Little Grand Canyon a big natural wonder in Arkansas
Southern Arkansas is known for a sandy and level substrate. The creeks, rivers and lakes are notoriously more stained than those mountain-fed waterways than we are accustomed to here in our backyards. And, generally speaking, the lakes are noticeably more shallow.
So just what is there in this section of the state that might influence the outdoor lover to embark upon an excursion in a southward direction? Well, for one, it is interesting to experience a totally different environment, capable of supporting an array of interesting plants.
Then there is the wildlife. Southern Arkansas provides a habitat where native wildlife can thrive. Many of the critters we find right here in our neck of the woods flourish in southern Arkansas.
But there are also a few animals roaming throughout this particular section of the state which we hardly see in the Ouachitas. In fact, there are those that evidently cannot survive in the mountains that we call home. I have seen a couple of barn owls from south Arkansas, and I always have hopes of happening upon a coral snake during my southward journeys.
Although the lakes are not remotely as clear as our area lakes, that’s no indication they lack as fisheries. In fact, these shallow impoundments provide the perfect habitat for the Florida strain of largemouth bass to thrive. In turn, some of these bodies of water are renowned for coughing up trophies on a consistent basis.
OK, I am confident that I have mentioned more than enough perks to deem a trip to southern Arkansas worthy. That all being said, this section of the state also has its little hidden treasures that are far different from what one might consider as the norm. In fact, there is one location nestled in the tailwaters of White Oak Lake that I, personally, consider one of the more intriguing outdoor destinations in the entire state.
This short section of stream shows a striking resemblance to one of the Wonders of the World. Although not remotely as vast, this section of land referred to as “The Little Grand Canyon” is certainly worth visiting.
And unlike the huge gorge out West, one can actually arrive at the Arkansas destination during the morning hours, take in the scenery, and be sitting at a restaurant in a nearby town for lunch.
The destination is relatively easy to find. From Hot Springs, travel south on Highway 7 and head west (right) on Interstate
30 at Caddo Valley. Remain on the interstate for 15 miles and take Exit 63, onto Highway 53 to Gurdon.
Travel 5.2 miles on 53 and take a right onto Elm Street. Go nine-tenths of a mile and take a left onto West Main. Travel
11 miles and take a left (east) at the Highway 24 junction. Drive
8.7 miles and take a right onto Ouachita Road 332. Remain on the county road for one mile, where you will reach your destination shortly after crossing the White Oak Lake Dam.
Once parking at the wide spot, the destination is only a few hundred yards straight ahead. However, prior to striking out along the trail leading to the miniature gorge, one might consider embarking upon a short walk along the road to the left. Although the road makes a fairly steep descent to the bottom of the hill, those who are willing to make the ascent back to the parking area will be privy to a beautiful scene just below the spillway of the lake.
In fact, the creek pours over a section of the old bridge, producing somewhat of a waterfall. Of course, this waterfall is not a natural occurrence, and it is certainly not tall. But bear in mind that we are in the southern section of the state. So when it comes to waterfalls, we had better take what we can get.
Once arriving back at the parking area, simply strike out along the trails running alongside the shelf overlooking the stream. Although the path makes its way through a predominantly wooded area, it will meander to a couple of vistas overlooking the gorge below. The view of the drainage area from above is impressive. In fact, it lends to a totally different perspective than what awaits at the water’s edge.
There are steep trails at practically every vista leading down into the drainage area, However, I would strongly suggest remaining on the shelf, as the trail eventually leads to a spot where one can easily follow the beaten path to the water’s edge.
The terrain strongly resembles sandstone from above. However, it appears to be more of a clay/shell substance once reaching the formations. Regardless of the substrate’s content, one thing is for certain — the formations are a result of many years of erosion.
The small creek winding and cutting its way through the bottom of the gorge appears to be fairly deep. That in mind, I would suspect that a few native fish might thrive in these waters. However, I didn’t notice any indications that anglers had been frequenting the drainage area.
The gorge is simply beautiful. And it’s certainly intriguing. I’m not one to let grass grow under my feet, but this a place where I could simply sit down and savor the scenery.
Although the gorge is the highlight of the excursion, turn left upon returning to the trail, in lieu of taking a right and backtracking to the vehicle. The trail makes its way along an old roadbed for a while and eventually turns right, leading into yet another area that provides somewhat of an interesting scene.
Although unsure, I would suspect that this particular clearing is a result of heavy equipment. Regardless of why this spot is barren of timber it, too, has been shaped throughout the years by heavy rains.
The grooves cut in this particular section of land are not remotely as prominent or as deep as they are in the section referred to as the Little Grand Canyon. But they are still interesting to see. In fact, I am actually considering a future excursion to this destination during a time when heavy precipitation is in the forecast.
Although dry during normal conditions, I would suspect that the scene is totally different when surface water is rushing down the slight ascent and is cutting its way into the substrate.
Simply continue through the large opening to the road that we originally followed to the parking area, where we will take a right and embark upon a short jaunt back to the vehicle.
The tour of the Little Grand Canyon will be concluded upon reaching the road. However, the view of the nearby lake will lend to yet one more opportunity to savor this beautiful little spot nestled in southern Arkansas.
I’m confident that those who visit the Little Grand Canyon will agree that it is far from the norm in the southern section of the state. And I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if one shares my sentiments that this is a destination that will surely beckon my presence again in the future.