|
John Cletheroe's
USA and Canada Holiday Hints |
Further south between Russellville and Hot Springs the road passes through the Ouachita Mountains and the Ouachita National Forest.
Both the Ozark and the Ouachita Mountains (also called the Ozarks and the Ouachitas respectively) are scenic. These are not particularly high or spectacular mountains but they are very pleasant. I would suggest that they are not worth travelling hundreds of miles to visit, but this road is certainly recommended if you are in the area.
The Ozark Mountains extend into southern Missouri, eastern Kansas and eastern Oklahoma. The Ouachita Mountains extend into southeastern Oklahoma. The Ozark Mountains are also known as the Ozark Plateau.
T.N. of Fort Worth, Texas very kindly sent me this detailed information:
"I just returned from a week long camping trip in the Ozark Mountains of northwest Arkansas.
There are three areas I like to visit that you may be interested in: Haw Creek Falls, Richland Campground and Pedestal Rocks. They are located near Pelsor, Ark on Rt 7. (About half way between Russellville, Ark and Harrison, Ark.)
Don't blink or you will miss Pelsor, where Hwy 123 and Hwy 16 intersect Rt 7. There is only a small post office and a country store there (only open Fri, Sat, Sun but worth visiting if open!). On some maps Pelsor is shown as Sand Gap (?).
Haw Creek Falls is a National Forest campsite about 15 miles west on Hwy 123, near an old abandoned town of Ft. Douglas (old school house and cemetery). Great swimming hole and picture spot.
Pedestal Rocks is located about 8 miles east on Hwy 16, near Ben Hur. It is a National Forest Scenic Site where you can hike a 2.2 mile loop trail (easy to moderate - at 44 years old, recovering from two broken ankles and a knee, and using a cane, I made the walk in good stride) to high bluffs, natural arch rock and tall pedestal rock formations.
Continue east on Hwy 16 through Ben Hur; about two miles after Ben Hur turn left on Forest Road 1205 (watch for the small brown road number sign at the intersection). Follow FR 1205 about 15 miles to the National Forest campsite, Richland Creek. Great swimming hole, a moderate 2 mile hike up the creek is a spot where two creeks flow into Richland Creek Wilderness Area, one from the west and one from the east, forming twin falls. FR 1205 is a very picturesque gravel road, not rough if one drives slowly (20-25 mph is comfortable and easy on your car) with deer and bear to be seen along the way. Stop at Falling Water Creek church for a nice picture spot."
Home | States/Provinces | Subjects
Most recently modified 27-Dec-99; minor revisions 9-Jan-00