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Ozark
| Established: |
1908 |
| Location: |
Northwestern Arkansas |
| Acres: |
1,137,297 |
The Ozark National Forest is located at the geographic center of America. Containing a harmonious blend of both eastern and western flora and fauna. A mixture of hardwoods and evergreens in which white-tailed deer, turkeys, black bears,
and bald eagles thrive. There are caves and caverns, springs and streams, rocky ridges and high cliffs. Numerous areas to camp, hike, mountain bike, canoe, and fish.
 The name "Ozark" came from early French explorers who called the Bow Indians of the territory Ozarks meaning "with bows". The main scenic byway through the forest is Rt 70. Extending from Russellville, 61 miles south to the Hot Springs National Park. Passing through the Ozark and Ouachita National Forests covering some of the most beautiful terrain in America. Panoramic mountain scenery and a mosaic of fall colors can be enjoyed while traveling this route. Including the famed Alum Cove and Pedestal Rocks outcropings, and the National Wild and
Scenic Buffalo River.
The Buffalo River joins Alabama's Sipsey River and only a handful of others in the South with the distinction of being truely scenic waterways. It features 130 miles of spring fed, crystal clear water that winds its way past virgin forests and limestone cliffs from Buffalo City west to Hwy 21. A gently flowing Class I and Class II river with only a few mild rapids. Perfect for a family adventure. There are numerous riverside campgrounds for overnight canoeists.
 AR, Ozark National Forest, Blanchard Springs Caverns
Located 70 miles north of Little Rock on Rt 14 is Blanchard Springs Caverns. Blanchard is highly acclaimed for its intricate formations of
stalactites and stalagmites. There is a newly constructed visitor center
at the cave entrance and well marked trails to the caverns.
The subterranean mile long cave pathway drops 200 feet below the surface. It passes a series of large underground chambers. The largest of which being the "Cathedral Room". It is tall enough to put the Statue of Liberty inside and wide enough to house four football fields! Sweaters are recommended on this excursion since the temperature is a constant 57 F year-round.
The Ozark National Forest has 13 campgrounds with the largest at Blanchard Springs ($12). A centrally
located campground with 60 sites that offers the easiest access to nearby springs and caverns. The
campground is open year-round.
Ozark National Forest,
605 West Main Street, Russellville, AR 72801-3614 (501) 968-2354 (photos courtesy USFS).
www.fs.fed.us/oonf/ozark/welcome
AR, Ozark National Forest, Buffalo River
All text and photos copyright ©1994-2003 Charles A. Read and ScenicUS.
Comments or Suggestions, Contact the Author Charles A. Read.
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