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Cell Signal is weak or non-existent in half the locations on this tour, especially in low valleys. Points having either Wi-Fi or cell signal are noted with this icon:

Tour Start, Normal Order

To Run Tour Backwards: Go down Hwy 5  2.1 miles from Y Store at Point 1. Turn right (east) onto Hwy 201. Go 1 mile, turn left onto Push Mountain Road (Hwy 341) at Point 43. Run this direction if you are most interested in hiking, walking, birding, ATV use, or running back roads.Great for fall foliage color and spring dogwood and redbud blooms.

Disclaimer: While every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy on all matters, businesses, and roads covered in this Summary, we make no guarantees of distance accuracy, road conditions, road closings, or the hours, phone numbers, or street addresses of any business on this tour.

At Point 1 You Are In Baxter County

Point 1: Y Store at Intersection of Hwy 5 & Hwy 177  (RR) Tour Start Point
If coming from the Mountain Home area on Hwy 5 toward the Y Store, turn left at the Y Store, go a few feet, then turn left again at the stop sign onto Hwy 177. If coming up Hwy 5 from Norfork, bear to your right and go behind the Y Store to get on Hwy 177. When finished at Point 2, and if you elect not to visit Point 2A, come back up Hwy 177, go behind and past the Y Store, and continue on Hwy 5 south toward Point 3. The Y Store is at at 10842 Hwy 5 South, Salesville, Arkansas, zip code 72653. 870-499-5352.

Point 2: Hatchery & Norfork Lake on Hwy 177 - Picnic, Fish, Swim, (RR)  1.5 mi. between 1 & 2
Go 1.5 miles down hwy 177 from Point 1. Look for the sign saying "Norfork National Fish Hatchery" on your left. This large trout hatchery and Dry Run Creek fishing for Kids are on this side of Hwy North Fork River fishing, Quarry Park, and where the trout can be seen leaping the waterfall are all right across Hwy 177 from the hatchery. Hatchery is at 1414 Highway 177 South, Norfork Arkansas. Phone 870-499-5255. The Hatchery is open to the public everyday except Christmas from 8am to 4pm. Next, continue on up Hwy 177 toward the dam about one-third of a mile to Quarry Cove Recreation Area on top of Norfork Dam.

Decision Point 1: From the top of Norfork dam you can either continue on across the dam to Point 2A at Jordan Park, or go back to the main tour to Point 3 on Hwy 5 by going back behind the Y Store at Point 1. If you continue on to Jordan Park you can pick up the main tour again at Point 6. At Point 6 you can run back to the village of Norfork, or continue on the main tour loop.

{ Road Note: Short Cut To Point 4 (Norfork Village)- On your way to Jordan Park, eight-tenths of a mile from the dam, you'll see Baxter CR 63 on your right just 50 feet past Whispering Woods Resort. CR 63 (aka Norfork River Road) is a side trip down to Point 4 at the confluence of the White and North Fork Rivers. Paved about 1/3 of the way from this direction, dirt the rest of way down to the rivers. You come out at Rose Trout Dock. }

Whispering Woods Grill - This is a unique little place serving excellent food. They also have the best view of Norfork Lake with a large deck to enjoy it from. Open hours vary with the seasons. Best thing to do is call to confirm open hours, or stop by and look at the hours on the door. Call Whispering Woods Resort at 870-499-5531. Their address is 4245 Hwy 177 South, Jordan Arkansas.

Point 2A: Turn For Jordan Park - 4 mi. From Norfork Dam on Hwy 177 (RR) 3.5 mi. between 2 & 2A
From the dam go about 3.5 miles on Hwy 177. Look for a sign on your right saying "Jordan", then in a 100 yards look for the four-way intersection. There's a store here called Jordan Grocery. At the intersection turn left (north) onto CR 70 for 8 miles to get to Jordan Park. This is a smooth paved road all the way to the Park.

When you come back up from Jordan Park drive straight across Hwy 177 and you will be on CR 60 (aka Jordan Road), which takes you to Point 6 in a little over 5 minutes. Or turn left (east) to get to Roscoe's Restaurant in one mile. Or turn right (west) to go back to either CR 63 at Whispering Woods Resort, or to go back to the Y Store. Jordan Grocery is at 6547 Hwy 177 South, Jordan, Arkansas. Phone 870-499-7447. Jordan Grocery is also the Jordan, Arkansas U.S. Post Office, zip code 72519.

Now Continuing On Main Tour Loop at Points 3A, 3, and 4

Goat's Bluff Scenic Overlook - Dangerous! BE CAREFUL- No Safety railings 1.8 miles down Hwy 5 from Y Store look for a short opening in the guard rails on your left. You'll see a rough pullout large enough for two cars at the most. Walk about 30 feet behind the "No Dumping Allowed" sign and you'll be standing on a high bluff looking straight down into the North Fork River. It's also a panoramic view of the Ozark hills. The story goes that many years ago that goats from a local farm used to shelter under this bluff.

When pulling back out onto the highway look both ways. Longer RVs will not want to stop here. Motorcyclists watch it, take it easy in the ruts. We added this because so many people ask about it. If you stop, we say it again: Be VERY careful pulling in, pulling out, and standing on the bluff.

Decision Point 2: Hwy 5 & Hwy 201 Intersection - About 2.3 miles from the Y Store you come to the intersection of Hwy 5 & Hwy 201. If you want to run the tour backwards, turn right onto 201 here and go to Point 43 one mile down Hwy 201 to where Hwy 201 intersections with Hwy 341 South (aka Push Mountain Road) and turn left. If you follow Hwy 201 without turning onto Hwy 341 you end up on the west side of Mountain Home in ten minutes.

Point 3A:   Turn For Wheelchair & Wade Fishing Access, North Fork River (PT) 2.5 mi from Y Store
About two-tenths of a mile past the Hwys intersection look for the brown and white sign on your right reading "Bill Ackerman/River Ridge Wade In & Handicapped Access North Fork River". Turn left on River Ridge road just past the sign. Go eight-tens of a mile down this paved road and you'll see the access on the right under trees. A small pretty riverside park with 5 picnic tables, Porta-Toilet, and good paved parking.

Point 3: North Fork River & Historical Rail Bridge on Hwy 5   2.6 mi. from Y Store
As you cross the main bridge over the North Fork River (aka Norfork River) you'll see an old rail bridge to your right. Stones in the pilings were quarried from the hill above. This railroad bridge is still in use. After crossing the river you'll be in the village of Norfork at Point 4.

Point 4: Norfork Village on Hwy 5, Eat, Shop, Fish, See Wolf House (RR) 0.1 mi. between 3 & 4
Point 4 represents the village of Norfork. The Historic Wolf Settlement (1829) is 50 yards after the bridge. The road right before it, named Fisherman Street, is a hairpin turn to the right. (If you took CR 63 down from Whispering Woods Resort, this is where you come out.) This takes you down to the rivers and Norfork Trout Dock, and Woodsman's Store and Woodsman's Liquor store. Norfork village shopping is just beyond the Wolf Settlement on Hwy 5. Zip code for Norfork, Arkansas is 72658.

Point 5: Hughes Store - Dining & Gas, on Hwy 5 (RR)  1.7 mi. between 4 & 5
Look on your left for bright red roofs over the gas island and store. A convenience store, diner, and gas station. Located at 15634 Hwy 5 South, Norfork Arkansas. 870-499-7353.

Point 6: Turn Jordan Park Side Trip, Turn On CR 64 (Jordan Rd) From Hwy 5 (RR) 1 mi. between 5 & 6
If coming to Point 6 from Jordan Park, turn left to continue the main tour, or turn right to go to the village of Norfork about 2.5 miles. If you want to go to Jordan Park, and are coming down Hwy 5 from the village of Norfork, turn left here to go to Jordan Park. If not, just stay on the main tour.

Point 7: Turn For Dwelle Rd (CR 68) Red's Landing River Access, PJ's Restaurant (RR) 1.2 mi. between 6 & 7
Look for the brown and white sign saying "Red's Landing Access" and for the little red-roofed white building offering canoe rentals on the corner. Red's Landing is about 2.5 miles down. It's a quick place to bank or wade trout fish. Great food at P.Js plus good beer and wine selections. A favorite with locals and tourists. Call first to confirm hours at 870-499-7500, usually open Wednesday through Saturday 4pm to 9pm. Reservations recommended. Located at 384 Lodge Lane, Norfork, Arkansas. to get to PJ's turn right onto a light gravel road just before the landing and go about one-third of a mile.

You cross into Izard County (dry) about half-way between Points 7 & 8.

Point 8: Brookfalls Rest., Ozark Mtn. Gallery on Hwy 5, Dine & Shop (RR) 4.1 mi. between 7 & 8
Look for their sign on your right. Ladies love it! Great shopping, great food in a peaceful setting overlooking a meadow. Restaurant usually open for lunch Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11am to 2pm, Friday and Saturday evenings at 6pm. Call 870-297-2038 to confirm. Gallery open Tuesdays through Saturdays 10am to 5:30pm.

{Road Note: Rock Glade Area -  Starting not far from Point 8 you'll start seeing areas of flat surface rock. These areas are called Rock Glades and are a specialized Eco land type. Specialized species of wildflower and other plants, lizards, and birds inhabit rock glades. Nature's own rock gardens, rock glades have much unique beauty, but you have to be up close to see it. You can walk a large rock glade at City Rock Bluff accessed at Point 11.}

Point 9: Upper Rand Park on Hwy 5  4.3 mi. between 8 & 9
Stopping At Rand Park In Calico Rock - Rand Park is beautiful and well worth at least a quick stop. There are two entrances - upper and lower. The upper entrance is the first thing you see as you enter Calico Rock. You'll see the blue and white sign on your left saying "Welcome to Rand City Park". The main entrance into the park is a half-mile further down Highway 5 at Knowles Hardware Store. Turn off Hwy 5 onto Walnut street, which is next to Knowles. This is also the entrance to Pepper Sauce Ghost Town.

Point 10: Town of Calico Rock - Hwys 5 & 56   0.5 mi. between 9 & 10
Just as you come into town one-half mile from Point 9 you'll be at the intersection of Hwys 5 and 56. For Calico business district turn left onto Hwy 56. For the historic district stay on Hwy 5. On Hwy 56 you'll find pharmacies, stores, dining, medical clinic, auto services, etc. On Hwy 5 you'll find Knowles Hardware where you turn left onto Walnut Street to access the ghost town and Rand Park. Calico Rock zip code is 72519.

After Crossing the bridge over White River at Calico Rock you are in Stone County. This is also where Highway 5 Turns into The Sylamore Scenic Byway.

Point 11: Turn For City Rock Bluff  View Point, on Culp Rd. aka CR 53  2.1 mi. between 10 & 11
Caution! DO NOT LET KIDS RUN AHEAD! There is no safety railing at the cliff. About 2 miles from the bridge look on your right for the New Hope Christian Church and turn right onto the dirt road. This road can be dusty! Stand high above White River at City Rock for a great view. A good starting point for Back Road adventures too. A small stone-ringed parking lot with a rusty old sign saying nothing is where you park. To find the view just walk forward from the parking lot about 80 yards. Across the road from this parking lot is where you can walk a large rock glade. When done go back to Hwy 5 the way you came, start our Caroline Gap Tour from here, or run the back roads too.

{ Road Note: Sugar Loaf Fire Tower Walk - Between Points 11 and 12 is Sugar Loaf Fire Tower about 1.4 from Point 11. You can hike the road up to the tower, which is about 1.5 miles. This is a good place for wildflowers and birding. You'll see a dirt road with a sign saying Road Closed, which only means the road is closed up to the tower to vehicles. It is okay to drive to the gate and walk from there. Pull in and drive past the sign up to the gate that is about 200 yards down the dirt road. You can park at the gate and walk up the tower road The tower is not climbable. It's about an hour's walk to reach the tower. }

Point 12: Northern End Of Gunner Pool Rd, CR 102, FSR 1102, Back Country Roads  2.1 mi. between 11 & 12
Look for the sign for CR 102 and slow down. In the apex of the turn make a hard hairpin turn to your right. From here you can go anywhere in the Sylamore National Forest. Leads to Gunner Pool and all other Back Country attractions. Beautiful in spring and fall. Leads you into the heart of the Forest. Not a short drive! It's 12 miles from Point 12 to Point 25 at Hwy 14.

Point 13: Turn For Boswell White River Access - Optimus River Rd, CR 72, FSR 91089C 2.7 mi. between 12 & 13
Look first for a little sign saying "Optimus". The turn is just past the metal red and white fire station shortly after the Optimus sign. Paved 1/2 way down to the river, the turns to dirt forest road where the land becomes National Forest. Dead ends at White River. Quiet old roads to walk for nature photography and birding. Bank trout fishing too. Birders note there are several large tracts of tall pines along this road.

Point 14: Sylamore Shooting Ranges on Hwy 5 - Open To Public (PT) 1.6 mi. between 13 - 14
Look for brown and white sign on right side of road saying "Sylamore Shooting Ranges" then turn at the main sign. Two target ranges for pistols, rifles, shotguns, complete with covered shooting benches and wheelchair access. Free, but please leave a donation in the donation post. Thanks! Closed Wednesday mornings for maintenance. A nice place to stop for understory foliage, or for a bathroom break.

Point 15: FSR 1119 - ATV, Back County Roads, Nature Walks  1 mi. between 14 - 15
Hard to spot! Look for an asphalt apron on your right that drops down fast into the woods. Look for a white sign on the left side of this road talking about the Walk-in turkey hunting area. On the right side of the road is a brown and white road sign indicating this is FSR 1119. Another entrance/exit point for back roading. Nice views between trees. ATV trails, great turkey hunting. Also a good place to walk. There's a small flat sandy parking lot just off the main road. Then, a few hundred feet down Hwy 5 from 1119, and across the highway, look for one of the little drive apron entrances. Down this old road a hundred yards is a beautiful creek, a great place for a wooded stroll.

Point 16: Creekside Pullout on Hwy 5 - Access Hiking/Biking Trails, Walks 0.9 mi. between 15 - 16
Look fast on your right for a "U" shaped dirt pull out. It's across the road from the Scenic Byway sign. Mountain biking trails, hiking trails, beautiful Ozark creek - all starting here. Another nice place for walks next to a pretty laughing Ozark creek. Hiking/biking trails cross here. Look closely across the road for the trail.

Point 17: Syllamo Mtn. Bike Trailhead on Hwy 5 - Hiking, Biking, (PT) 1.3 mi. between 16 - 17
You'll see the bright yellow sign on your left. The trail crosses Hwy 5 here, so there is a good parking and trailhead here. Look for access sign to mountain biking trails on both sides of Hwy 5. Great for hiking too. Short dirt drive to parking. Another good place for walks, hiking, etc.

Point 18: Green Mtn.Rd, CR 96, FSR 1113 -  3 Mtn. Bike Trails, Hike, Walk (PT)  3 mi. between 17 & 18
Look for a dirt road running off to your right. You'll see a brown sign giving mileage to the three mountain bike trails on this road. There is also a brown and white sign indicating this is FSR 1113. In addition to all the trails on this road, this is also a great back country road run. Jack's Resort and JoJo's Catfish Warf restaurant are 0.3 miles from Point 18. Call Jack's at 870-585-2211.

Point 19: Public River Access White River & Sylamore Creek (PT)  1.3 mi.  between 18 and 19
Look for brown and white sign on left saying "Sylamore Access". The White River meets Sylamore Creek here. Handicap accessible bank fishing for trout and bass. Public boat launch. Paved parking.

Point 19 - Anglers Resort, Riverfront Restaurant and Gift Shop
Anglers is right across the bridge to the left from Point 19. You can dine, shop, lodge, and rent a river boat here. There are several signs and a miniature golf course out front. Call Anglers at 870-585-2226. Address is the intersection of Hwys 9, 14, and 5, Allison, Arkansas.

Right after Anglers you'll see a brown and white sign pointing straight for the Folk Center, and pointing right for Blanchard Springs Caverns. In addition to the Folk Center, on Hwy 5 there are several small stores between Anglers and Main Street in Mountain View. Mellon's County Store, Jimmy Driftwood museum, restaurants, antique shops, and several more. The 5.5 miles along Hwy 5 from Anglers to the T intersection with Main Street in Mountain View is a merge of Hwys 5, 14, and 9. All three highways separate again at Main Street.

Decision Point 3 - What next? Visit Blanchard Springs Caverns, or Sylamore Creek National Scenic River Corridor, or the Ozark Folk Center, or shopping and dining in Mountain View? Can you do them all? It depends on how much time you have. Each of these attractions take about 2 hours minimum to enjoy. Realistically it would take two days to do it all without rushing. From Point 19 at Anglers you have four choices:

1. Just continue on the main tour loop by turning right onto Hwy 14 and keep going; or
2. Take the side trip to the Ozark Folk Center, then come back and pick up the main tour at Hwy 14; or
3. Just go to Mountain View for dining and shopping, then pick up the main tour loop via Hwy 87; or
4. Visit the Ozark Folk Center, then continue on to Mountain View, finally picking up the main tour loop again via Hwy 87 at the far end of Mountain View.

Point 20: Turn For Ozark Folk Center Hwy 5 - Attractions, Shop, Dine, Music(RR)   4.4 mi. between points 19 & 20
Driving up Hwy 5 from Point 19, at 4.4 miles, look for the brown and white sign on your right showing the Junction of Hwy 382 and Hwy 5. It shows the Folk Center being a mile down Hwy 382. Turn right onto 382 and you soon come to the Folk Center Parking lot. Street address is 1032 Park Avenue, Mountain View, AR. Phone 870-269-3851. Hours vary, see details.

At the "T" intersection (Sylamore Ave and East Main Street ) turn left (east onto Hwy 5 & 14 ) and go past Harps Grocery Store (1 mile), you'll see the Smokey The Bear fire danger level sign, then the Sylamore Ranger Station.

Point 21: Mountain View Side Trip, Hwy 5 to Main Street 1.1 mi between points 20 and 21
About a mile after the turn to the Folk Center you'll start seeing more of the town of Mountain View. After passing car dealerships, restaurants, banks, etc., you come to a T intersection. This is Main Street. Turn left and you are on Main Street/Hwy 14 and Hwy 5 south in the business district of Mountain View. (A short drive down Hwy 14 south brings you to where Hwy 5 south continues.) Turn right at the T intersection and you are on Main Street/ Hwy 9. Hwy 9 soon soon branches off Main Street, which then becomes part of Hwy 66. So what way to go?

All of the fun unique shopping and dining is near, and around, the Mountain View Courthouse Square. For this turn right at the T intersection. For Harps Grocery Store, the Sylamore Ranger Station, and usual shopping needs, turn left. No matter what your needs, just drive up and down Main Street and you'll come to it as Main Street is about 3 miles long. Shopping and dining is also along Hwy 5 that you came up before the T intersection. Mountain View, Arkansas zip code is 72560.

Back To The Main Tour Loop Via Hwy 87 From Mountain View - If you went to Mountain View connect back up with the main tour loop via Hwy 87 at the west end of Mountain View. Drive west down Main Street, past the Square. Shortly after Wood's Pharmacy and Dogwood Lodge, on your right, you'll see the turn to Hwy 87. It's right next to City Hall. Get in the right turning lane. You'll see the sign saying 87 North next to the Library sign. Follow this road for ten miles and you come out at Point 23 about two- tenths of a mile from Blanchard Springs Caverns. There are no stops along  Hwy 87. It's a short fun scenic drive back to the main tour, or use it to come down to Mountain View from Blanchard Springs Caverns.

Point 22: Turn For Allison NSCT Hiking Trail Head, Hwy 14  0.5 mi. from Anglers Resort
From Anglers turn right onto Hwy 14 at the intersection of Hwys 9, 14, and 5. Go about a half-mile uphill to where the guard rails on the right side of the highway end. The turn is right at the end of the guard rail. There is one tiny little sign saying "Hiking Trail". This is the downstream end, the beginning of the Sylamore Creek National Scenic River Corridor hiking trail. The bridge you cross on Hwy 14 before you get to Point 22 is over the South Sylamore Creek, not North Sylamore Creek. South Sylamore Creek flows into North Sylamore Creek just downstream from this bridge.

Highway 14 - For the first 3 miles Hwy 14 is steep and winding before it flattens out. It's a fun road to drive if you are not subject to motion sickness. If you are, don't drive this road.

Point 23: Turn For Side Trip Connection To, Or From, Mtn. View, Hwy 14 & Hwy 87  6.1 mi. between 22 & 23
This T intersection is well marked with signs for Hwy 87 and Mountain View. Take Hwy 87 down to Mtn. View, or come up from Mtn. View to reconnect with main tour loop. This is a scenic 10 mile paved road that's fun for cars and motorcycles.

Point 24: Turn For Blanchard Springs Caverns near Hwy 14 - Highly Recommended! (RR)  0.2 mi. between 23 & 24
A must-see! Cave tours, historical sites, hiking trails, picnic areas, camping, swimming, fishing. Very beautiful. All paved roads. As much above ground as underground. If nothing else just drive through it. Turn in, drive past the big sign, and go 1.6 miles where you come to a right turn. If you want to go to the gift shop or tour the caverns, turn here. If you want to go to Mirror Lake, Blanchard Spring, the campgrounds and picnic areas, etc., keep going straight and go down the hill almost another mile. You'll come to a "T". Turn right for Mirror Lake and Blanchard Spring. Turn left for the campgrounds, swimming, and picnic areas. The campground runs about a mile to the end. Open every day 9:30am to 6pm, from April through October. From November through March it's closed Mondays and Tuesdays, as well as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. 870-757-2211 Address is NF 54, Forest Road 1110A

Between Points 24 & 25: Town of Fifty-Six on Hwy 14- Gas, Dining, Snacks (RR) 1 mile from Blanchard Springs
A few buildings along the road make up this friendly spot on the map. Close to Blanchard Springs Caverns & Gunner Pool Recreation Area. Fifty Six General Store ( 870-757-2704 at 6661 Hwy 14) is open Monday-Friday 7am to 7pm - Saturday is 8am to 7pm, Sunday is 8am to 5pm ). The store sells gasoline, highway diesel, basic sundries, pizza, and they have a deli. Cody's Restaurant down the street has a good American menu. Cody's (6478 Hwy 14) phone is 870-757-2270. The zip code for Fifty Six Arkansas is 72533.

Point 25: Turn For Gunner Pool Rec. Area- Gunner Pool Rd, FSR 1102, CR 96 (VT)   1 mile from Fifty Six
About a mile from Fifty Six, just past the Fifty Six U.S. Forest Service Work Center (not open to the public), look for the brown and white sign on the left side of Hwy 14 pointing toward the road to Gunner Pool. The campground has drinking water, 2 pretty streams, a pond, a small dam, picnic tables, hiking trail heads, back roading connections. Great place to camp, picnic, and even swimming in the creek is fun. Also a lead-in or exit point for several Back Country roads. The southern end of Gunner Pool Road that begins at Point 12.

Point 26: Turn For Barkshed Rec. Access #1- Cartwright Rd, CR 56, FSR 1115, (VT)  3.1 mi. between 25 & 26
No sign here. Watch your mileage from Point 25. Just before you get to this turn there is a small cemetery on the right (Spoonflat Cemetery). Look on your right for Cartwright Road, which is named on a green street sign. First of 2 roads to Barkshed Recreation Area. Picnic, swim, hike, walk, camp, back roading. Two large creeks meet here along scenic bluffs over the water's surface. Another good location for walks, relaxing, and a day hike start or ending point. Well maintained dirt road. Another node for access to/from Back Country roads. A dirt road all the way.

You Re-Enter Baxter County Between Points 26 and 27

Point 27: 2nd Turn For Barkshed Rec. Access #2- CR 55, Tie Ridge Rd, FSR 1112, (VT)  2.8 mi. between 26 & 27
Look for the brown and white sign on the left side of Hwy 14 pointing to this road saying "Barkshed Recreation Area 5 Miles" This is the 2nd of 2 roads to Barkshed Recreation Area. Picnic, swim, hike, walk, camp, back roading. A little longer, a little rougher than Cartwright Road, but still very driveable. Dirt all the way.

Barkshed Road Alert! Many maps show Barkshed Road running all the way from Barkshed Recreation Area up to Push Mountain Road (aka Hwy 341). It no longer does, the old road bed has grown in with timber the last mile on the Barkshed Recreation Area end. Only a section of the NSCT hiking trail runs that last mile down to Barkshed Recreation Area.

Booz Alert! Between Points 26 and 27 you re-enter Baxter County. About a mile past Point 27 you'll see Blanchard Liquor on the right. Of the three counties our tour runs through - Baxter, Izard, and Stone - only Baxter is wet. There are four liquor stores on our tour. Two at the northern end, and two at the southern end.  Blanchard Liquor Store on Hwy 14 is open 8am to 10pm Monday-Thursday, Friday and Saturday 8am to 12midnight. The next southern end liquor store is 8 miles further down Hwy 14 just past Big Flat at the intersection of Hwy 14 and hwy 263. The two northern end stores are an hour away in either Saleville at Point 1, or in Norfork at Point 3.

Point 28: Intersection of Hwy 14 and Hwy 341 - Main Turning Point 2.2 mi. between 27 & 28
In 1.7 miles past the lliquor store start looking for the signs on the right side of Hwy 14. Look for Hwy 341 North, aka Push Mountain Road. Hwy 341 is sports car heaven. Smooth, winding, scenic.  A wonderful road for spring and fall foliage. This road is aka FSR 1100. From Point 29 through 33 the Leatherwood Wilderness area is on your left, the Sylamore Ranger District of the Ozark National Forest is on your right. There are hiking trails, ATV trails, horse trails, and old logging roads to explore. While there are no official mountain biking trails on this side of the tour, people do ride the old roads on mountain bikes. If you plan on getting "off pavement" for any activity just click the Point Number for details.

Push Mountain Road Hazard Warning! Because of it's sharp curves it is important that you always stay in your lane on this road. Your life, as well as lives of others, could depend on it. For your safety and that of others, PLEASE STAY IN YOUR LANE AT ALL TIMES. Motorcyclist this includes not hanging your head over the centerline when leaning low in tight blind curves.

ATV Use Area - All along Hwy 341 are old roads where ATV use is allowed, and are marked as ATV trails. Click here for ATV use details, or visit www. ozarkmtns.com/sylamore/

Point 29: Moccasin Springs Trailhead, Ozark Highlands Trail, Hwy 341 1.6 mi. between 28 & 29
Look for the brown and white trailhead sign on your right about 1.6 miles up hwy 341 from the intersection. A great place for short walks or hikes of many miles. Birding/nature/exploring trail. Connects with other OHT trailheads on this tour. Only foot traffic, not bikes, horses, or ATVs, are allowed on the OHT.

Point 30: Rand Road, CR 1283, FSR 1118 - OHT Trailhead   0.7 mi. between 29 & 30
A little less than a mile further, look for a blue and white sign on your left reading "CR 1283", and an old wood sign reading "Leatherwood Wilderness".   This is the southern border of the Leatherwood Wilderness Area. It's a good area for just enjoying the forest, wildflower walks, birding, etc. Spring Creek trailhead of the Ozark Highland Trail is down this road, as is the privately owned Caney Mountain Horse Camp. Rand is ATV approved. 6.6 miles down Rand you come to a T intersection with FSR 1111 (aka Spring Creek Road). Turn left and you come to the OHT Spring Creek Trailhead in a half-mile. Turn right and in about 2.5 miles you come to private property at a sign reading "Caney Mountain Horse Camp." Turn around here because going further puts you on posted private property.

Point 30A: Spring Creek Trailhead of the Ozark Highlands Hiking Trail - 7.1 mi between 30 and 30A
Turn onto Rand Road at Point 30. Go 6.6 miles to a T intersection, turn left (south), go 1/2 mile to the trailhead. You'll see the sign and parking spot. This is the start of the Sylamore Section of the OHT so the trail only goes in one direction from here.It comes out at Point 29 in a little over 9 miles.

Point 31: Barkshed Road, CR 80, FSR 1108  2.4 mi. between 30 & 31
Another hard to spot road, but worth the effort. Used to go to all the way to Barkshed Rec. Area, no longer does. Good for ATV, birding, walking, hiking trail access. Well maintained dirt road connects with Cripple Turkey road, which in a mile leads to an important trail head where the OHT and the NSCT meet. After Cripple Turkey the road gets rougher and leads to Cole Fork Road which is safe only for 4-wheel drive. Barkshed road itself dead-ends about 8 miles down. You can hike down to Barkshed Recreation Area from where the road ends. You do not need 4-wheel drive for Barkshed Road, but you do for Cole Fork Road.

Barkshed Road Alert! Many maps show Barkshed Road running from Hwy 341 (Push Mountain Road) all the way to Barkshed Recreation Area. It no longer does. The last mile down of Barkshed Road to Barkshed Recreation Area is closed and grown over. The last mile is now a part of the NSCT trail system.

Point 32: Johnson Road, Push Mtn. Fire Tower - ATV, Horse & Walking Trails  2.1 mi. between 31 & 32
Look for a drive apron and an old wood sign on the right with white letters saying "Wilderness Information and Horse Trailer Parking", and the standard brown road marker with FSR 91024B on it. This is also known as Johnson Road. Information is no longer maintained in the little glass-covered marquee. This is also a horse trailer parking area. Across Hwy 341 is the old fire tower. Parking is right off pavement on both sides of Hwy 341. Horse trails on both sides are good for hiking too. On the fire tower side of the road trails lead off in to the Leatherwood Wilderness area. On some maps Johnson Road is FSR 91024B.

Point 33: Brush Creek Trail Head For OHT - Hiking & Walking Only  3.5 mi. between 32 & 33
Look for the brown and white trailhead sign on your right. Parking is right off highway. Trail goes in both directions. Take short walks or hike to other trailheads. Good parking, and a good place to start/end day hikes. Take the trail on the parking lot side and you end up at the trailhead on Cripple Turkey Road (Point 31) in 3.5 miles. Cross Hwy 341 and starting the trail here takes you down to Point 37 at Twin Creeks parking lot in about 3 miles.

At Point 33 you'll also find Brush Creek Road, aka FSR 1116. This is the northern boundary area of the Leatherwood Wilderness Area. At this time Brush Creek is NOT approved for ATV use. While you can drive it, the road is narrow and somewhat rough, although you can drive in a car. It runs 9 miles and dead ends at Cleveland Knob.

Point 34: Merrill Ridge Rd, CR 1253, FSR 1127- Walking, ATV, Birding, Special Plant Area  0.2 mi. between 33 & 34
Look for a green street sign saying Merrill Ridge Rd, which is ATV approved. Several other ATV use roads branch off Merrill Ridge. Good dirt road, several wildlife food plots, wildflower walks. Follow Merrill Ridge Road to the end and you'll find a hiking trail leading down into the Cliffty Canyon Botanical area. The steep hike down is easy, but it's a tougher hike back up.

Point 35: CR 74 Part 1 of the CR 74-73 Loop - Scenic, Historical  0.6 mi. between 34 & 35
Look for the County road sign for CR 74, which is a dirt road coming out of the woods on your right. Road is aka McGowan Rd and FSR 1101. May show on some maps as FSR 1103 at the Culp end. This is part of our Caroline Gap Tour. A great section of Ozark rural life both modern and historic. Scenic and remote. 4 wheel drive not needed. Runs to the little settlement of Culp. Very pretty in spring or fall. Loops into CR 73 back to Point 36, or connects to CR 75, or CR 53 back to Point 11.

Point 36: CR 73- Part 2 of the CR-74-73 Loop - Scenic, Historical 2.5 mi. between 35 & 36
Look for the County road sign for CR 73, a dirt road on your right. You'll see a sign for Calvary Bible School here.Road is aka Culp Rd, FSR 1105. The second part of this loop of County Roads (CR) 74 and 75. Both are good dirt roads. From here you can loop back up to Point 35, or over to Point 11. No matter which way you go, allow at least 1 hour to enjoy it.

Point 37: Twin Creek OHT Trail Crossing- Access To Hiking, Walking, Birding  2.4 mi. between 36 & 37
Hard to find, look close! It's a little past a sign on your right reading "Texas Ranger Dobermans" with an old boat laying in the field. Look for three little asphalt drive aprons near where the guard rails end in front of you. Two access the trail on each side of Hwy 341, and the last one on the right is the parking lot. The overhead utility lines cross the road here. Follow the utility line up from the parking lot and you'll see the two trail heads, one on each side of Hwy 341. The Twin Creeks parking lot next to Hwy 341 allows short walks on the OHT either side of the road.  Take the trail on the parking lot side of Hwy 341 and you come out in 7.5 miles at Point 40. Take the trail from across hwy 341 and you end up at Point 33 in 3.5 miles.

Point 38: Turn For Cartney Access To White River, CR 72 & CR 114 (RR)  1.7 mi. between 37 & 38
Look for the brown and white sign reading "Cartney Access White River", and the sign for CR 72 at a small store. Turn left onto the dirt road at the little store. 4-wheel drive or high clearance vehicle required to cross the creek in two places unless you are experienced in crossing rock bottomed creeks with a car. Keep going straight onto CR 114 where CR 72 turns to the left  Great area for fishing, hunting, birding, walking. Launch a boat or bank fish. The store is Crossroads Store at 755 Push Mountain Road, Norfork Arkansas. Call 870-499-3033. Gasoline, highway diesel, snacks. Open 7am to 5pm (winter) or 6pm (Summer) Monday - Friday, Saturdays 8am to 5pm, closed Sundays.

Point 39: Turn For Burnt School House, CR 112 - A Landmark  0.7 mi. between 38 & 39
A little under a mile from the Crossroads Store you'll see the sign on your right. Not much to see but the sign always creates curiosity. It's an old-time cemetery now, burnt school house long gone. Frequently used as a reference point by locals when giving directions.

Point 40: OHT Trail Crossing In The Curve, Hwy 341- Hiking, Birding   4 mi. between 39 & 40  
About 4.2 miles from Burnt Schoolhouse sign start looking for a sharp uphill curve to the right. In the apex of the turn, where the guard rails change from one side of the road to the other, look for one of those small drive aprons. This is not an actual trailhead so there are no signs, the OHT simply crosses the road here. It is at the bottom of the dip in the road in the apex of the right sweeping curve in Hwy 341. Be careful pulling in and out. Parking for maximum of three cars. A nice short walk, or hike to OHT trailheads at either Point 37 or Point 42. Some maps may show this as the Matney Camp Trail. Point 37 Twin Creeks trailhead is 7.5 miles, Matney Knob trailhead at Point 42 is about two miles.

Point 41: Hwy 341 Scenic Overlook Pullout- The Best View On The Tour   0.2 mi. between 40 & 41 
As your drive up the hill from Point 40 look to your right for the spot beside the road at the upper end of the guard rail. Enough space for about two cars. Not an officially built or maintained overlook, just a spot beside the road with a great view. Ok for cars and bikes. Great view of the Ozark hills, good place to watch sunsets. Be very careful when pulling back out onto the highway due to the blind curves in this spot.

Point 42: Matney Knob Trailhead for OHT, Hwy 341 1.2 mi. between 41 & 42 
This is an actual trailhead so look for the brown and white sign on the left side of Hwy 341 reading "Matney Knob", which is the end of the Sylamore OHT section. You can hike in just one direction here, which is down to Point 40 and beyond. A good place for a walk in the woods, and for the starting or ending point for a day's hike through the Ozarks. Good parking lot. It's about two miles down to Point 40 from here.

Point 43: The "T" intersection of Hwy 341 and Hwy 201  1.4 mi. between 42 & 43
This is the end of our tour - unless you are running it backwards! From here you can go to Mountain Home via Highway 201, or back down Highway 5 South to Mountain View, or back to Norfork Lake by going up Highway 5, which will also lead you to Mountain Home.

Turning West (left, uphill) on Hwy 201 takes you to Mtn. Home in 15 minutes. Turn east (right, downhill) and in 1 mile you'll end up at the "T" intersection of Hwy 201 and Hwy 5. To get back to Point 1 turn north (left, uphill) and go about 2 miles. If you ran the tour backwards, then the intersection of Hwy 201 and Hwy 5 is the end too, except you'll be coming up the hill from the North Fork River.

Directions To Mountain Home -  From Point 43 it's 5.4 miles is Shipps Ferry Access to the White River. Shady Grove Store is 5.6 miles, and the intersection of Hwy 201 & Sheid-Hopper By-Pass at the first traffic light is 10.2 miles. Turning either way puts you in the center of Mountain Home.

Turning Right For Mountain Home - Go this direction for Walmart, Lowes, Home Depot, Chili's, banks, and several other stores in the area. Turning right puts you on the west end of the Sheid-Hopper Bypass. The exit to Hwy 5 south is in 1.9 miles.

Taking Hwy 5 south to the right from the Bypass takes you back to Point 1 in less than 10 minutes. If you take the Hwy 5 exit and turn left and go a mile, you'll come into Mountain Home. Continue on Hwy 5 and you come to the center of Mountain Home at the intersection of Hwy 5 and Hwy 62/412. This is where the Mountain Home Police Station is, and right across the road is the Baxter County Sheriff's headquarters. If you turn left at this intersection it brings you back to the west end of the Bypass. If you turn right at this intersection you are in the middle of town headed toward the east end of the Bypass in about 5 miles.

But to get to Mountain Home and the stores mentioned above, stay on the Bypass and go under the via-duct (bridge)past the Hwy 5 exit to the next light at the Citco Station. This is Buzzard Roost Road. Go straight at this light to the next light, which is Charles Blackburn Drive. Turn left here at the light to get to Walmart and the strip mall. Turn left here to go to Lowes or Home Depot. Keeping going straight to the next light and you are at the intersection of the Sheid Hopper Bypass and Highway 62/412, which is the main highway running through Mountain Home. At this light turn left to get to all the stores and restaurants in Mountain Home. In about six miles through to the other side of Mountain Home you once again come to the Sheid-Hopper Bypass.

Turning Left For Mountain Home - From the light at the Sheid-Hopper Bypass, turn left and go to the next light about 0.6 of a mile. Turn right at this light and you are on Highway 62/412 headed into Mountain Home. In about six miles you'll come to the east end of the Bypass near Walmart at the other end of Mountain Home.

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