Description
- Blanchard Springs Caverns is certainly a great reason to visit this area, with multiple campgrounds, a creek running through them, and a waterfall strategically placed nearby, this area is certainly worth visiting. But there is so much more to the area that most miss upon first inspection. For example, the Leatherwood Wilderness area to the north is an excellent place to get away from it all, Gunner Pool Campground is a wonderful place to spend some great time in the water with the kids splashing to their hearts content.
Recreation - The Caverns are the main draw to this area, but don't leave without looking over the rest of the place. Several excellent campgrounds with fishing, swimming and the springs close to the waterfall accent the experience totally. For those of you wanting a little more seclusion there is the Leatherwood Wilderness area, But be prepared to travel without any sort of mechanized transport. This is a foot traffic only area. Hunting is allowed only within the surrounding forest. Arkansas Game and Fish rules apply. Climate - The Ozark Region has four distinct seasons with a temperature range from 10-15 degrees below zero to over 100 degrees F. Winters have occasional cold periods of brief duration with daily temperatures near zero in January and February. Annual precipitation measures around 50 inches, but the range may vary considerably from this average. Snowfall occurs in the forest covering the ground from a few hours to occasional extended periods of up to several days. The area can offer snow-free outdoor recreation opportunities during the winter months. Be prepared however, for occasional cold weather during the winter, especially at the higher elevations of the Forests. Location -
The Sylamore Ranger District is a separate area, but yet a part of the Ozark Mountain experience. Located about 30 miles to the northeast of the main forest in the northern portion of the state. From the town of Mountain Home in the north travel south on 56 and enter the Sylamore Scenic Byway that will take you to the southern portion where the caves and campgrounds exist. From Mountain Home to the south take Arkansas Hwy. 14 north to the entrance. Mountain Home is also the location of the Sylamore Ranger Station.
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