Viewing Wildlife

Viewing Wildlife Areas

• Barkshed Recreation Area
• Big Piney Ranger District

  The Big Piney Ranger District is the largest district on the Ozark-St Francis National Forest, encompassing approximately 496,000 acres. The district boundaries include parts of Van Buren, Conway, Searcy, Newton, Johnson, Madison, and Pope Counties. This ranger district is the result of the consolidation of the old Bayou Ranger District (Hector) and the old Buffalo Ranger District (Jasper). Offices are maintained and staffed in both towns

  The district can be characterized as one that has tremendous scenery with countless waterfalls and bluff lines, a rural and rustic setting, rugged mountains and jewel-like valleys, and unlimited outdoor recreational opportunities. The district has 4 wilderness areas, 1 research natural area, 4 wild and scenic rivers, nearly 60 miles of the Ozark Highlands National Recreation Trail (rated one of the top 10 hiking trails in the U.S.), several renowned rock climbing areas (Sam’s Throne is regionally significant), and 2 scenic byways. The district also has the Moccasin Gap Trail System, a 28-mile multi-use trail which offers enjoyable riding trails, and is easily accessed from the Scenic Byway; the Brock Creek Trail System, a 37-mile single- and double-track motorized trail network; recreation sites that offer day use, as well as camping facilities; Pedestal Rocks, a unique geological formation that is known throughout the area; and several other Special Interest Areas. 

• Alum Cove Natural Bridge Recreation Area
• Bayou Bluff Point of Interest
• Brock Creek

  The Brock Creek Trail is a multi-use trail system located on the Big Piney Ranger District in the beautiful Ozark National Forest. The trail system consists of two major loops and many interconnecting loops. The combined loops provide over 42 miles of trails for dirt bikers, Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) riders, and horseback riders. The trails meander through majestic oak/hickory forests and occasional areas of pine. These areas also contain small streams that traverse through the trail system, adding to the beauty of the area. The Brock Creek Trail system offers riders of all skill levels a great place for outdoor recreation that is suitable for the whole family.

  Brock Creek Multi-Use Trail System Guide

  Brock Creek Trail Map

  Link to the Brock Creek Trail map on Avenza that is available for download and used within the Avenza app on your smartphone. More information about the Avenza app here.

  Campground and Day-Use Area Rules

• Brock Creek Lake Recreation Area
• East Fork Wilderness
• Fairview Trailhead
• Haw Creek Falls Point of Interest
• Hurricane Creek Wilderness
• Long Pool Recreation Area
• Pedestal Rock Scenic Area
• Richland Creek Recreation Area
• Richland Creek Wilderness
• Upper Buffalo Wilderness Area

  The main section of the Upper Buffalo Wilderness was designated in 1974 with additional acreages created by the 1984 Arkansas Wilderness Act totaling approximately 12.000 acres. This is one of the 3 wildernesses on the Buffalo Ranger District. The forest cover is mostly second and third growth oak-hickory. Some scattered stands of shortleaf pine in old fields still exist from when the Forest Service purchased the land in the 1930s and 1940s. The route to Hawksbill Crag is the only designated hiking trail located in the wilderness. The trail is developed but unmarked. A system of old lodging roads that runs throughout the area provides and informal network of trails for hiking and horseback rising. There are four developed access points to reach the Upper Buffalo Wilderness : Hawksbill Crag, Kapark Cemetery, Dahl Memorial, and Boen Gulf. Point of interest- Hawksbill Crag Rock Formation.

• Blanchard Springs Recreation Area

  The Blanchard Springs Recreation Area offers a rich outdoor experience. Stroll on the paved trail to where Blanchard Springs gushes as a waterfall from the hillside. Swim in the clear waters of the North Sylamore Creek. Hike into the Ozark woods for an hour or a weekend. Try your luck catching rainbow trout from Mirror Lake, an accessible facility. Blanchard Springs Caverns has 3 tours- Dripstone Tour, Wild Cave Tour, & Discovery Tour.

  Blanchard Springs Recreation Area Guide

  Blanchard Springs Recreation Area Guide - Spanish

  Campground and Day-Use Area Rules

• Gunner Pool Recreation Area
• Horsehead Lake Recreation Area
• Huckleberry Mountain
• Leatherwood Wilderness
• Mill Creek
• North Sylamore Creek
• Ozark Highlands Trail
• Ozone Recreation Area
• Redding Recreation Area
• Spring Lake Recreation Area
• St. Francis Scenic Byway
• White Rock Mountain Recreation Area