Bubbling Springs Nature Trail on Harold E. Alexander Spring River WMA

Bubbling Springs Nature Trail on Harold E. Alexander Spring River WMA

Distances
Bubbling Springs Nature Trail is a moderate 1.2-mile, out-and-back hike.

Bubbling Springs

Wildlife and Habitat
Harold Alexander Spring River Wildlife Management Area covers  13,939 acres of upland hardwood forest and glades in the Ozark  highlands. The Spring River flows along the eastern edge of the WMA, and three of its tributaries run through it—Rock, Ott and Pierce creeks. Groundwater from seeps feeds the creeks.
Rock Creek Natural Area’s 415 acres, managed by the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, are embedded in the WMA. Rare plants and animals, native grasses and prairie wildflowers live in several dolomite glades along the creek. Glades are dry, hot, sunny openings in woodlands with shallow, rocky soils and exposed bedrock. Some of the tough plants that live here, such as prickly pear cactus, are associated with deserts. Eastern red cedar trees have choked out native plants on glades after years of fire suppression. Look for signs of cedar tree removal as restoration and management continues.

Hunting and Trapping
Hunters pursue deer, bear, turkey and small game on the area. Furbearer trapping is permissible on the WMA. Check the current Arkansas Hunting Guidebook for details, and wear hunter orange when appropriate. Leash pets for their safety.