Adventure And Natural Beauty Await At Arkansas’ Fern Gully Scenic Area

There’s no shortage of natural beauty in Arkansas. It is The Natural State, after all. In fact, there are so many stunning sites that it’d be easy to overlook a few. However, one site you don’t want to miss is the Fern Gully Scenic Area. With huge rock formations and several waterfalls, it’s practically overflowing with natural beauty. The opportunities for adventure are just as abundant, making it a great day trip destination.

The Fern Gully Scenic Area is hidden in the slopes of the Boston Mountains in the Ozark National Forest.

With dozens of “bolted” climbing routes and the east fork of Little Mill Creek in the bottom of the gully, the area is well known to rock climbers and “the most daring of kayakers.”

But you don’t have to be an adrenaline junkie to enjoy all Fern Gully Scenic Area has to offer.

A 2.9-mile trail meanders through the area. Rated as “moderate,” the trek isn’t an easy one, but it’s worth every step since you’ll be treated to immense scenic beauty.

Giant boulders (including one of the largest free-standing boulders in the Ozarks), striking sandstone formations, towering bluffs, and caves line the trail, earning the area the nickname “Rockansas.”

At some points, the massive rocks are so close to one another that they form narrow passages, which, in some cases, are up to 50 yards long!

Fern Gully Scenic Area’s natural beauty doesn’t end with house-sized rock formations, though.

The area is also home to large, ancient trees as well as several waterfalls.

Though not huge, the falls are plentiful. Even better, many of them have pools underneath, which are perfect for a refreshing dip.

Are you one of those adrenaline junkies we mentioned earlier? Click here to learn all about rock climbing at Fern Gully Scenic Area, or here for all the details on kayaking at the scenic area. Remember, though, the run is only recommended for experienced kayakers. For more info on hiking at Fern Gully Scenic Area, click here.

So, did you know about the Fern Gully Scenic Area? Ever visited? If so, what’d you think? Tell us!

This isn’t the only place you can enjoy The Natural State’s best assets. Click here to read about a paddle trail that’ll float you to the prettiest scenery.