Hiking, Camping & Outdoor Activities
Within the 130,000-acre Ozark National Forest, the U.S. Forest Service has developed campgrounds at Gunner Pool, Barkshed and Blanchard Springs. Campgrounds are typically situated in rugged mountain terrain, designed to blend into the surrounding environment and preserve the lush forest atmosphere. Amenities vary from primitive sites with vault toilets and no showers to sites with bath houses and picnic areas.
Regardless of your energy level and athletic ability, you’ll find hiking trails that will simply amaze you. One of the more popular trails is the North Sylamore Trail, which features a creek flowing beside it, waterfalls, fern beds and breathtaking scenic bluffs. Then, just north of Mountain View, is the Ozark Highlands Trail Extension, 31 miles of beauty connecting to the Ozark Highlands Trail giving you ample opportunity to hike, camp, fish and witness wildlife in its natural habitat.
