- Region
- AR, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Confirm current permit requirements and wi…
- Managed by
- U.S. Forest Service, Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, Sylamore Ranger District
Plan with verified data
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Photos of Leatherwood Wilderness
How to get there
From Big Flat, travel east on Arkansas 14 for 3.8 miles, then turn left onto Push Mountain Road heading north. Alternatively, from Allison, travel west on Arkansas 14 for 20 miles, then turn right onto Push Mountain Road heading north. The wilderness lies northwest between Forest Service Road 1118 (Rand Road) and Forest Service Road 1116 (Brush Creek Road), both gravel roads.
- Push Mountain Road
The eastern approach, identified as Forest Service Road 1100, has several trailheads and one parking lot. A path from the parking area follows Spencer Hollow toward Leatherwood Creek. Confirm the intended starting point before setting out; there is no developed trail network.
- Rand Road — Forest Service Road 1118
One of the two gravel roads framing the wilderness in the driving directions. Use it as a boundary-road approach, not as a confirmed developed trailhead.
- Brush Creek Road — Forest Service Road 1116
The other gravel boundary-road approach identified from Push Mountain Road. Establish a suitable entry and return plan rather than expecting a maintained trail from the road.
Sources: fs.usda.gov · University of Montana / federal agency partners · Wilderness Connect / federal wilderness boundary inventory · Wikipedia. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
AR, USA · United States
- Climbing
- Mountaineering
- Hiking
- Backpacking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Canoeing
- Fishing
Ridgetops, rock benches, and six creek drainages
Leatherwood Wilderness covers 16,838 acres in the Sylamore Ranger District of Arkansas’s Ozark-St. Francis National Forest. Its defining feature is the contrast between high ridges and deeply cut creek valleys: six creeks divide terrain marked by sheer rock faces and broad benches that step down toward the drainages. Elevations range from 1,300 feet on the highest ridges to 420 feet where Leatherwood Creek leaves the wilderness. This is rugged walking country, not a developed trail destination. Four high ridgetop roads border much of the area, while the western boundary meets Lower Buffalo Wilderness, part of Buffalo National River. That neighboring wilderness is managed by the National Park Service; Leatherwood itself is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Plan around the terrain rather than assuming a short map distance means easy travel.
Walking without a developed trail network
Leatherwood has no developed trails, although old roads provide ways into the interior. Along the eastern side, Push Mountain Road has several trailheads and a parking lot; a described path from that parking area follows Spencer Hollow to Leatherwood Creek and then toward the Buffalo River. Treat this as an undeveloped route rather than a maintained, signed trail. Old homesteads, farm remnants, and roads are slowly returning to forest, so human traces do not necessarily provide dependable navigation. Carry a detailed map and a reliable way to track position, and leave time for route-finding and the climb back to a ridgetop approach. Steep valley sides and vertical rock faces make direct descents a poor assumption. Day hikes and backpacking both fit the setting, provided the itinerary matches the group’s off-trail experience.
Forest, wildlife, and practical preparation
Oak, gum, and hickory dominate the forest, with native shortleaf pine stands and scattered cedar glades adding variety. Leatherwood Creek crosses the northern part of the wilderness and flows into the Buffalo River. Its namesake shrub grows in streamside areas and produces pale yellow flowers in March and April. White-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and black bears live here, though sightings are not assured. Keep food secured and give wildlife space. The area is listed for year-round use, but prepare for the weather and check current fire conditions before heading out. Potable water is not available, so bring drinking water or a means to treat creek water. Wilderness regulations prohibit mechanized and motorized equipment, including bicycles, motorcycles, generators, and chainsaws. Confirm any applicable permit requirements with the Sylamore Ranger District.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Leatherwood 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
- 36.0851, -92.3966
- Latitude (DMS)
- 36° 5′ 6.5″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 92° 23′ 47.9″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Leatherwood Wilderness, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
The Ozarks are known for their ridgetop country, and some of the loveliest specimens can be found in Leatherwood Wilderness. The Wilderness is named for the region's largest drainage, clear-flowing Leatherwood...
Key takeaways
- Region: AR, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 36.085, -92.397
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Leatherwood Wilderness
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
- 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.
Animals around Leatherwood 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
Ridgetops, rock benches, and six creek drainages
Leatherwood Wilderness covers 16,838 acres in the Sylamore Ranger District of Arkansas’s Ozark-St. Francis National Forest. Its defining feature is the contrast between high ridges and deeply cut creek valleys: six creeks divide terrain marked by sheer rock faces and broad benches that step down toward the drainages. Elevations range from 1,300 feet on the highest ridges to 420 feet where Leatherwood Creek leaves the wilderness. This is rugged walking country, not a developed trail destination. Four high ridgetop roads border much of the area, while the western boundary meets Lower Buffalo Wilderness, part of Buffalo National River. That neighboring wilderness is managed by the National Park Service; Leatherwood itself is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Plan around the terrain rather than assuming a short map distance means easy travel.
Walking without a developed trail network
Leatherwood has no developed trails, although old roads provide ways into the interior. Along the eastern side, Push Mountain Road has several trailheads and a parking lot; a described path from that parking area follows Spencer Hollow to Leatherwood Creek and then toward the Buffalo River. Treat this as an undeveloped route rather than a maintained, signed trail. Old homesteads, farm remnants, and roads are slowly returning to forest, so human traces do not necessarily provide dependable navigation. Carry a detailed map and a reliable way to track position, and leave time for route-finding and the climb back to a ridgetop approach. Steep valley sides and vertical rock faces make direct descents a poor assumption. Day hikes and backpacking both fit the setting, provided the itinerary matches the group’s off-trail experience.
Forest, wildlife, and practical preparation
Oak, gum, and hickory dominate the forest, with native shortleaf pine stands and scattered cedar glades adding variety. Leatherwood Creek crosses the northern part of the wilderness and flows into the Buffalo River. Its namesake shrub grows in streamside areas and produces pale yellow flowers in March and April. White-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and black bears live here, though sightings are not assured. Keep food secured and give wildlife space. The area is listed for year-round use, but prepare for the weather and check current fire conditions before heading out. Potable water is not available, so bring drinking water or a means to treat creek water. Wilderness regulations prohibit mechanized and motorized equipment, including bicycles, motorcycles, generators, and chainsaws. Confirm any applicable permit requirements with the Sylamore Ranger District.
Route options
- Spencer Hollow to Leatherwood CreekRugged, undeveloped travel requiring navigation skills.
From the parking area on Push Mountain Road, follow the described undeveloped path through Spencer Hollow to Leatherwood Creek. The route continues along the drainage toward the Buffalo River. Choose a turnaround that leaves enough time for the return; do not expect developed trail infrastructure.
- Old-road explorationVariable; route-finding through rugged ridge-and-valley terrain.
Use the wilderness’s old roads as the basis for a self-planned day hike or backpacking trip. These are access remnants rather than a named, maintained route system, and some pass traces of former farms and homesteads. Verify the route on a detailed map and avoid assuming an old road continues through to another access point.
Sample itineraries
- Old-road day exploration · 1 day
Choose an old-road entry after checking access with the Sylamore Ranger District. Make a conservative out-and-back through oak, gum, and hickory forest, looking for cedar glades and remnants of old homesteads. There are no developed trails; turn around before steep terrain exceeds your navigation or footing skills.
- Spencer Hollow and Leatherwood Creek · 2 days
Plan a self-reliant backpack from the parking area on Push Mountain Road, following the undeveloped route through Spencer Hollow toward Leatherwood Creek. Confirm access and camping requirements before departure. Set turnaround points around terrain and daylight rather than a fixed mileage, and return by the same route.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
March–April for leatherwood flowers
Leatherwood shrubs produce pale yellow flowers in March and April. Look for them in streamside areas without committing to difficult drainage descents. Check weather before entering the steep valleys; year-round access does not make the undeveloped routes easy.
Summer
Year-round use includes summer
Plan conservatively for warm-weather exertion on steep ridges. Potable water is unavailable, so carry drinking water and treatment equipment if using creek water. Keep the outing within your ability to navigate back through undeveloped terrain.
Fall
Year-round use includes fall
The predominantly oak, gum, and hickory forest offers a woodland-focused trip. Check current fire danger and burn restrictions before departure. Allow enough daylight to retrace old roads and negotiate rugged terrain without relying on developed trail markings.
Winter
Year-round use includes winter
Check the forecast and gravel-road conditions before setting out. Carry insulation and leave a generous daylight margin. Exposed rock faces and steep-sided ridges call for conservative route choices in cold or wet weather.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | March–April for leatherwood flowers | Leatherwood shrubs produce pale yellow flowers in March and April. Look for them in streamside areas without committing to difficult drainage descents. Check weather before entering the steep valleys; year-round access does not make the undeveloped routes easy. |
| Summer | Year-round use includes summer | Plan conservatively for warm-weather exertion on steep ridges. Potable water is unavailable, so carry drinking water and treatment equipment if using creek water. Keep the outing within your ability to navigate back through undeveloped terrain. |
| Fall | Year-round use includes fall | The predominantly oak, gum, and hickory forest offers a woodland-focused trip. Check current fire danger and burn restrictions before departure. Allow enough daylight to retrace old roads and negotiate rugged terrain without relying on developed trail markings. |
| Winter | Year-round use includes winter | Check the forecast and gravel-road conditions before setting out. Carry insulation and leave a generous daylight margin. Exposed rock faces and steep-sided ridges call for conservative route choices in cold or wet weather. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current permit requirements and wilderness regulations with the Sylamore Ranger District before departure.
Fees: No site fee.
Official source: Ozark-St. Francis National Forest | Leatherwood Wilderness · Verified November 1, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Sheer rock faces, steep V-shaped valleys, and rock benches can block an intended descent. Avoid committing to slopes without a safe return.
- There are no developed trails. Old roads and undeveloped routes require independent navigation and careful turnaround decisions.
- Potable water is unavailable. Carry drinking water and treat any creek water collected.
- Black bears live here. Secure food and scented items, keep a clean camp, and give wildlife space.
- Wildfire risk can affect trip plans. Check current forest alerts, fire danger, and county burn bans before leaving.
What to pack for Leatherwood Wilderness
- Topographic map and compass
- Offline navigation with backup power
- Headlamp
- First-aid kit and emergency shelter
- Drinking water and sufficient carrying capacity
- Water filter or other treatment
- Food and scented-item storage suitable for bear country
- Footwear with dependable traction
- Weather-appropriate layers and rain protection
- Shelter and sleeping system for backpacking
- Waste pack-out supplies
Leatherwood Wilderness FAQ
- Where is Leatherwood Wilderness?
- It covers 16,838 acres in the Sylamore Ranger District of Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, approximately 15 miles south of Mountain Home and 20 miles northwest of Mountain View, Arkansas. Its western boundary adjoins Lower Buffalo Wilderness.
- How do you reach the wilderness?
- From Big Flat, drive east on Arkansas 14 for 3.8 miles, then turn north onto Push Mountain Road. From Allison, travel west on Arkansas 14 for 20 miles, then turn north. The wilderness lies northwest between gravel Forest Service Roads 1118, Rand Road, and 1116, Brush Creek Road.
- Are there maintained hiking trails?
- There are no developed trails. Several old roads provide entry, and an undeveloped route from the Push Mountain Road parking area follows Spencer Hollow toward Leatherwood Creek. Carry navigation tools and do not expect maintained tread or signs.
- Are bicycles or motorized equipment allowed?
- No. Wilderness regulations prohibit mechanized or motorized equipment, including bicycles, motorcycles, generators, and chainsaws.
- Is this a suitable first backpacking destination?
- The combination of undeveloped routes, steep ridges, sheer rock faces, and no potable water makes this a demanding choice for beginners. A conservative day exploration with someone experienced in backcountry navigation is a better introduction than an ambitious overnight route.
- What makes the landscape distinctive?
- Six creeks divide rugged ridgetop country, with elevations ranging from 1,300 feet to 420 feet where Leatherwood Creek exits the wilderness. Rock walls and benches create stair-step slopes. Shortleaf pine stands and cedar glades interrupt the oak, gum, and hickory forest.