Sylamore scenic drive is 25 miles southeast of Mountain Home in north-central Arkansas. The byway begins in Calico Rock and travels south to Allison and then west to Blanchard Springs Caverns. It follows AR 5, AR 14, and FSR 1110 for a total of 26 miles. All the roads are two-lane paved roads suitable for all types of vehicles and are usually open year-round.

Sylamore scenic byway travels through a beautifully scenic portion of the Ozark National Forest, through a forest of oak and hickory with stands of shortleaf pine, and across rugged, rocky outcrops. Portions of the byway follow the banks of the White River, popular for canoeing and fishing.

Blanchard Springs Recreation Area is perhaps the main attraction of the byway. Within this recreation area are the Blanchard Springs Caverns. Cavern tours depart from the visitor center daily throughout the year except on some holidays. One guided tour is accessible to the handicapped.

Also found in the recreation area is a 32-site campground on the bank of North Sylamore Creek. Picnic tables, drinking water, restrooms, and a sanitary dump station are provided. The day use area has 32 picnic tables, restrooms, and a swimming area with bathhouses and showers. The North Sylamore Trail can be accessed in this area. During the summer months, evening programs about the many facets of the national forest are presented at the Shelter Cave Amphitheater.

Wildlife observers should be on the lookout for white-tailed deer and wild turkey. Birdwatchers can look for more than 150 species of birds, including bluejays, robins, cardinals, warblers, and finches. During the winter months, bald eagles can occasionally be seen soaring overhead.

The Leatherwood Wilderness lies to the west of the byway. This area offers seclusion in a hardwood forest setting. The area also provides opportunities for back country camping and hiking.

Information: Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, 605 W Main St, Russelville AR 72801 / 501-968-2354. Blanchard Springs Caverns, USDA Forest Service, P.O. Box 1279, Mountain View AR 72560 / 501-757-2211. Reservations are recommended during the summer.