Big Piney Creek

Big Piney Creek supports plant species considered by the Arkansas Heritage Commission to be sensitive. One species, Alabama snow-wreath, is currently under study for listing as a federal threatened and endangered species and is already listed as threatened by the state of Arkansas. The corridor also includes the Waldo Mountain-Wainscott Bottoms Special Interest Area, which contains diverse plant communities and plant species.

The Mississippian and lowermost Pennsylvanian rock exposed near the town of Limestone are very important to understanding the history of the southern margin of the Ozark Platform. The youngest Mississippian-age rocks in North America, as well as the southernmost exposure of Morrowan-type rocks, are located in this area. These exposures create a structural window important in developing an understanding of the upper Mississippian and the basal Morrowan sequence. Many of these features are exposed along Big Piney and are of unique scenic and geologic value.

Principal recreation activities in the corridor include canoeing, camping, swimming, and fishing. The river is very popular for canoeing, with Class I to III rapids. It is considered by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to be an outstanding sportfishing river, with smallmouth bass and spotted bass the most sought-after species.

The distinctive scenery of Big Piney Creek is characterized by its sandstone bluffs, waterfalls, still pools, and stands of oak, hickory, and pine.

The terrain of the area offers spectacular chances for wildlife viewing. Among the more common species are white-tailed deer, turkey, black bear, stiped skunk, pileated woodpecker, bobwhite, canyon bat, and wood rat. Local birds—such as Louisiana waterthrush, parula warbler, and various herons—are augmented by migrants such as ovenbird, wood thrush, and re-eyed vireo. Beaver are common and frequently seen.