The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

Why You Should Visit

The Conservancy's Mulberry River Preserve, adjacent to the Ozark National Forest, features oak-pine woodlands, glades, bluffs, and waterfalls and includes three quarters of a mile of river frontage. From atop the high bluffs, one is afforded stunning views of the river and surrounding Ozark hills and hollows.

Location

Franklin County

Size

127 acres

How to Prepare for Your Visit

There are no marked trails. The preserve has some very steep terrain and bluffs on the west side of the river, which is the only side with public access. Bluffs are not fenced; please use extreme caution when hiking near the edges. The river is not accessible because of the high bluffs, but the views into the valley are spectacular.

Sturdy hiking boots and insect repellant are recommended. Carry plenty of drinking water.

What to See: Plants

Redbud (Cercis canadensis) and dogwood (Cornus florida) trees provide early springtime color in the predominantly oak woodlands. Showy wildflowers include:

• wild hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens)
• dwarf crested iris (Iris cristata)
• black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
• Fire pink (Silene stellata)
• Ohio spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis).

List of plants here

What to See: Animals

The Mulberry River harbors several fish species of special conservation concern, including the long nose darter (Percina nastua), fantail darter (Etheostoma flabellare), and stippled darter (Etheostoma punctulatum).

Bird species considered rare in Arkansas include Bachman's sparrow (Aimiophila aestivalis) and red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus).

List of animals here

Why the Conservancy Selected This Site

The Mulberry River is a target aquatic system for the Ozark Mountains ecoregion because of its diverse fish and mussel assemblage.  The preserve was donated to the Conservancy in 2000 and will serve as an anchor site for a future large-scale river project designed to conserve the Mulberry.

What the Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing

Stewardship activities center on restoring native plant communities, reducing invasive species and controlling river sedimentation.

Things To Do

Plan Your Visit

Directions

From Little Rock:

• Take Interstate 40 west to Exit 24 (Highway 215) and travel north
• In the town of Fern, stay on Highway 215, veering to the right (east)
• Continue below

From Fayetteville:

• Take Hwy 71 South
• In the town of Cain, turn left (east) onto Highway 348
• In the town of Fern, turn left (east) onto Highway 215
• Continue below

Continued:

• After about half a mile, you'll come to an unmarked Forest Service road that has a stop sign for those entering onto Hwy 215.  (It's the first right turn you can make once past Fern.)
• Turn right (south) and take this rather rough road for approximately 2.5 miles.
• Watch on your left side — the forest will begin to thin as the slope becomes steeper — you'll soon be able to see across the valley through the trees.
• Once you cross a depression/drainage area that leads to a small ravine on your left, you are essentially at the northwest corner of the preserve.

Discussion

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Add Your Comments

Time for you to join the discussion. Tell us about your experience at this preserve. What plants and animals did you see? When did you go? You can help others plan their visit when you share your thoughts. And thank you for visiting one of our nature preserves!

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