Little Sugar Creek

History

Little Sugar starts outside of Bentonville, Arkansas and flows north towards Missouri. It was named after all the sugar maples that were along its banks. Several mills were also dotted along it at one time.

At the Missouri -- Arkansas state line is the town of Caverna. This town had been a major mill site for many years. The water that supplied this mill was capable of running more than ten times the machinery it had.

Sulphur Springs was laid out in 1882. It derives its name from a large white sulphur spring that supplied the early settlers with a abundance of water that was known to have healing properties.

White rock, in Jane got its name from the bluff that towers across Little Sugar Creek near Huckleberry Ridge State Park.

Little Sugar Lake was formed by another major mill at Havenhurst. This mill supplied all the power to the town of Pineville at one time. It was also the site where many blocks of ice were cut during the winter months. The dam at Havenhurst is followed by a rock floor where water only a foot or two deep would freeze during the winter. The main channel was diverted into a race where its force supplied all the power for Pineville. Havenhurst mill and dam still exist. The mill is now a restaurant and ice cream parlor. Little Sugar joins Big Sugar about one mile from Havenhurst and becomes Elk River at the town of Pineville.

In 1847 nine blocks were laid and the new town of Maryville started. This town was named after Mrs. Mary Mosier. The pine forest of this area reached to the borders of Maryville and most of the wood sawed here was pine, so the name was changed to Pineville. Today Little Sugar creek is dotted with golf courses along its banks, and large bluffs still line the creek as it makes its way into Missouri.

Characteristics

Starting in Arkansas near Bentonville, Little Sugar creek flows north to Pumpkin Hollow then under U.S 71 at Bella Vista Village. Ford Spring enters from the east and in about one mile empties into the lake at Wonderland Cave and park. Now the golf courses start and many more lakes and dams are upon Little Sugar Creek. At the Arkansas state line is the town of Caverna, Bear creek enters from the east and Tatters Knob is just ahead. The town of Jane and Bobs Knob which reaches up to 1230 ft. are on the right. Next is Polk Mountain and White Rock Bluff on the edge of Huckleberry Ridge State Park. This is a favorite spot for horseback riding. Five miles north is Havenhurst Mill, a great place to stop and relax. One more mile and Little Sugar flows into Big Sugar and at this point becomes the Elk River. The Little Sugar is just that, a small creek and a favorite place to get away from it all. If you are planning to float, the best place to start is outside the town of Jane. From Jane it is only eight miles to the town of Pineville, but this is one of the fast creeks in the area. The lower part of Little Sugar has a steady gradient of 9. If the water is flowing at Havenhurst and Little Sugar Lake, you will have to portage the dam.

Seasons & Fishing

Spring and Summer are your best seasons for floating this creek, but keep in mind the beauty of the Ozarks in the fall. If you are around this area after a good rain, keep in mind this little wonder of the Ozarks.

Fishing

Fishing on Little Sugar is what the Ozarks are all about. there are no canoe outfitters on this creek, so take your time and just relax for a peaceful day on one of the most beautiful creeks in the area. This is a small creek with some very deep pools for fishing or swimming. Here are some of the fish you just might find: duskystrip shiner, gizzard shad, grass pickerel, bleeding shiner, horneyhead chub, white tail shiner, carp, golden redhorse, northern hog sucker, channel catfish, checkerd madtom, plains topminnow, largemouth bass, spotted bass, rock bass, green sunfish, longear sunfish, redear sunfish, bluegill, white crappie, walleye, orangethroat darter, stipped darter, and logperch.

For more information, contact:

The Missouri Department of Conservation

P. O Box 180

Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180

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