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.
Activities
Mountain Biking
Areas for Mountain Biking at Big Piney Ranger District
Campground Camping
Areas for Campground Camping at Big Piney Ranger District
- Bayou Bluff Point of Interest
- Brock Creek Lake Recreation Area
- Haw Creek Falls Point of Interest
- Long Pool Recreation Area
- Moccasin Gap
- Richland Creek Recreation Area
- Sams Throne Recreation Area
RV Camping
Areas for RV Camping at Big Piney Ranger District
Group Camping
Areas for Group Camping at Big Piney Ranger District
Dispersed Camping
Areas for Dispersed Camping at Big Piney Ranger District
Lake and Pond Fishing
Areas for Lake and Pond Fishing at Big Piney Ranger District
River and Stream Fishing
Areas for River and Stream Fishing at Big Piney Ranger District
Day Hiking
Areas for Day Hiking at Big Piney Ranger District
- Alum Cove Natural Bridge Recreation Area
- Bayou Bluff Point of Interest
- Brock Creek
- East Fork Wilderness
- Fairview Trailhead
- Haw Creek Falls Point of Interest
- Long Pool Recreation Area
- Moccasin Gap
- Pedestal Rock Scenic Area
- Richland Creek Recreation Area
- Richland Creek Wilderness
- Sams Throne Recreation Area
- Upper Buffalo Wilderness Area
- Boen Gulf Trailhead
- Dahl Memorial Trailhead
- Dixon Ridge Trailhead
- Kapark Trailhead
- Whitaker Point (Hawksbill Crag) Trailhead
Backpacking
Areas for Backpacking at Big Piney Ranger District
Horse Riding
Areas for Horse Riding at Big Piney Ranger District
Small Game Hunting
Areas for Small Game Hunting at Big Piney Ranger District
- East Fork Wilderness
- Hurricane Creek Wilderness
- Richland Creek Wilderness
- Upper Buffalo Wilderness Area
Game Bird/Waterfowl
Areas for Game Bird/Waterfowl at Big Piney Ranger District
Viewing Wildlife
Areas for Viewing Wildlife at Big Piney Ranger District
- Alum Cove Natural Bridge Recreation Area
- Bayou Bluff Point of Interest
- Brock Creek
- 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
Viewing Plants
Areas for Viewing Plants at Big Piney Ranger District
- Alum Cove Natural Bridge Recreation Area
- Bayou Bluff Point of Interest
- Brock Creek
- Brock Creek Lake Recreation Area
- East Fork Wilderness
- Fairview Trailhead
- Haw Creek Falls Point of Interest
- Hurricane Creek Wilderness
- Pedestal Rock Scenic Area
- Richland Creek Recreation Area
- Richland Creek Wilderness
- Upper Buffalo Wilderness Area
Viewing Scenery
Areas for Viewing Scenery at Big Piney Ranger District
- Alum Cove Natural Bridge Recreation Area
- Bayou Bluff Point of Interest
- Brock Creek
- Austin Trailhead
- Mountain Man Trailhead
- Zing Trailhead
- 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
- Sams Throne Recreation Area
- Upper Buffalo Wilderness Area
- Boen Gulf Trailhead
- Dahl Memorial Trailhead
OHV Camping
OHV Trail Riding
Areas for OHV Trail Riding at Big Piney Ranger District
Visitor Centers
Group Picnicking
Areas for Group Picnicking at Big Piney Ranger District
Scenic Driving
Areas for Scenic Driving at Big Piney Ranger District
Boating - Motorized
Areas for Boating - Motorized at Big Piney Ranger District
Boating - Non-Motorized
Areas for Boating - Non-Motorized at Big Piney Ranger District
- Big Piney Creek
- Brock Creek Lake Recreation Area
- Long Pool Recreation Area
- Richland Creek Recreation Area
Swimming
Areas for Swimming at Big Piney Ranger District