Fern Gully northeast of Ft. Smith is one of the many "special interest" areas that can be found throughout the Ozark National Forest. The many bluff features and ferns make this a unique area. Rock Creek Natural Area is actually within the Spring River Wildlife Management Area south of Hardy. Under the protection of the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, here you'll find one of the clearest streams in the Ozarks, which leads to Bubbling Spring. Robe Bayou in the Dagmar Wildlife Management Area near Brinkley, offers both a scenic auto tour and a canoe route, either one which will give you a wonderful experience of this pristine and picturesque setting.