North Sylamore Creek Trail

Five sections/six trailheads (southeast to northwest): Allison mile-0, Blanchard Springs Recreation Area mile 4.7, Gunner Pool Recreation Area mile 10, Barkshed Recreation Area mile 14, Cole Fork Road primitive trailhead mile 18.6, primitive trailhead Cripple Turkey Road (junction with Ozark Highlands Trail) mile 23. This delightful trail begins (SE terminus) near the White River at Allison, follows Sylamore Creek and tributaries 23 miles to a junction with the regional Ozark Highlands Trail (32 mile trail skirting the Leatherwoods Wilderness). The two trail networks combine for 55 miles of spectacular scenery, with off-trail bushwhacking to waterfalls and geologic curiosities. One of the finest and most scenic trails in Arkansas, and the whole southern U.S. This trail closely follows scenic Sylamore Creek, except when ascending ridges and limestone bluffs for memorable vistas of rugged Ozarks hills and hollows rolling to the horizon. Spring is emerald green with dogwoods, wildflowers and mayapples; autumn colors are spectacular, winter snow and icicles along Sylamore Creek are picturesque. Sylamore Creek is clear as glass, with gravel bottom and blue pools. Backpack camping is permitted along the trail, fee camping at the three developed campsites. Blanchard Springs Recreation area (park) is the site of Blanchard Springs Caverns, one of the best commercial caverns in America, operated by the US Forest Service.