Crowley’s Ridge State Park: A little something for everyone
Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-record. Today, Deary writes about Crowley’s Ridge State Park.
Last week’s destination article featured one of Arkansas’ state parks situated in a beautiful setting in the northeast corner of the state. Well, this week, we’ll ease a little farther north to yet another state-run and maintained facility perched on the western slopes of Crowley’s Ridge.
Crowley’s Ridge State Park is saturated with a rich history, long before it was established in 1933. Let’s begin after the War of 1812, when Benjamin Crowley acquired a land grant marking the first pioneer settlement in this section of Arkansas.
The soldier remained in the area until his death. In fact, Crowley’s home site is situated within the perimeters of the park, as is the location where he was eventually laid to rest.
Crowley’s Ridge is one of the six original state parks throughout Arkansas and was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, using native logs and stone.
According to information published by the Arkansas State Parks, the Crowley homestead was “badly eroded.” CCC workers spent five years planting trees, building trails, and constructing Lake Ponder.
The hard work and persistence eventually paid off, as Arkansas sported yet another impressive facility that would withstand the test of time. In fact, some of the structures that were built by the Civil Conservation Corps workers are still standing, and are in use today.
The CCC pavilion is one such structure. Situated within a stone’s throw of Lake Ponder, the building sports a dance floor, a snack bar and a bath house.
The spring-fed reservoir is a popular destination, and rightfully so. Folks gravitate to the swimming area during the warmer months of the year, where they can cool themselves in the water and sun on the sandy beach.
Even those who are not swimming enthusiasts might find the lake of interest, as a portion of the water has been designated for pedal boats and kayaks, both of which can be rented at the park.
One would suspect that the playground is well-received by youngsters. And those who are sports-minded are likely to gravitate in the direction of the beach volleyball court.
I suspect I’m not the only person who feels compelled to make a few casts upon finding themselves in the midst of a body of water. Well, I’m more than happy to report that Walcott Lake is also nestled within the perimeters of the park.
Although I have never fished in this particular body of water, the word is the 31-acre reservoir is well managed and has been known to cough up some impressive largemouths and catfish from time to time.
A barrier-free pier is located next to the launching ramp, lending opportunities for folks to fish from the shore. Those who prefer fishing from a craft should be aware of regulations specific to this particular body of water.
That being said, this would prove the perfect time to share that only electric motors are allowed on the lake. Of course, folks are more than welcome to paddle, though. I suppose one is allowed to bring their own craft. But kayaks and fishing boats can be rented at the park.
Crowley’s Ridge State Park is also a great destination for those who enjoy a short trek through a beautiful natural environment. In fact, five different trails meander through the park.
The Amphitheater Trail lends to a very short jaunt, consisting of only a tenth of a mile. The path makes its way through the upper tier of the Belle Hodges Hall Amphitheater.
Originally built by the CCC, the designated area was designed to accommodate 2,100 people. However, only the first tier was refurbished during restoration and only 600 can be seated to date.
The Lake Ponder Barrier-free Trail makes an easy 0.45-mile loop prior to returning to the starting point. The designated path is paved and lends to an easy walk that is suitable for wheelchairs, walkers and strollers.
Those embarking upon a jaunt along the trail will experience a short excursion alongside a marshy shoreline, providing an optimal habitat for plants that prefer a damp environment.
Several springs can also be seen seeping from the ground within sight of the trail. And the CCC boardwalk/overlook lends to the path’s overall beauty and uniqueness.
Westcott Lake Trail spans a half-mile and begins near the launching ramp. The designated path makes its way across the levee and follows the contour of the shoreline of the opposing side of the reservoir prior to making a small loop and returning to the trailhead.
Although relatively short in distance and easy, the route lends to opportunities for hikers to observe wading and other water-loving birds going about their everyday rituals.
Great blue herons and kingfishers are commonly seen from the trail. And I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if migratory waterfowl frequent the area during the winter months.
Spider Creek Trail lends to a three-quarter mile trek during a moderately difficult loop through the park grounds. The designated path begins and ends at the south end of the picnic area.
The route meanders through an environment consisting of pine and mixed hardwood species, providing an environment preferred by native wildlife. According to information published in the park’s trails map, squirrel, turkey, whitetail and fox spottings are common along this particular path.
The route is also a great destination for those who might have an interest in viewing native songbirds. And several native wildflowers make a showing within sight of the path during the spring, summer and fall.
Dancing Rabbit Trail lends to the longest walk, stretching 1.22 miles during its historic jaunt through the park. The route lends to a moderately difficult hike as it makes its way through a wooded environment and across two swinging bridges spanning a deep gully referred to as the Dancing Rabbit Arroyo.
Of course, there are those who prefer nothing more than breaking bread with friends and family in the midst of the wonderful outdoors, and rightfully so. Well, it just so happens that the park sports a designated picnic area that is nestled in a beautiful and natural setting.
And those who are more into extended stays in the midst of Mother Nature might find the park of interest, too.
In fact, 26 camping sites are available throughout the seasons. Eighteen of the sites are geared to accommodate RVS and sport water and electrical hookups. The eight other sites are designed with tent camping in mind.
Crowley’s Ridge State Park is certainly nestled in a beautiful setting and is a destination that has something to offer to folks with an array of interests. The only prerequisite for enjoying an excursion to the facility is an appreciation for the wonderful outdoors.
To get to the park from Hot Springs, take Highway 70 east for 17 miles and take Interstate 30 east, toward Little Rock. Travel 31.9 miles and take Exit 143B to merge onto Interstate 40. Remain on I-40 for 1.6 miles and take Exit 155 onto U.S. 167N/67N, toward Jacksonville.
Remain on 67/167 for 123 miles and exit onto Highway 412, and turn right, toward Paragould. Travel 13.6 miles and take a right onto Highway 41. Go 2 miles and take a left onto Highway 168. Remain on 168 for two-tenths of a mile, turn right, travel less than 100 feet and the entrance will be on the left.