GUNNER POOL
Recreation area lacks amenities, but not activities
Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-Record. Today, Deary writes about Blanchard Springs Recreation Area.
Last week, I covered Blanchard Springs Recreation Area, which I consider one of my favorite campgrounds in the Ozark National Forest.
There is yet another facility, just miles down the road from Blanchard Springs, that I also see as a premier destination. In fact, I mentioned this particular spot during my most recent article, as it is also an access point to the North Sylamore Trail.
Let me begin by saying that Gunner Pool Recreation Area is not even comparable with Blanchard Springs as far as the number of outdoor opportunities it offers. Let’s face it — where else could one go where they have a premier rainbow trout fishery and a huge cave system awaiting within its perimeters?
But that’s not to say that visitors to Gunner Pool will lack things to keep them occupied. But the camping area is designed more with primitive camping in mind than is its neighboring recreation area about 5 miles downstream, on the banks of the North Sylamore Creek.
Gunner Pool is fairly easily located. From the town of Mountain View, simply take Highway 14 west for 14.2 miles and take a right onto Forest Road 1102. Remain on the dirt road for about 3 miles and the recreation area will be located on the road’s edge, just before a large and impressive bridge spanning the North Sylamore. Be aware, though, that while the road is plenty wide and well maintained, sections are very steep and winding.
In spite of the terrain, those who are careful can pull smaller trailers along the route and reach the facility with little trouble. Longer trailers might pose somewhat of an issue, so I suggest contacting the Sylamore Ranger District at 870-269-3228 for the most accurate information prior to attempting to haul a trailer to the destination.
One might also find the fact that there are no electrical or water hookups at the facility of importance. There are 27 campsites spread out within the perimeters of the park. Each site sports a level tent site. Each site is also equipped with the most basic of amenities, including a picnic table, a lantern pole and a grill. Other than these few perks, one might consider bringing anything else they need with them.
Some of the campsites are located in a wooded area a short distance from the creek. Other sites, however, are located nearer to, and within eyeshot of, the beautiful waterway. And let me tell you. When I say “beautiful” I certainly mean beautiful. The entire creek cuts its way through a section of the Ozark National Forest and is sometimes contained by sheer limestone rock formations.
Well, it just so happens that one of these sheer formations is located right in the heart of the recreation area. In fact, the pool at the base of the bluff line is likely the most popular spot throughout the entire facility.
I would suspect one might be able to coax a few smallmouths from this particular section of water during the early morning hours and I can say, from experience, that the view is incredible just as the sun tops over the horizon and declares it a new day.
But those with the fishing bug and those who like to start their day off by savoring the beauty of God’s creation must not tarry, as folks will soon start arriving by mid-morning to enjoy their favorite outdoor activity. That’s right, I’m talking about those who prefer cooling themselves in a cool and crystal-clear Ozark stream.
I have been guilty of swimming in this large pool of water during previous summertime excursions to the north-central section of the state. And judging from the activity during our most recent visit, many others return to this spot time and time again.
Although swimming is most popular, I also noticed several inquisitive kids exploring a little farther downstream. Someone had gone to the trouble of stacking rocks across the entire creek channel, I suppose with intentions of raising the water level. I can’t say for sure of their efforts were a success. But I can say that youngsters appeared to enjoy the challenge of keeping their balance while stepping from boulder to boulder.
I noticed a couple of other youngsters flipping rocks just a little farther downstream. One would suppose they happened up their fair share of crayfish during their excursion. But I would suspect
they also roused plenty of small fish that were taking shelter under the rocks. And who knows, they might even have watched as a few banded water snakes rushed from under the rocks and to safety.
Even though this particular pool will grow far too busy for fishing throughout the morning, I would suggest simply wading a little farther downstream. One of my favorite fishing spots not too far from the recreation area is a huge boulder resting in the midst of a deep pool of water. Smallmouths have been known to congregate around this structure. And although I have never landed a trophy from this spot, that’s no indication that a dandy is not lurking in the depths.
Wade fishing enthusiasts might also consider utilizing Gunner Pool as a base camp. They have the option of wading in either direction from the facility. Those traveling upstream will have 5 miles of water separating them from the Barkshed campgrounds. And those heading downstream are only 5 miles from Blanchard Springs Recreation Area.
Although neither of these trips promises large fish, per say, one is certainly apt to catch their fair share of smallmouths 10 inches and below. And what better means is there than wading along an Ozark stream to beat the summertime heat?
Although I grow most excited about fishing, I have also been drawn to the Sylamore Trail several times throughout the years. Hiking enthusiasts might also consider Gunner Pool as a base camp, as they are only 5 miles, in either direction, from the aforementioned neighboring recreation areas. In turn, one can enjoy day hikes in lieu of lugging a backpack along the way.
Of course, one will be trekking through the jagged terrain of the Ozarks and can expect a few climbs and steep descents along the way. But this trail is actually much less demanding than most of the designated paths throughout this section of the state. In turn, those who are physically prepared can easily trek 5 or 10 miles in a day.
I’ll be the first to agree that there are recreation areas throughout the Ozarks offering more amenities than does Gunner Pool. I’ll be the first to agree that potable water and access to electricity can deem a camping excursion most convenient.
But I also have a deep appreciation for sheer beauty and a peaceful setting. That being said, Gunner Pool still ranks at the top of my list of destinations where I might enjoy an extended stay amongst Mother Nature in the heart of north central Arkansas’ forest.