days. The Visitor Information Center, which is fully accessible, opens daily at 9:30 a.m. with the last tour of the day departing at 4:30 pm. Caverns tour schedules and prices are subject to change. Currently the price for age 16 - adult is $10.50, ages 6-15 is $5.50, and under 6 years of age, $.50. For current information call (888) 757-2246 or write U.S. Forest Service, 1001 East Main Street, Mountain View, Arkansas 72560. For cave tour reservations, go to www.recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777.
Forest recreation maps and educational, scientific, and interpretive booklets are available for purchase from the Ozark Interpretive Association outlets at most district offices. Other information, such as brochures, general maps and trail information are available free of charge.
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