Blanchard Springs may just be the perfect place in all of Arkansas. In addition to the caverns, waterfall, and crystal-clear lake, the rec area also has a gorgeous trail. This trail leads to some fantastic swimming holes that will be perfect as the weather continues to warm into summer. Let’s set up camp and start our hike to this refreshing pool.
Today’s hike is actually a small portion of a much longer trail. In less than five miles we’ll be at one of the clearest pools in the state.
AllTrails/Allen Williams The entirety of North Sylamore Creek Trail is a whopping 23 miles! We’ll just be taking the Blanchard Springs to Gunner Pool portion which is a much more manageable 4.7 miles, especially with the swim break at the end. For a well detailed map of the hike, we recommend this one.
Address: Arkansas 14 West, Fifty-Six, AR 72533
This excursion can be a quick in-and-out or part of a longer vacation.
Google/Wayne van Cleave This trip can easily stretch into a long weekend with Blanchard Springs’ countless activities. Take the cave tour, stroll Mirror Lake Trail, and fish the lake before setting up camp at the rec area. Keep your campsite at Blanchard Springs or pack up camp to stay at the Gunner Pool Rec Area instead.
Don’t be overwhelmed by the thought of a five-mile hike! The trail is well marked and has plenty of scenic spots along the way.
AllTrails/Denise Reynolds The hike takes less than two hours to reach Gunner Pool, even with plenty of water and photo breaks.
After passing some of the more interesting rock formations and crossing prairies, we’ll arrive at the creek.
Google/Patrick Caple The trail occasionally has breaks in the trees to spot the stream but finally reaching the creekside is a well-earned achievement.
The reward for tackling this trail is the beautiful waters of Gunner Pool.
Google/Thomas Crump The area originally served as the base camp (known as Camp Hedges back then) for the CCC crews from 1933 to 1942. Although the Gunner Pool Rec Area can be driven to, we prefer the hike through the forest instead. Swimming in this area is an absolute must during the warmer seasons. After a well deserved swim, take the trail back to return to Blanchard Springs or pitch your tent here for the night.
Address: Gunner Pool Road, Fifty-Six, AR 72533
Have you taken this portion of the North Sylamore Creek Trail before? Share your experience with us in the comments below! We would also love to see your photos of Blanchard Springs and Gunner Pool in our Facebook Group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why there’s nothing better than Arkansas’ stunning nature.
AllTrails/Allen Williams
The entirety of North Sylamore Creek Trail is a whopping 23 miles! We’ll just be taking the Blanchard Springs to Gunner Pool portion which is a much more manageable 4.7 miles, especially with the swim break at the end. For a well detailed map of the hike, we recommend this one.
Address: Arkansas 14 West, Fifty-Six, AR 72533
Google/Wayne van Cleave
This trip can easily stretch into a long weekend with Blanchard Springs’ countless activities. Take the cave tour, stroll Mirror Lake Trail, and fish the lake before setting up camp at the rec area. Keep your campsite at Blanchard Springs or pack up camp to stay at the Gunner Pool Rec Area instead.
AllTrails/Denise Reynolds
The hike takes less than two hours to reach Gunner Pool, even with plenty of water and photo breaks.
Google/Patrick Caple
The trail occasionally has breaks in the trees to spot the stream but finally reaching the creekside is a well-earned achievement.
Google/Thomas Crump
The area originally served as the base camp (known as Camp Hedges back then) for the CCC crews from 1933 to 1942. Although the Gunner Pool Rec Area can be driven to, we prefer the hike through the forest instead. Swimming in this area is an absolute must during the warmer seasons. After a well deserved swim, take the trail back to return to Blanchard Springs or pitch your tent here for the night.
Address: Gunner Pool Road, Fifty-Six, AR 72533
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