Dreaming in Arkansas — The tranquility of Cane Creek

It was the phone that caught my eye first. As we drove to the Visitor Center at Cane Creek State Park, I saw the old outdoor “phone booth” and knew we were somewhere special. It prompted thoughts of calling my mom to come to pick me up from the skating rink, shopping center or where ever I might have needed to call from. Of course, I had to tell my kiddos all about it. They reminded me that there is one in Hampton; they were not as impressed as I was.

We went into the Visitor Center, which is very nice. We shopped around a bit and then bought cold drinks before we headed out to see what Cane Creek was all about.

The park is one of tranquility. Nature takes her time here and works with the critters making a home along the lake and in the woods. Touring kayaks are available for exploring, fishing or viewing wildlife on the lake. Guided kayak tours are offered spring through fall. Guided tours or kayaking classes may be requested for small groups of four to 10 people. A fee is required.

The park roads and Delta View Trail are popular with cyclists. Bring your own or rent a bicycle by the hour, half-day or the day at the Visitor Center.

Cane Creek is perfect for wildlife watching. The park brochure says to watch along the park roads and trails for deer, turkey, red fox, squirrels, raccoons, opossums, armadillos, snakes, box turtles, songbirds and wildflowers. On the lake and along the shoreline, osprey, woodpeckers, herons and kingfishers are seen year round along with aquatic turtles, frogs, snakes and beaver. Winter is a prime time for viewing area for waterfowl, eagles, hawks and other migratory birds. The brochure invites wildlife watchers to report your sightings to the Visitor Center for their records.

Cane Creek Lake was opened for fishing in 1987 and quickly established itself as the fishing “hot spot” in southeast Arkansas. The shallow, timber-filled lake provides excellent habitat for warm-water fish including bass, crappie, sunfish and bream. Lunker bass and full limits are common at the lake.

With 2,053 acres of woodlands adjacent to Cane Creek Lake, this is the largest project undertaken by the Resource, Conservation and Development Council in the United States. The Cane Creek Project is a cooperative effort between the Department of Parks & Tourism, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and the United States Department of Agriculture - Soil Conservation Service.

Cane Creek State Park sits on the border of two major natural divisions of

Arkansas: the West Gulf Coastal Plain and the Mississippi Alluvial Plain, also known as the Delta.

The park lies within the “Coastal Plain” and is characterized by a series of deep draws and steeply sloping ridges. The 1,675-acre Arkansas Game and Fish Commission lake lies in the “Delta.”

Truly an outdoors experience, the park features the Delta View Trail offering an easy to moderate 2.5-mile hike through the beautiful Gulf Coastal Plain woodlands leading to an overlook of Cane Creek Lake.

Twenty-nine campsites are equipped with electrical hookups, water, table, grill and lantern hanger at each site, plus

a modern bathhouse nearby. The first class campground offers camping year round; and also has a sanitary dump station located near the park entrance.

The park only has one rental: a 30-foot, air-conditioned RV available. The RV sleeps six comfortably and is permanently set up on a park campsite with its deck offering a view of the surrounding woods. The RV rental includes kitchen appliances, a microwave, coffee pot, toaster, pots and pans, and eight place settings of dishes and flatware. The RV is also equipped with a TV, VCR and DVD/CD player. Those renting will need to bring their own bed and bath linens and food.

Campers must register at the Visitor Center before occupying a campsite. All sites are reservable and may be reserved up to one year in advance. Please call to

check availability. Day use of the park includes a picnic area that overlooks the lake and has tables, grills, water and nearby restrooms.

Adjacent to the picnic area and group pavilion is a barrier-free playground and a fishing pier. A horseshoe pit and sand volleyball court are also located in the area.

One screened and one enclosed climatecontrolled pavilions are available for rent for group outings or reunions. The climate-controlled pavilion is in the picnic area next to the playground. The other is near the boat launch site. The pavilions must be reserved before being used with deposit and fee required.

The lake is accessible from the state park via a free launch ramp and there is no charge for parking. Barrier-free fishing piers are available at the picnic

area and at the south end of the park.

Interpretive programs on the natural and cultural history of Cane Creek State Park and outdoor recreation, including guided hiking and kayak tours, campouts, illustrated talks, demonstrations, videos, activities, games and classes, are offered throughout the year. Up to date schedules may be obtained at the Visitor Center. Programs may also be requested by groups visiting the park and as outreach programs to area schools and civic groups.

Cane Creek State Park can be reached on a modern day phone at 870-628-4714 and is located at 50 State Park Road in Star City.