Lake Ouachita State Park abounds with natural beauty
Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-record. Today, Deary takes readers on a journey to Lake Ouachita State Park.
My articles have featured each of the 52 state parks spread across the state throughout the years. In fact, I have covered several of them on multiple occasions, as a reminder to those who are looking for an outdoor destination where they can get away from the hustles and bustles of everyday life.
All of the state parks across Arkansas are well worthy of a visit. And it just so happens that we have two of these facilities right here in our backyard, both of which are nestled on the banks of beautiful waterways.
This week’s destination is conveniently located close to our homes. But don’t think that just because this particular spot is less than any other location, just because one doesn’t have to drive far to find it.
In fact, I would consider Lake Ouachita State Park one of the state’s premier facilities. It is nestled on the banks of Lake Ouachita, a beautiful and bountiful body of water consisting of in excess of 40,000 acres of surface water and in the neighborhood of 700 miles of shoreline.
A lot of folks visit the facility to take advantage of the largest reservoir throughout the entire state. Of course, some simply show up to savor the natural beauty, as the lake is surrounded by national forest lands.
Others utilize the park as an access point to the water. Anglers back their boats in with hopes of a successful day of coaxing their favorite species into biting. And it just so happens that this particular lake produces an optimal habitat for fish to thrive.
Of course, bass fishermen frequent the reservoir, as do those with a passion for trying their hand at catching panfish. Local anglers are aware that catfish flourish in these waters, as do striped bass. However, I’m not sure that it gets due credit as a walleye fishery.
There was a time when one hardly caught this particular species on this body of water. However, this tasty table fare is commonly caught with bass lures, at present. And I have heard reports of those who are fluent at fishing for walleye catch them with consistency.
There’s yet another group of outdoor enthusiasts who show up at the lake by the droves, especially during the warmer months of the year. That’s right, I’m referring to pleasure boaters. And with many miles of waterway at their disposal, they are privy to opportunities galore. However, one must also be mindful that sections of the lake are littered with submerged standing timber lurking just below the surface.
It just so happens that those who visit the state park do not have to be boat owners to enjoy this body of water to its fullest. In fact, boat rentals are available at the marina, which is located within the perimeters of the park.
The state park also allows for those who are not necessarily comfortable with manning a boat, as they host several interpretive programs throughout the season, where folks gather on a barge and embark upon an excursion that is manned and guided by a state park employee.
Some of the programs might focus on watching the sunset, while other will lend to opportunities to see bald eagles going about their everyday ritual. The facility even offers the opportunity for folks to participate in overnight kayaking expeditions/camping trips.
Regardless of the purpose of the boat ride, participants will have the luxury of tagging along with people who are very familiar with the lake and are aware of locations where their objective can be most effectively completed.
OK, so what about those with interests other than fishing and other activities that are dependent upon watercraft of some form or fashion? Well, Lake Ouachita State Park has made provisions for you, as well.
Let’s begin with those who most enjoy a pleasant hike through the forest. Two trails meander within the perimeters of the park. The Dogwood Trail is only a halfmile in length and provides folks with an easy trek.
According to the park brochure, the route “highlights unique wildlife found throughout the region by interpretive signs.” However, those taking in this short loop will also have the opportunity to get better acquainted with various species of native plants and trees that thrive in an environment typical to the Ouachitas.
The Caddo Bend Trail is a popular destination, for both locals and visitors. This particular route stretches 4 miles while making a loop, following the contour of a large point. In turn, those who hike this particular route will be privy to several nice views. In fact, the trail leads to a vista, at the point’s end, providing a beautiful scene of the waterway, in a westward direction.
Although the difficulty level is rated as strenuous, I would not allow that to deter me from embarking upon a hike along the well-used path. There are a few climbs lurking here and there, but nothing that is daunting. The path does make its way through some boulder fields along the way, which must be taken slowly. But those who take in the trail will likely agree that the benefits are well worth the effort.
Those locals who have not hiked the trail in several years might find the walk somewhat interesting as the setting has changed noticeably along sections of the path, as a result of a tornado that rolled through a few years ago.
So what about accommodations? Well, the state park does not lack in opportunities to spend an extended stay in the midst of Mother Nature. In fact, the facility sports 93 campsites, many of which are nestled within a stone’s throw of the shoreline.
Fifty-eight of the designated sites are equipped with dual voltage electricity and frost-proof water hydrants. Sewer hookups are also included, as are a picnic table and a grill.
One section of the campground caters to those who prefer primitive camping, as they provide 12 walk-in tent sites. And although these sites are referred to as “walk-in” it is important to understand that these dedicated spots are in very close proximity to the paved parking area, lending to ease of transporting one’s gear.
Four cabins are also located within the perimeters of the park, lending to the opportunity to get away from the stress of everyday life, yet enjoy the amenities of home.
The cabins are furnished with electricity, one queensized bed, two bunk beds, a small table and a screened-in porch.
Yep, the Lake Ouachita State Park is a jewel situated right here in our backyards. It is not only a potential destination for those who live out of town, but is a location where the locals can get a taste of the wonderful outdoors, as well.
To get to the state park from Hot Springs, take Albert Pike (Highway 270 west) for approximately 7 miles and turn right onto Mountain Pine Road (Highway 227). Continue on Highway 227 for approximately 6 miles and turn right to remain on 227, just before reaching the previous location of the Weyerhaeuser sawmill. Remain on 227 for 5.7 miles to the entrance of
the park.