Park truly a ‘Rising Star’ in great outdoors
Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-Record. Today, Deary writes about Rising Star Park.
While en route to Mississippi a couple of weeks ago, we noticed a sign on the highway’s edge indicating we should turn at the upcoming intersection to reach Rising Star Park. Suspecting the facility was perched on the banks of the Arkansas River, I was certainly interested in stopping in for a look.
Time was limited, however, as we were already scheduled to arrive at our predetermined destination within a couple of hours. We didn’t have the luxury of checking the park out on that particular day.
We would be coming back through on the following morning, though, and had nothing pressing on the schedule. That in mind, I made a mental note of our general vicinity. I would keep an eye out for the signage as we neared Pine Buff on the following day and make a slight detour during our route back home.
The drive to the park was a pleasure in itself. A portion of the paved road ran atop a levee separating farmlands from the Arkansas River. Although the mighty waterway was a distance to our left, we could catch occasional glimpses of the river. And, to our right, we drove alongside large fields where I suspected cotton would soon be sprouting from the fertile soil.
Eventually taking a left at an intersection leading to the park, we followed the road alongside a booth. Although hoping to gather some information from the folks manning the booth, it would not be open to the public for a few more weeks, as there are no camping fees at the facility during the winter months.
We eased farther along the road from the fee booth toward the banks of the Arkansas River. Rolling to a stop at a parking area, we got out of the car and proceeded to walk through the beautiful setting.
We were instantly struck by the scenery, as the park was situated under the canopy of an open forest. The large trees’ benefits are obviously several-fold. Of course, the towering hardwoods are of aesthetic value, but they also provide shade for visitors, which is especially appreciated during those sultry days of summer.
The trees also provide a food source for native wildlife frequenting the area. I read accounts of an abundance of red fox spottings at the park, indicating a family of the beautiful animals had a den site nearby.
One would also suspect that a plethora of other wild critters browse the grounds, as well. Of course, nocturnal critters such as raccoons and opossums are plentiful along the banks of the river. And I would expect that a slew of squirrels and other rodents depend upon the acorn masses for food. And what about whitetails? I’m confident they can be seen meandering in the nearby fields throughout the seasons.
Those with children would likely appreciate the playground equipment that is located in a designated area. However, one should also be aware that the Arkansas River is not necessarily a spot where they would allow their youngsters to go unmonitored.
The facility sports a group pavilion and ample locations where folks can embark upon a picnic in a pleasant setting. And those who enjoy exercise might drum up a friendly game of halfcourt basketball at the goal that is located at the parking area’s edge.
Those with a fancy for camping might consider a visit to the Rising Star Park, as well. Twenty-five campsites are located on the premises. Several of the designated spots are located on a rise just above the river, lending to a wonderful view up and down the waterway.
Other amenities are also there for the taking. The aforementioned campsites sport both electrical and water hookups. Of course, these sites are designed with RV camping in mind, but they also prove great locations where one can pitch a tent and snooze beneath the stars.
Each site provides folks with small yet impressive shelters spanning over picnic tables. Although those who camp via RV have suitable shelter from the elements, these structures still provide a perfect opportunity to break bread and fellowship in the open air while protected from precipitation and the glaring sun.
Regardless of one’s preferred means of camping, I’m sure everybody will appreciate the restroom facilities, especially since they have heated showers.
Judging from what I have read via the internet, Rising Star Park is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts, and rightfully so. Of course, one can fish from the bank and experience their fair share of success.
In fact, it is suggested that catfishing along this particular stretch of the river is good. That in mind, a lot of folks opt to spend the night fishing within a stone’s throw of their campsite.
Although many consider this spot as a catfishing destination, one is apt to catch an array of fish species from the bank. And those who utilize the launching ramp that is located on the premises stand even a greater chance of success.
The park is located in the tailwaters of the Joe Harding Lock and Dam. Anglers fishing this section of water apparently catch largemouth bass with regularity. The river bass obviously live in a little different environment than do the bass we pursue on our area lakes. But they also share many similarities, as their feeding habits are the same.
That in mind, folks putting their boat in at Rising Star are apt to experience success while using the same lures they use on other Arkansas bodies of water. Aware of an abundance of shad and other baitfish in the river, one might consider casting a jerk bait in the weeks to come. And one can’t go wrong with rolling a spinnerbait through the water.
Crappie are also plentiful in these waters, lending to an opportunity to embark upon yet another style of fishing that is ever-so-popular at our stamping grounds. I would suspect the river is capable of coughing up some real dandies. In fact, I can recall watching a fellow land several huge slab crappie, a few years ago, at another location on the Arkansas River. And he was fishing from the bank.
Bream are also plentiful, according to recent research. Although obviously not the largest species in the pool, I would argue that as table fare, bream are surpassed by none.
As we enter the most beautiful time of the year, I have intentions of returning to Rising Star Park for an overnight stay. With a little luck, we’ll experience worlds of fishing success. But even if they refuse to bite, that will be OK, as we’ll get better acquainted with a newfound destination in the wonderful outdoors.
To get to Rising Star Park, from Pine Bluff, take Highway 65 south for 7 miles to Linwood. Turn left on Blankinship Road, and travel 3.5 miles and follow the signs to the park entrance.