Brushy Creek Canyon State Preserve
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Brushy Creek Canyon State Preserve is a 243-acre natural area located in the state of Arkansas.
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Summary
It is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and birdwatchers alike. The preserve's main attraction is its beautiful canyon, which features towering bluffs, sparkling creeks, and a dense forest of hardwood and pine trees.
Visitors to the preserve can explore the area's many hiking trails, which offer stunning views of the canyon and its surrounding landscape. The preserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, squirrels, and numerous bird species.
Some of the most popular points of interest within the preserve include the Brushy Creek Trail, which winds through the heart of the canyon, and the picturesque Bridal Veil Falls, which cascades down a rock face into a natural pool below.
Interesting facts about the preserve include its history as a former mining site and the presence of rare plant species such as the Ozark Chinquapin and the American Hart's Tongue Fern.
The best time of year to visit Brushy Creek Canyon State Preserve is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most vibrant. Visitors are advised to wear appropriate footwear and bring plenty of water and snacks for their hike.
Overall, Brushy Creek Canyon State Preserve is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of Arkansas. With its stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and fascinating history, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this unique and breathtaking preserve.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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