Sylamore Creek Trip Report

“Having spent two weeks recovering from a horrendous collision (well at least that is my version), I was beginning to miss the trail and was whining about it in the office last Friday. Two of my collegues decided that the surest method of recovery would be to go backpacking. Although I did not suffer greivous injury (at least until I tell the adjuster my version), my ribs were still sore and have caused me some discomfort. However, being the negotiator that I am, my collegues agreed that I would only have to carry a sleeping bag, pad and necessary items and that they would bring the tent, stove, water filters, cooking kits.

Deciding that I could get by on about a 15 pound carry weight by doing this, I agreed that I would go to Sylamore Creek in North Central Arkansas. The hike is about 13.5 miles and passes through 3 recreational areas. If I could not make the entire trip, we agreed that we would hitch a ride from one of the rec areas to the vehicle and abort the trip.

We left Memphis Friday night and arrived at the Barkshed Rec Area late Friday and pitched our camp. Arose early the next moring, ate breakfast and broke camp by 0730. This is a moderate to easy trail following Sylamore Creek. Waterfalls, bluffs, and vistas are abundant along the trial. We maintained a good pace and I felt very comfortable by the time we reached Gunner Pool at the 3 to 4 mile point. We decided to continue on and reached the Blanchard Rec Area in time to stop along Sylamore Creek and take our time with a cold lunch. This rec area is well maintained and among the finest I have encountered. Having finished lunch, we decided that a few more miles would not hurt and continued on. Although I was lagging, we managed to make it to Slick Rock Hollow in time to pitch camp for the evening. Having made about 10 or 11 miles on Saturday was a bit more taxing that I should have attempted but no major discomforts. Surprisingly, my ribs did not bother me, but my hips were a little sore. I attributed it to not having done any walking for the past two weeks. Slick Rock Hollow is a great campsite (this time of year as there are few to no others on the trail) that overlooks a small water fall (25 feet or so) that flows into a nice pool. In the summer time, this pool is a great swimming hole after a long hike. In the winter, the leaf off conditions made for awesome star gazing with virtually zero light pollution.

We broke camp early Sunday and I felt fine after getting up and moving around for a while. I was a little tender on my left side, but with help in hoisting my pack, we were undeway for the last 2 miles of trail by 0830. The last couple of miles follow along under a bluff line where you literally walk under the water falls. We arrived at Sylamore Creek at the Allison Trail head and were forced to make a boots off crossing at the shoals about 15 yards abrove the trail crossing. Althought this was a cold water crossing, we where only about a hundred yards from the vehicle and dry socks and tennis shoes for the trip home.

This is a nice two day hike that could probably be done as a day hike. Nothing strenuous (the uphill pulls are brief), and there are "pull out" points if you have to abort. All in all, a great hike to recover from the collision.”