Tyler Bend Recreation Area offers spectacular views of the Ozarks
Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-Record. Today, Deary writes about Tyler Bend Recreation Area.
Kenny Talbert, his wife Rebecca, Sandy and I recently hit the road an hour or so before the rising sun deemed it a new day. Although our ultimate destination was Branson, Mo., plans were to stop at various locations along the way where we could kick around in the outdoors.
We had actually stopped at Tyler Bend Recreation area a few years back. Our time was limited, however, so we were excited to return with ample time to get better acquainted with this particular destination.
We arrived at the recreation area fairly early in the morning, before the sun climbed too high in the sky. That in mind, we decided to stop in at the visitor center first, where we could gather general information pertaining to the facility and the trails meandering within the perimeters of its property lines.
The visitor center was far more impressive than I had expected. In fact, we probably spent a half-hour admiring the interpretive stations awaiting inside the structure.
We also appreciated the opportunity to talk to the kind ladies working behind the desk. They fielded all of our questions pertaining to the park and suggested we would enjoy a trek along the River View Trail. The route began within a stone’s throw of the visitor center and would end 1.5 miles later at the Collier Homestead.
The first section of the trail made its way through a wooded area, following the contour of a hillside. The designated path eventually crossed a small branch and began an ascent to a bluff line overlooking the Buffalo River.
The trail continued to gain altitude as it ran alongside the bluff line, lending to impressive views of the waterway below. In fact, the beaten path eventually ran within feet of well-built deck overlooking the river as it cut its way alongside a field and eventually disappeared into the jagged Ozark Mountain terrain.
The trail tied in with an old road just as the ascent ended atop a knoll. The road/trail made its way through somewhat of a thicket and among a huge stand of redbud trees prior to leading us to the aforementioned Collier Homestead.
The homestead was impressive, as the house and outbuildings were well maintained. In fact, we were welcomed to enter the buildings, which lent to even a more interesting and enlightening journey into the past.
We could have easily backtracked to the visitor center from the homestead. However, we opted to follow a short route leading to the road we had driven on to the facility earlier that morning. Of course, this route would be paved. But the road still ran alongside a wooded area, lending to ample opportunity to see an array of sun-loving plants taking root along the road’s edge. And it wasn’t beyond the realm of possibilities to see native wildlife browsing within sight of the road.
Our excursion was far from over upon returning to the vehicle. In fact, a jaunt along the River View Trail was but one of the opportunities awaiting hiking enthusiasts who opted to visit the facility.
It was understandable why the ladies at the visitor center suggested we hike the Riverview Trail. However, the three other routes beginning at the facility were certainly of interest. They all intersected with the Buffalo River Trail at various points, making it possible to hike in a loop.
Spring Hollow Trail consists of nine-tenths of a mile of designated path, most of which traverses uphill. Rock Wall Trail also travels nine-tenths of a mile prior to tying into the Buffalo Trail. Just over one-half of the route, however, runs fairly level. But the final leg of the path gains an elevation of almost 300 feet.
Black Ridge Trail is slightly shorter, as it meanders eighttenths of a mile. This path also differs from the others in the sense that it is only accessible via other trails. The designated path begins about halfway along Spring Hollow Trail and ends at the Buffalo River Trail.
Although the Buffalo River Trail is accessible from Tyler Bend, it actually runs far beyond the facilities’ perimeters. In fact, it begins at Boxley and stretches 37 miles prior to ending at Pruitt, lending to incredible scenery along the way.
Many folks who visit the Tyler Bend Recreation Area have no intentions of kicking through the woods. That’s right; they are far more interested in splashing around in or taking in the wonderful view of the Buffalo River.
One automatically thinks of sheer limestone bluffs containing crystal-clear waters when the Buffalo River is mentioned. Well, this section of the waterway is no different. In fact, the sheer limestone structure contains a large pool of water at the facility.
I would suspect plenty of smallmouth bass lurk in this pool. But good luck finding a time when one could fish these waters during the summertime heat, as Tyler Bend appears to be a popular swimming spot. One would suspect that locals take advantage of the picnic area and its cool waters, but those staying at the facility are drawn to the river, as well.
The park sports 38 campsites, all of which are nestled in a beautiful setting. Ten of the designated spots are walk- in sites and are ideal for those who enjoy tent camping.
The remaining 28 sites can easily be accessed via vehicle and are popular destinations for RV camping enthusiasts. It is important to know, however, that there are no hookups in the campground.
Water spigots are located throughout the facility, though. And a dump station and tank filler are located near the park entrance at Highway 65. The facility also sports flush restrooms, one of which offers warm showers.
Group sites are also available but should be reserved in advance by going online to http:// www.recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.
As the morning progressed, we opted to continue north to our destination. However, we had grown a little more familiar with this magnificent facility and eagerly awaited our next opportunity to return to Tyler Bend Recreation Area.
To get to Tyler Bend Recreation Area from Hot Springs, take Highway 70 east to the Interstate 30 intersection. Continue east on the interstate for 18 miles and take Exit 129 for I-430 north toward Fort Smith.
Remain on I- 430 north for about 13 miles and use the left lane to take exit 13B for I-40 toward Fort Smith. Remain on I-40 for 22 miles and take Exit 125 (at Conway) for Highway 65 north toward Greenbriar.
Remain on Highway 65 for 74 miles and take a left onto Searcy 241 Highway. Go eighttenths of a mile and continue straight onto Searcy 281 Highway for about 1.5 miles to the destination.