Richland Creek Wilderness
The Richland Creek Wilderness is 11,800 acres of waterfalls, rocky
creeks, bluffs and rugged Ozark Mountain terrain located in Newton
and Searcy Counties in northwest Arkansas.
From Russellville, take Arkansas 7 north for 37 miles to Pelsor,
then turn right (east) on Arkansas 16 and go 10 miles; then left
(north) on Forest Service (FS) Road 1205 (gravel) about one mile
east of Ben Hur. Take FS Road 1205 north 9 miles to Richland Creek
campground which provides access to the wilderness area. Caution:
Because of rough roads, visitors are not encouraged to take camping
trailers to Richland Creek campground.
Another access is to the north of the wilderness area at Moore
Bridge, Hill Cemetery or east of Richland campground on FS Road
1205.
Limestone is exposed in the bluffs at lower elevations along
Richland Creek where many outcrops contain fossils. The Ozark
Mountains are actually plateaus, uplifted as a unit with few folds
or faults. The ruggedness of these mountains is due to erosion
of the plateaus by swift rivers flowing between them.
The narrowed V-shaped valleys are bordered by a combination of
steep-sided slopes and vertical sandstone and limestone bluffs
over 100 feet high. Ridge tops are primarily a deeply dissected
sand stone with shale plateaus being narrow and rolling. Elevations
range from 1,000 to 2,200 feet above sea level.
Topography within 1/4 mile on either side of Richland and Long
Devil's Fork Creeks is quite rugged and scenic. Rock bluffs over
100 feet high and extending over a mile along each side of Richland
Creek graphically reveal the earth's development. This Wilderness
Area is known for its crystal clear creeks and waterfalls. Please
take water or a water filtration device with you. There are no
developed trails in the wilderness. Two special attractions are
Richland Creek Falls and Twin Falls. Kayakers float Richland Creek
after rains have raised the creek water level.
Please camp well away from creeks and tributaries. Showers can
be locally heavy and occasionally have been known to produce 5
to 10 inches of rain in a few hours. Such storms will cause flooding
in Richland Creek and its tributaries. Some years, these same
streams may be dry in the late summer and fall.
For safety's sake, travel with a companion. Let others know where
you are going and when you plan to return.
Remember, use of any mechanized and motorized equipment is not
permitted in wilderness areas, which includes chainsaws, all terrain
vehicles (ATVs), motorcycles and portable boat motors. This will
help maintain the true quality of wilderness.
Please help preserve America's cultural heritage by leaving archeological
and historical remains undisturbed and reporting your discoveries
to the local ranger district.
Plan your trip in advance. Study maps of the area and learn the
terrain. Get a current weather forecast and be prepared. Above
all, enjoy your wilderness experience!
Remember to follow "Leave No Trace" guidelines, and
"pack-it-in, pack-it-out."
