EXPLORING THE OZARKS: 
DISCOVER THE NATIONAL FORESTS OF THE OZARKS
Written By: Yarden

Long reaching limbs on the cedar trees sway in the wind and frame the entrance to a small trail. Some paths are wider than others, well worn by the hemlock rangers and occasional coyote. While the remainder of the underbrush network is held tight by a spiderweb of rabbit tracks. 

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"See, I give you every seed-bearing plant that is upon all the earth, and every tree.."

-Genesis (Bereshis) 1:29

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Following the wild trails, its easy to happen upon a large thicket of berries, or a hidden pool of crisp mountain water. With the forest being their home, and you being their guest, often you will find yourself in the very middle of their very busy forest life. 

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With the Ozark National Forest covering 1.2 million acres, everywhere you look, there's always plenty of adventure to be found. And in northern Arkansas, there is one National Forest that always keeps a special place in my heart, the St. Francis. 

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According to the USDA, "The St. Francis National Forest covers 22,600 acres in Arkansas, and is one of the smallest and most diverse forests in the country." 

 

Rummaging through the hollers of the St. Francis, its easy to get covered in ticks and mosquitos, but with the valley bottoms lined with ferns, and gilded with huckleberry bushes, it makes up readily for its rough cast edges. Read more about the St. Francis Forest HERE. 

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With the woodland being so thick, you will have plenty of space to stretch your legs off the main trail, or take time to explore the well maintained recreation areas. Without the need to pitch a tent to explore all day, the river access areas in the region have nice swimming holes (When the water is up), and homey picnic sites to hang out at the creek all day. 

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Another spot I highly recommend is the Richland Creek Wilderness, its a great spot to walk the dog and talk to the locals camped on the creek. I've enjoyed many days down there viewing wildlife, fishing, and even floated the Richland Creek once when it was high water and chocolate brown! Read more about the Richland Creek Wilderness HERE.   

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