North Sylamore Creek Trail near Blanchard Springs, AR

This trip includes three days of hiking, Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday. Friday’s hike will be on the extended Mirror Lake Trail at the Blanchard Springs Recreation Area. This easy approximately 2.5 mile hike passes by the foundations of the Blanchard Springs Mill, Mirror Lake and follows the Spring Creek to Blanchards Springs, then returns via the boardwalk. Saturday’s route will be a moderately strenuous hike from the Gunner Pool Trailhead to Blanchards Springs (about 5 miles). Sunday’s moderately strenuous hike will be from the Blanchard Springs Trailhead toward the Allison Trailhead (about 5 miles). If the water crossing near the Allison Trailhead is knee deep or more due to recent rain, the hike will be modified to an out-and-back from/to Blanchard Springs. The hikes on Saturday and Sunday will generally follow the Sylamore Creek with nice views of the creek, surrounding bluffs and hollows. Be prepared for several moderate climbs/descents on Saturday and a few hills on Sunday. Rain before or during the hikes will make some rocky areas and shallow feeder creek crossings slippery so hiking poles or a staff may be helpful. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED by April 19. Meeting points and time and answers to any questions will be provided via email.