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Lake Sylvia Recreation Area
Nestled between scenic pine and oak-clad mountains in the northeast corner of the Ouachita National Forest is Lake Sylvia Recreation Area. The serene 18-acre lake is noted for its swimming and fishing opportunities only 38 miles west of Little Rock.
Lake Sylvia Recreation Area and Camp Ouachita are now managed by the Arkansas State Parks.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Lake Sylvia and Camp Ouachita are managed by Arkansas State Parks. |
|---|---|
| Reservations: | Lake Sylvia is managed by Arkansas State Parks. |
| Area Amenities: |
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| Fees: | Lake Sylvia is managed by Arkansas State Parks. |
| Closest Towns: | Perryville, Arkansas. |
| Operated By: | Arkansas State Parks |
General Information
Directions:Take Arkansas Hwy. 9 south from Perryville, AR for 9 miles; turn right (southwest) at sign on Arkansas Hwy. 324 for 4 miles.
General Notes:
Lake Sylvia is now managed by Arkansas State Parks.
The trail system around Lake Sylvia offers the visitor an opportunity to enjoy an easy nature walk with interpretive signs or venture to the Ouachita National Recreation Trail for a backpackers experience. The Trees of the Forest interpretive trail is an accessible trail for the physically disabled visitors. Each interpretive sign features information on the variety of tree species found in the area. Each sign also offers the text in Braille format. Another interpretive trail, the Wildlife Trail, offers information identifying the common wildlife species in the area. The trail loops through part of the Chinquapin Mountain Walk-in Turkey Area, which also connects with the Ouachita National Recreation Trail. The Lake Sylvia Spur Trail is an additional access provided for the hikers to connect with the Ouachita National Recreation Trail from the Lake Sylvia Recreation Area.
Accessibility:
Activities
Mountain Biking
11 mile Wildcat Mountain Bike TrailCampground Camping
Lake Sylvia is now managed by Arkansas State Parks.
RV Camping
Lake Sylvia is now managed by Arkansas State Parks.
Group Camping
Lake Sylvia is now managed by Arkansas State Parks.
Day Hiking
More than 3.5 miles of trail divided into three short loops and two short spurs.
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
|---|
Backpacking
Trail access to the 192 miles of east to west cross-country Ouachita National Recreation Trail.
| Difficulty Level: | Easy to More Difficult |
|---|
Interpretive Areas
The Trees of the Forest Trail is a 0.4 mile paved, accessible, self-guided interpretive trail.Scenic Driving
The Winona Scenic Drive is 27 miles of unpaved roads with spectacular views of Lake Winona and the eastern portion of the Ouachita mountain range. Ties into Scenic Highway 7 National Scenic Byway and Flatside Wilderness.
Location
