Summary
The creek is known for its clear water and scenic views. There are several good reasons to visit, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The area is home to a variety of animals, including deer, otters, and bald eagles. The creek is also popular for kayaking and canoeing.
One of the main points of interest in Hurricane Creek is the Hurricane Creek Wilderness Area. This area is home to over 20 miles of trails, including the Ozark Highland Trail. There are also several waterfalls in the area, including Cedar Falls, which is one of the tallest waterfalls in the state.
Interesting facts about Hurricane Creek include its designation as a National Wild and Scenic River in 1992. The creek is also known for its unique geology, including the Cedar Creek Fault Line. The area is also home to several rare plant species, including the Ozark chinkapin.
The best time of year to visit Hurricane Creek is in the spring and fall, as the weather is mild and the scenery is beautiful. However, the area is also popular in the summer for water activities. It is important to note that Hurricane Creek can be dangerous during periods of heavy rain, so visitors should always check the weather forecast before planning a trip.
Weather Forecast
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.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
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Long Pool
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Long Pool Recreation Area
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Bayou Bluff
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Bayou Bluff Point of Interest
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Haw Creek Falls
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Haw Creek Falls Point of Interest
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