This Well-Hidden Creek Off Of Mulberry River Is One Worth Exploring In Arkansas
By Carol Ann Carson|Published May 15, 2020
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Carol Ann Carson
Author
Arkansas native, Carol Ann Carson, has written for OnlyInYourState for three years now. She resides in Western Arkansas' Mountain Frontier but calls NWA home as well. The graduate of University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, Carol Ann earned her B.A. in English and will soon be pursing her M.A. in Library Science. She loves exploring the trails around the Buffalo National River and has yet to find a waterfall that wasn't her favorite.
This underrated creek usually slips by folks looking for adventure on the Mulberry River. However, missing the creek means missing pristine forest and waterfalls! We don’t want to pass up a day of exploration on the East Fork Barron Creek, so let’s head out and see more:
Another photo-worthy stream resides just south of the beloved Mulberry River.
The East Fork Barron Creek is reachable off of Highway 23 which means it's an excellent add-on for anyone enjoying the Pig Trail. The creek veers from the Mulberry River right around the Redding Recreation Area; however, the middle of the east fork is what we're focused on today.
This area is stunning, even during a peak swelling.
There's no designated trail to the area but there's plenty of visual treasures to discover along the creek. Just be sure to take your GPS with you! This area isn't filled with undergrowth like some of the other wilder Ozark trails so we'd rate it as an easy bushwhack.
Most are unnamed but this particular one is the Shlabotnik Falls. It was named around the 1840s by Jimmy Shlabotnik, one of the early settlers to the area. When the water isn't as high some of these waterfalls empty into calm pools before reaching the creek.
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Depending on the water levels, the creek has other activities in addition to waterfall chasing.
The actual creek is a wonderful spot for kayakers. The whitewater rapids do echo the Mulberry so be sure to watch water levels before plunging in. Other parts of the creek are calmer pockets that have great fishing as well!
The East Fork Barron Creek is well worth the trip if you're wanting to discover an underrated Arkansas treasure.
For detailed directions and even more photos we recommend this blog.
For a live action tour watch this video:
Did you know about this creek off the Mulberry? What’s your favorite activity to do around here? Share with us in the comments below! You can also add your photos to our Facebook group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why there’s nothing better than Arkansas’ stunning nature.
Just a little further north of the creek is this all-around stellar adventure center on the Mulberry and a nice hike!
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