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 trail on the opposite side of Mirror Lake and the leveled boardwalk. Saturday’s route will be a moderately strenuous hike from the Gunner Pool Trailhead to Blanchards Springs (about 5 miles). A longer option of this hike will continue from the Blanchards Springs Trailhead toward the Allison Trailhead (up to 4.5 more miles). If the water crossing near the Allison Trailhead is knee deep or more due to recent rain, the longer option will be modified to an out and back, from/to Blanchard Springs. Sunday’s moderately strenuous hike will be from the Barkshed Trailhead to Gunner Pool Recreation Area (about 4.5 miles). 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 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 21. Meeting points and time and answers to any questions will be provided via email. NOTE: The Blanchard Springs Campground is closed for the foreseeable future due to a water main break. Call 870-757-2211 for updated information. The Gunner Pool and Barkshed Campgrounds remain available.