Overview
Hurricane Creek carves a narrow canyon through the Boston Mountains in the northwestern portion of Ozark-St. Francis National Forest. The creek is spring-fed and cold even in summer, running clear and fast through a sandstone canyon where the bluffs rise to 100 feet in the tightest sections. The Hurricane Creek Wilderness designation protects the full drainage and ensures the terrain retains its undeveloped character.
This 6.0-mile out-and-back follows the creek upstream from the AR-21 trailhead into the wilderness interior. The 800-foot gain is distributed across the 3-mile approach, with the steeper sections in the upper canyon where the terrain narrows. The trail is not formally blazed in much of the canyon; the creek corridor serves as the primary route.
The canyon character of this hike is similar to the Richland Creek Wilderness but with a tighter, more enclosed feeling in the narrow section. The Pedestal Rocks Loop and the Sam's Throne Loop are both accessible within the same day for visitors building a multi-destination Ozark itinerary.
The Route
Miles 0 to 1.5: Canyon entry. The trail descends from the AR-21 highway shoulder to the creek and immediately enters the canyon. The first creek crossing occurs within the first quarter mile. Sandstone bluffs appear on both sides as the canyon narrows. The first swimming pool is accessible at approximately mile 0.8.
Miles 1.5 to 3.0: Narrow canyon and wilderness interior. The canyon reaches its narrowest and most dramatic section in the middle miles. Bluffs above 80 feet are visible in several sections. The creek bottom is open and the route follows the stream bank and gravel bars. This section has the most remote character and the deepest canyon atmosphere.
Mile 3.0: Turnaround. The trail continues beyond mile 3 but this is a practical turnaround for the standard 6-mile out-and-back. The canyon opens slightly at this point.
Return: Retrace the route downstream to the trailhead.
When to Visit
Spring (late March through May): The premier season. High creek volume, spring wildflowers in the canyon bottom, and the dramatic bluff sections framed by fresh green vegetation.
Summer (June through August): Swimming in the canyon pools is excellent. The enclosed canyon is cooler than the surrounding ridges. Afternoon thunderstorms can raise creek levels quickly; monitor weather forecasts.
Fall (October): The hardwood canopy in the canyon produces good color. Lower water levels make crossings easier. A productive quiet season.
Winter: The canyon can be very cold. Ice on the bluff faces. The trail is passable in mild conditions but the creek crossings are cold.
What to Bring
Many hikers on this route carry:
- Water shoes for creek crossings (wet feet throughout)
- 2 liters of water (individual needs vary; creek water available with treatment)
- Water filter or purification tablets
- Swimwear for the canyon pools
- Trekking poles for creek crossings on uneven gravel
- Insect repellent from April through September
- Downloaded offline maps with creek alignment (essential for finding trailhead and navigating)
Practical Details
No restroom, no water, no fee at the highway pullout trailhead. Self-sufficient experience.
Trail marking is minimal; follow the creek. Navigation by creek corridor is straightforward in the canyon but the initial descent from AR-21 can be hard to find without a downloaded waypoint.
Dispersed camping permitted throughout the wilderness. Follow Leave No Trace guidelines.
Cell service is absent. Download maps before departure.
Timber rattlesnakes and cottonmouths are present in rocky areas and near water. Watch where you step on gravel bars and when climbing over rocks.
Black bears are present in the Ozark highlands. For overnight trips, see the bear canister requirements guide.
Getting There
From Boxley, AR, take AR-21 north approximately 8 miles. The Hurricane Creek trailhead pullout is on the right (east) side of AR-21 where the highway crosses or approaches the creek. The pullout is small and easy to miss; use the USFS Ozark-St. Francis map for the precise location.
From Harrison, take AR-43 south to Boxley, then AR-21 north. The drive from Harrison to the trailhead takes approximately 35 minutes.
Buffalo Ranger District at fs.usda.gov/osfnf has current road and trail conditions.