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
- Big Creek Hiking Trails Infographic
- Big Creek Natural Area Trail (courtesy of the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission)
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
Two loop trails begin and end at the parking lot. Interpretive panels share information about the area’s plants, wildlife and management of the property. There are many great wildlife observation opportunities.
Big Creek Loop (0.75 miles):
From the parking area, this trail follows an old road trace a short distance before being rerouted to the right (look for blue trail blazes). This trail leads into the riparian area adjacent to Big Creek. The rerouted trail ties back into the original trail, and from there it is a short hike down to the water’s edge. After leaving the creek, it’s a short hike up to the Creek Trail/Overlook Trail intersection. From here, visitors may either head back to the parking area or extend the hike another mile and enjoy the beauty of the Overlook Trail.
Overlook Trail (1.75 miles):
The Overlook Trail takes visitors to a high bluff line that overlooks a long pool and a series of rapids on Big Creek. There are several waterfalls that can be seen and often heard along this trail.
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