Cleburne County
Big Creek Natural Area on Jim Kress WMA
Take Ark. Hwy. 110 east of Heber Springs to Wilburn. From Wilburn, go east on Tylar Road for about 1 mile. Turn right on Center Chapel Road (gravel). Go 1.4 miles to the stop sign and go straight onto Heritage Trail Road.
Quick Facts
Maps
Important Numbers
Cleburne County EMS
911
Cleburne County Sheriff’s Office
501-362-2596
Stop Poaching Hotline
833-356-0824
Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission
501-324-9619
Distances
Big Creek Loop:
From the parking area, the trail follows an old road for a short distance before turning right (look for blue trail blazes) and heading down to Big Creek. After leaving the creek, it’s only a short distance up to the Big Creek Loop/Overlook Trail intersection. From here, either head back to the parking area or extend the hike another mile and enjoy the beauty of the Overlook Trail.
Overlook Trail:
This loop begins at the parking lot, but turns east along an upland area. The trail follows the bluffs along the creek and is 13/4 miles long. There are some awesome views from overlooks along the creek and unprotected bluffs over vast upland forests.
Big Creek Natural Area includes approximately five miles of the course of Big Creek, a major tributary of the Little Red River. Bluffs tower as high as 200 feet above the streambed. This site’s topographic relief, varied exposures, and considerable extent provide habitat for a broad array of plant and animal species. A primitive foot-trail provides access to some of the natural area’s most interesting features.
High water quality and diverse populations of fish and other aquatic organisms are characteristic of Big Creek. Check the current Arkansas Fishing Guidebook for details.
Hunters pursue deer, bear, turkey and small game on the area. Furbearer trapping is permissible on the WMA. Check the current Arkansas Hunting Guidebook for details, and wear hunter orange when appropriate. Leash pets for their safety