Hurricane Creek (Arkansas) facts for kids
Hurricane Creek is a beautiful stream in Arkansas. It flows into Big Piney Creek, which then joins the Arkansas River. Eventually, its waters become part of the huge Mississippi River System. The United States Forest Service helps take care of Hurricane Creek. It's even special enough to be called a Wild and Scenic River! This means it's protected for everyone to enjoy.
Where is Hurricane Creek?
Hurricane Creek is found in the northwest part of Arkansas. It flows through Johnson and Newton counties. This area is part of the amazing Ozark National Forest.
Small towns nearby include Deer, Corwell, and Pelsor. The creek is about 40 miles north of Russellville. It is also just 3 miles west of Pelsor.
How to Get There
You can reach Hurricane Creek using special Forest Roads. One main way is Forest Road 1208, which is west of Scenic Byway 7. This road is north of Pelsor or Sand Gap.
Another way to get there is by taking Forest Road 1202 or 1209. These roads start from the community of Deer and go east and south from Highway 16. They lead to an old area called Chancel, where Buck Branch joins Hurricane Creek.
You can also get to the creek using Forest Road 1002. This road goes north from the Fort Douglas bridge. It leads right to where Hurricane Creek meets Big Piney Creek.
Hurricane Creek Wilderness
Hurricane Creek is about 15.5 miles long. A small part (2.4 miles) is considered "wild," meaning it's very natural and untouched. The longer part (13.1 miles) is called "scenic," offering beautiful views.
The creek flows through a special protected area called the Hurricane Creek Wilderness. This wilderness was created in 1984 by the Arkansas Wilderness Act. It covers a large area of 15,177 acres.
This wilderness is located in the Boston Mountains. These "mountains" are actually high, flat areas called plateaus. They are often 2,200 feet or more above sea level.
You'll see tall bluffs along the creek, some over 100 feet high! These bluffs are made of limestone and sandstone.
The forest here has many different trees. You can find oak and hickory trees, which have grown back after being cut down. There are also shortleaf pine trees. Smaller plants, like dogwood, serviceberry, and witch hazel shrubs, grow here too.
