- Region
- AR, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Confirm current permit requirements with t…
- Managed by
- U.S. Forest Service, Ozark-St. Francis National Forest
Plan with verified data
Hurricane Creek Wilderness trip tools
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Photos of Hurricane Creek Wilderness
How to get there
At Pelsor, where Arkansas 7 and Arkansas 123 join, head west on Arkansas 123 for 14 miles to Piney Creek and its one-lane bridge. Parking is available at the Fort Douglas trailhead for the Ozark Highlands Trail. Check the current Arkansas 123 bridge rehabilitation alert before traveling.
- Fort Douglas trailhead
Parking for the Ozark Highlands Trail is available here. Approach from Pelsor by traveling west on Arkansas 123 for 14 miles to Piney Creek.
- Northeastern Ozark Highlands Trail parking
A parking area bookends the northeastern end of the OHT’s wilderness traverse. Confirm its location and road approach with the Forest Service before arranging a shuttle.
Sources: fs.usda.gov · University of Montana / federal agency partners · Wilderness Connect / federal wilderness boundary inventory. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
AR, USA · United States
- Hiking
- Backpacking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Photography
Creek valleys and high ridges
Hurricane Creek Wilderness covers 15,307 acres in Arkansas’s Boston Mountains, with Hurricane Creek Wild and Scenic River and the Ozark Highlands Trail running through its middle. The creek follows a boulder-strewn channel through pools beneath limestone and sandstone bluffs, some more than 100 feet high. Above it, narrow V-shaped valleys rise toward ridges exceeding 2,200 feet. Oak and hickory dominate the second- and third-growth upland forest, with dogwood, redbud, serviceberry, and witch hazel in the understory. This is a destination for backpacking, stream fishing, and close attention to plants, wildlife, and rock formations. The landscape also sets the pace: rugged side drainages and slick creek bottoms call for deliberate footing rather than a mileage-first approach.
Walking the Ozark Highlands Trail
The Ozark Highlands Trail crosses the wilderness southwest to northeast in a 19.5-mile section with parking at both ends. Parts of the trail follow an old pioneer road, linking the present walking route to the valley’s former settlements. As many as 70 families once lived in Hurricane Creek Valley; traces of homes, farms, cemeteries, and roads remain as the forest gradually reclaims them. A large natural rock bridge spanning Hurricane Creek is among the area’s distinctive formations. The OHT also has a high-water bypass, though taking it leaves out some of the creek scenery. Choose between the main alignment and bypass with water conditions in mind, not scenery alone. Some land inside the wilderness boundary is private, so carry mapping that distinguishes ownership as well as the trail.
Water, bears, and trip preparation
Hurricane Creek Wilderness is listed for year-round use, but that does not make every creek crossing suitable in every condition. Expect creek wading throughout the year and slick footing on the bottom; assess the water before committing and turn back when a crossing is unsafe. The high-water bypass is an alternative alignment, not a reason to disregard conditions. Potable water is unavailable at the site, so bring drinking water or suitable treatment equipment for a backcountry trip. Black bears have raided camps here; secure food and scented items away from sleeping areas. Before driving in, check current fire restrictions and the Arkansas 123 bridge rehabilitation alert. Pack for changing weather, wet feet, and the slower travel that rugged drainages can demand.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Hurricane Creek Wilderness, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 35.7330, -93.1921
- Latitude (DMS)
- 35° 43′ 58.6″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 93° 11′ 31.6″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Hurricane Creek Wilderness, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
In the middle of the Boston Mountains, Hurricane Creek tumbles along its boulder-strewn way, sparkling in pool after pool, through the center of this Wilderness. Limestone and sandstone bluffs, some over...
Key takeaways
- Region: AR, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 35.733, -93.192
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Hurricane Creek Wilderness
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Wildlife Viewing
Best light, best season, and where animals move.
- Canoeing
Paddle routes, portages, and put-ins.
- Fishing
Resident gamefish, seasons, and the water that holds them.
- Photography
Vantage points and the hours worth setting an alarm for.
Animals around Hurricane Creek Wilderness
Wildlife guideBlack bearUrsus americanus
Big gameWhitetail DeerOdocoileus virginianus
GamefishLargemouth BassMicropterus nigricans
Wildlife guideWild turkeyMeleagris gallopavo
Big gameWild HogSus scrofa
GamefishRed DrumSciaenops ocellatus
Big gameBlack BearUrsus americanus
GamefishSpotted SeatroutCynoscion nebulosus
Creek valleys and high ridges
Hurricane Creek Wilderness covers 15,307 acres in Arkansas’s Boston Mountains, with Hurricane Creek Wild and Scenic River and the Ozark Highlands Trail running through its middle. The creek follows a boulder-strewn channel through pools beneath limestone and sandstone bluffs, some more than 100 feet high. Above it, narrow V-shaped valleys rise toward ridges exceeding 2,200 feet. Oak and hickory dominate the second- and third-growth upland forest, with dogwood, redbud, serviceberry, and witch hazel in the understory. This is a destination for backpacking, stream fishing, and close attention to plants, wildlife, and rock formations. The landscape also sets the pace: rugged side drainages and slick creek bottoms call for deliberate footing rather than a mileage-first approach.
Walking the Ozark Highlands Trail
The Ozark Highlands Trail crosses the wilderness southwest to northeast in a 19.5-mile section with parking at both ends. Parts of the trail follow an old pioneer road, linking the present walking route to the valley’s former settlements. As many as 70 families once lived in Hurricane Creek Valley; traces of homes, farms, cemeteries, and roads remain as the forest gradually reclaims them. A large natural rock bridge spanning Hurricane Creek is among the area’s distinctive formations. The OHT also has a high-water bypass, though taking it leaves out some of the creek scenery. Choose between the main alignment and bypass with water conditions in mind, not scenery alone. Some land inside the wilderness boundary is private, so carry mapping that distinguishes ownership as well as the trail.
Water, bears, and trip preparation
Hurricane Creek Wilderness is listed for year-round use, but that does not make every creek crossing suitable in every condition. Expect creek wading throughout the year and slick footing on the bottom; assess the water before committing and turn back when a crossing is unsafe. The high-water bypass is an alternative alignment, not a reason to disregard conditions. Potable water is unavailable at the site, so bring drinking water or suitable treatment equipment for a backcountry trip. Black bears have raided camps here; secure food and scented items away from sleeping areas. Before driving in, check current fire restrictions and the Arkansas 123 bridge rehabilitation alert. Pack for changing weather, wet feet, and the slower travel that rugged drainages can demand.
Route options
- Ozark Highlands Trail wilderness traverse19.5 miles
Follow the OHT southwest to northeast across the wilderness, with parking at both ends. The route partly follows an old pioneer road through the Hurricane Creek landscape. Plan for creek wading and slick-bottomed crossings.
- Ozark Highlands Trail high-water bypass
Use the OHT’s alternate high-water alignment when planning around creek conditions. It omits some of the main route’s creek scenery; assess conditions rather than assuming the bypass makes the entire trip safe.
Sample itineraries
- Fort Douglas day hike · 1 day
Start at the Fort Douglas trailhead and follow the Ozark Highlands Trail for an out-and-back hike. Set the turnaround by daylight, footing, and creek conditions rather than a fixed destination. Carry drinking water; potable water is not available at the site.
- Hurricane Creek wilderness traverse · 3 days
Plan a three-day backpack along the 19.5-mile southwest–northeast Ozark Highlands Trail crossing. Arrange transport between its parking areas and verify legal overnight locations around private parcels. Allow time for slick creek crossings and rugged terrain. The high-water bypass avoids some scenery; do not treat it as a guarantee of safe conditions.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Year-round access; spring trips
Check creek conditions before committing to the crossing route. Wading is part of travel here throughout the year, and creek bottoms are slick. Identify the Ozark Highlands Trail high-water bypass before departure.
Summer
Year-round access; summer trips
Plan drinking-water needs for rugged travel through narrow valleys and high ridges. No potable water is provided. Carry water and treatment equipment, and adjust daily effort to the weather.
Fall
Year-round access; fall trips
Oak and hickory dominate the upland forest. Check current fire danger and burn restrictions before departure. Creek crossings still require attention; a fall trip does not eliminate wading or slick footing.
Winter
Year-round access; winter trips
Plan for cold-weather consequences of wet feet at creek crossings. Carry insulating layers and protected dry clothing. Shorten the route or turn back when water and weather conditions exceed the group's capabilities.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Year-round access; spring trips | Check creek conditions before committing to the crossing route. Wading is part of travel here throughout the year, and creek bottoms are slick. Identify the Ozark Highlands Trail high-water bypass before departure. |
| Summer | Year-round access; summer trips | Plan drinking-water needs for rugged travel through narrow valleys and high ridges. No potable water is provided. Carry water and treatment equipment, and adjust daily effort to the weather. |
| Fall | Year-round access; fall trips | Oak and hickory dominate the upland forest. Check current fire danger and burn restrictions before departure. Creek crossings still require attention; a fall trip does not eliminate wading or slick footing. |
| Winter | Year-round access; winter trips | Plan for cold-weather consequences of wet feet at creek crossings. Carry insulating layers and protected dry clothing. Shorten the route or turn back when water and weather conditions exceed the group's capabilities. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current permit requirements with the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest before departure.
Fees: No site fee.
Official source: Ozark-St. Francis National Forest | Hurricane Creek Wilderness · Verified November 1, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Creek crossings require wading throughout the year. Slick bottoms make footing uncertain; assess water conditions and turn back rather than force a crossing.
- Limestone and sandstone bluffs rise more than 100 feet in places. Stay clear of exposed edges and avoid scrambling onto uncertain rock.
- Boulder-strewn creek terrain, rugged side drainages, and narrow V-shaped valleys can slow travel. Leave time for careful footing and navigation.
- Black bears have raided camps. Secure food, trash, and scented items away from sleeping areas using appropriate bear-resistant storage.
- Private land occurs within the wilderness boundary. Verify parcel boundaries and avoid assuming every clearing or old road is public access.
- Check current wildfire conditions and the Arkansas 123 bridge rehabilitation alert before traveling; road access and fire safety need separate checks.
What to pack for Hurricane Creek Wilderness
- Map showing the Ozark Highlands Trail and high-water bypass
- Private-land boundary information
- Compass or offline navigation
- Headlamp
- Drinking water and water-treatment equipment
- Secure footwear with reliable traction
- Trekking poles for balance
- Dry socks and waterproof clothing storage
- Weather-appropriate layers and rain protection
- First-aid kit
- Bear-resistant food storage
- Shelter and sleeping gear for overnight trips
Hurricane Creek Wilderness FAQ
- How do you reach the Fort Douglas trailhead?
- Arkansas 7 and Arkansas 123 meet at Pelsor. Turn west onto Arkansas 123 and travel 14 miles to Piney Creek's one-lane bridge. Parking is available at the Fort Douglas trailhead for the Ozark Highlands Trail. Check the Arkansas 123 bridge rehabilitation alert before driving.
- How long is the wilderness trail crossing?
- The Ozark Highlands Trail crosses the wilderness on a 19.5-mile southwest–northeast route, with parking areas at both ends. Plan endpoint transport for a one-way trip.
- Can the creek crossings be avoided?
- Do not plan on a dry-foot trip: wading is described as necessary throughout the year. A high-water bypass exists on the Ozark Highlands Trail, but it skips some scenery. Verify its alignment and current conditions before relying on it.
- Is drinking water or a restroom available?
- Potable water is not available. Bring drinking water and equipment to treat collected water. Restroom availability is unspecified, so confirm facilities before departure.
- What distinguishes the landscape?
- Hurricane Creek runs through the Boston Mountains beneath limestone and sandstone bluffs. The landscape includes pools, a natural rock bridge spanning the creek, oak-hickory uplands, and ridges exceeding 2,200 feet. Remnants of homes, farms, cemeteries, and roads mark earlier valley settlement.
- Is all land inside the boundary public?
- No. Some land within the wilderness boundary is private. Carry boundary information, respect property rights, and verify access and overnight locations rather than relying solely on the outer wilderness boundary.