Cove Creek Natural Area, located in the Arkansas Valley, contains almost a mile of the course of Cove Creek near its confluence with Cadron Creek. At this point, the meandering stream cuts deeply through a ridge of sandstone, creating a spectacular bluff-lined gorge. A small area of creek bottom forest borders the watercourse at the lower end of the tract. Restoration efforts are underway to restore an extensive complex of sandstone glades and woodlands that covers more than 100 acres on the west side of the creek above the bluffs.  A primitive foot-trail provides access to some of the natural area's most interesting features.

Length-  1.5 miles roundtrip         
Difficulty-  Easy to moderate; not ADA accessible
Trail Blazes- Blue
Download Trail Map 

From the trailhead, visitors will meander through a cedar glade before shortly transitioning into an upland hardwood forest. After roughly a half mile, visitors will arrive at the Cove Creek overlook. This outcrop gives visitors their first glimpse of Cove Creek, which is a tributary to Cadron Creek. During periods of wet weather there is a beautiful, cascading waterfall immediately south of the overlook. Once visitors leave this area, they will head south along what was once a wild game path. There is an opportunity to enjoy another scenic vista after traveling approximately a quarter of a mile. From the second overlook, the trail continues down a natural bench (a flat narrow platform of land) until it reaches the riparian zone next to Cove Creek. The trail meanders through the bottomlands before transitioning back into the upland hardwood forest and eventually back to the trailhead.

From the junction of state Highway 25 and state Highway 285 in Wooster, travel north on state Highway 285 approximately 6.2 miles to the intersection with Mallet Town Road. Turn left (west) onto Mallet Town Road and travel approximately 1.5 miles. Turn right (north) onto Town Circle Road. Go approximately 0.3 mile to JD Road and turn right (east). Follow road straight to parking area at end of road.

Specific types of hunting are allowed on this natural area. For details, see the Cove Creek Natural Area WMA listing in the current Arkansas Hunting Guidebook. Take all necessary safety precautions when visiting this area.

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