Cane Creek State Park a premier fishing destination
Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-Record. Today, Deary takes readers on a journey to Cane Creek Lake State Park.
The last two destinations I covered were nestled in the southeastern section of the state. That in mind, I decided to focus on yet one more location situated in the same vicinity.
The Cane Creek Lake State Park is comparable to its 51 sister parks throughout Arkansas, in the sense that it provides visitors with the opportunity to get better acquainted with the section of the state where they are located. However, each of these facilities also has their own personal characteristics deeming them special and unique.
Well, this particular destination also falls into that category. The Cane Creek Project is a result of the efforts of the Department of Parks and Tourism, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the United States Department of Agriculture-Soil Conservation Service. In fact, according to the state parks brochure, this is the largest cooperative Resource, Conservation and Development project throughout the United States that has been taken on by these agencies, as a group.
The facility is also special in the sense that it is situated where the West Gulf Coastal Plain and the Delta (Mississippi Alluvial Plain) meet.
The park is situated on 2,053 acres shaded by a forest taking root in a substrate that is common within the coastal plains. However, the 1,675-acre lake, which is adjacent to, and accessible from the park, is situated in the Delta.
The park is a popular destination, and for good reason. There is certainly plenty awaiting those with a passion for the wonderful outdoors. And those who choose to visit Cane Creek might consider stopping in at the visitor center and getting better acquainted with what the park has to offer upon their arrival.
Of course, a small gift shop is located in the Visitor Center. But those who stop in might also find the exhibits both interesting and educational. The exhibits focus on the diversity of plants that can be found growing within both the West Coastal Plain and the Delta sections of the state. The center also features native wildlife and shares the cultural history of the area.
Those who plan to camp must register at the visitor center prior to choosing their site. Speaking of camping, the facility sports 29 campsites in the midst of a well-maintained wooded area situated within eyeshot of the beautiful reservoir. A sanitary dump station is also located on-site.
Those who long for an extended stay in the midst of Mother Nature, but do not own a camper, might consider renting the 30-foot RV that is located within the perimeters of the camping area.
The camper sports air and can accommodate six people, and is partially wrapped with a deck. The unit includes a kitchen, equipped with appliances a microwave, coffee pot, toaster, cookware and ample dishes and flatware for eight people.
A television and DVD player are also part of the package. However, those choosing to rent the RV should bring their own food and bed and bath linens.
Although the state park welcomes camping enthusiasts, they are also aware that some folks would simply rather spend a day in the outdoors and return to the comfort of their homes before bedtime.
In fact, several sites are located
at the designated picnic area. Each site sports a table and a grill and is in close proximity of potable water and restroom facilities.
The group pavilion might prove a great location for a family get-together, and one would suspect that the playground is welcomed by both parents and their youngsters.
Hiking enthusiasts might consider a pleasant trek along the Delta View Trail. Located near the picnic area, the trailhead begins an easy to moderate 2.5-mile walk through a nice, wooded, coastal plain setting and leads to a vista overlooking the reservoir.
Biking enthusiasts are also welcomed to utilize the trail, as are they to navigate the roads meandering through the park. Of course, one can bring their own bike. However, one can also be rented at the visitor center.
Those who are interested in straying a little farther might consider a jaunt along the Cane Creek Lake Trail. The designated path winds 15.5 miles and welcomes, hikers, bikers and those who would rather strap on a pack and embark upon an overnighter.
The path makes its way through the woodlands, along the reservoir levee and even shares the Cane Creek Road for a distance. Those taking in this particular route stand a chance of seeing native wildlife going about their everyday rituals. And this is certainly a good time of the year to find native wildflowers making a showing within sight of the trail.
Speaking of trails, Cane Creek also offers guided kayak tours, one during the afternoon and one at sunset. And they even offer tours under the illumination of a full moon.
Of course, folks are also welcomed to explore the reservoir on their own. And I would suspect that those who choose to paddle these waters are in for an enjoyable outing, regardless of their choice. Of course, some will prefer to use their own personal crafts. However, kayaks can also be rented at the visitor center.
One should see wildlife aplenty from these crafts, as they can quietly be navigated through and in close proximity of vegetation and underwater obstacles where a powered boat cannot attempt to go. And of course, these crafts are great for fishing, as well.
Speaking of fishing, Cane Creek Lake is touted as a premier fishing spot in southeast Arkansas. The reservoir is rather shallow, in comparison to our local lakes here in central Arkansas, and sports its fair share of standing timber and aquatic vegetation.
The heavy cover provides a habitat where our native fish can thrive. Crappie sunfish, bream and bass are plentiful. It’s not uncommon for anglers to boat their limits. And the reservoir has been known to cough up a few lunker bass from time to time.
A free launching ramp is also located within the perimeters of the park, as is a bait shop. And those who do not own a craft might consider fishing from one the piers located within the perimeters of the facility.
Yep, the Cane Creek State Park is a destination capable of catering to folks with a diversity of outdoor interests. And I suspect it is a location where I will return during my next visit to southeastern Arkansas.
To get to the state park from Hot Springs, take Highway 270 east toward Malvern for approximately 60 miles, then take exit 44 to merge onto Interstate
530, toward Pine Bluff. Travel
6.1 miles and remain on I-530. Go 4.1 miles and take Exit 44 toward Star City. Travel 18 miles and turn left onto Highway 114. Go 2.9 miles and take a right onto South Lincoln Avenue. Travel 1.1 miles and turn left onto Cane Creek Road. Go 4.2 miles, take a left onto Gray Fox Road, and travel a short distance to the park entrance, on the left.