The trail follows along the North Sylamore Creek, a federally designated scenic river, from which it is named. Hikers will encounter a wide variety of forested landscapes ranging from lower streamside elevations to high ridges. Main points of interest include Slick Rock Hollow, numerous scenic overlooks, and beautiful open fields managed as openings for wildlife. In addition to the original 13.75 mile section, the trail now extends from Barkshed Campground, upstream along the creek to a new trailhead on Cripple Turkey Road where it intersects the Ozark Highlands Trail. The ten mile extension was completed in 2006, largely through the efforts of the Ozark Society and American Hiking Society in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service. Three trailheads are located within the District’s developed recreation areas: Blanchard Springs, Gunner Pool, and Barkshed. Camping is available only within developed sites at the recreation areas, but primitive camping is allowed at the Allison and Cripple Turkey Trailheads. With caution, the access roads for the extension can be negotiated in almost any vehicle. The roads are gravel, narrow, rough, and not populated or heavily traveled. Cole Fork Road is subject to flooding, and caution should always be used crossing Cole Fork Creek near the end of the road.
At a Glance
Open Season:
Year-round
Restrictions:
Foot travel only. Vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, OHVs and horse traffic are not allowed.
Closest Towns:
Mountain View
Water:
Surface water (never safe to drink) is present year round
Operated By:
Sylamore Ranger District (870)269-3228 or Blanchard Springs Visitor Information Center (870)757-2211
General Information
Directions: Traveling north on Arkansas Highway 14, the Allison Trailhead is located 8 miles northwest of Mountain View, AR. The new extension of the trail can be accessed from Arkansas State Highway 341 in Baxter County. To find the trail from Hwy 341, turn east onto Barkshed Road (FDR 1108) to access Cripple Turkey Road (FDR 91079A) and Cole Fork Road (FDR 1125). Cole Fork Road offers access to the trail roughly halfway between Barkshed Campground and the Cripple Turkey Trailhead giving the option of hiking the extension in sections.
Three trailheads are located within the District’s developed recreation areas: Blanchard Springs, Gunner Pool, and Barkshed. Camping is available only within developed sites at the recreation areas, but primitive camping is allowed at the Allison and Cripple Turkey Trailheads.
Fishing
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River and Stream Fishing
North Sylamore Creek is 14.5 miles of cool clear water and oxbow-type pools. Smallmouth Bass and Ozark Bass provide some lively fishing action.
Hiking
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Day Hiking
This 14-mile trail follows North Sylamore Creek from Allison, through Blanchard and Gunner Pool, to Barkshed Recreation Area. It is ideal for day hikes because the trailheads are located about 5 miles apart. The trail is linear; there are no loops. Foot travel only. Vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, OHVs and horse traffic are not allowed. In addition to the original 13.75 mile section, the trail now extends from Barkshed Campground, upstream along the creek to a new trailhead on Cripple Turkey Road where it intersects the Ozark Highlands Trail. The ten mile extension was completed in 2006, largely through the efforts of the Ozark Society and American Hiking Society in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service.
Fire Information
Campfires are allowed (unless in the event of a burn ban), no firewood should be brought in or taken from any of the sites.
Backpacking
Backpacking is a popular activity on the North Sylamore Hiking Trail. The trail connects four trailheads at Allison, Blanchard, Gunner Pool, and Barkshed. The trail can be hiked in sections of roughly 5 miles each. Be aware that the trail is linear, one-way, no loops. For your convenience, park additional cars at trailheads. Foot travel only. Vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, OHVs and horse traffic are not allowed.
Nature Viewing
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Viewing Wildlife
Deer, lizards, and birds are just a few of the creatures you may see along the trail. Fish and turtles bask in the creeks. Wild hogs should be seen and not approached!
Viewing Plants
Because the North Sylamore Hiking Trail runs along the creek to the ridgetops, visitors can view a variety of plants, from the spicebush and ferns of the bottoms to majestic oak and hickory on the tops.
Viewing Scenery
The North Sylamore Hiking Trail offers some of the finest scenery in the Ozarks. In spring and early summer, waterfalls and wildflowers lend their beauty to the seasons. Summer brings green valleys, and fall adds color to the mix. Winter offers unobstructed views and quiet.
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