December a great time to get out and enjoy the outdoors
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.
In the midst of the holiday season, many have already enjoyed a couple of extra days off. And as Christmas and New Year’s Day draw near, we are anticipating even more paid holidays.
Granted, the winter solstice nears, and we can expect that the average temperatures will continue to drop. And in turn, some folks will be more than happy to spend their days off kicked back in the comfort of their homes.
But one would also suspect that daytime highs are still apt to reach the mid to upper 50s on occasion. Heck, they might even creep into the 60s, from time to time.
The month of December is a great time to get out and enjoy a stint in the wonderful outdoors. Even on the coldest days, those who are willing to dress accordingly will find plenty to see and do as 2023 winds down.
I can think of several outdoor opportunities lurking right here in our backyards. And a visit to the Lake Ouachita State Park is at the top of the list. The facility is conveniently located a short drive from Hot Springs and is situated in a beautiful setting. And as for something to do, those who enjoy kicking around in the outdoors shouldn’t have any problems keeping themselves occupied.
Let’s begin with the trail systems winding within the perimeters of the park. The Dogwood Trail is only 0.5 miles in length and lends to a casual walk through the national forest. The difficulty level of the designated path is rated as easy.
Of course, this route would prove perfect for those who are not physically prepared for a more lengthy and rigorous trek through the forest. However, even those who are capable of tackling a tougher route might also consider this short jaunt into the forest.
The Dogwood Trail makes its way alongside several tree species, lending to the opportunity for one to hone their identification skills, using characteristics other than foliage.
And those who tread quietly are also apt to see native wildlife unsuspectingly going about their everyday rituals. Of course, the hiker is most apt to see various songbirds zipping to and fro, within sight of the trail.
Squirrels are plentiful throughout the park and are likely to be seen, both on the ground and in the treetops. However, other mammals frequent the area as well. In fact, we watched a whitetail doe and two yearlings browse the forest floor within feet of the designated path just a couple of weeks ago.
One would also suspect that foxes, raccoons, possums, rabbits and other mammals occasionally meander within eyeshot of the trail.
Now let’s talk a little about my favorite of the two trails that meander through the park. The Caddo Bend Trail consists of a 4-mile loop and is noticeably more strenuous than the aforementioned route. However, those who are up for the walk will likely find the experience well worth their efforts. The trail begins near the park amphitheater and enters a terrain where boulder fields and quartz are plentiful.
The route makes its way within sight of and often parallels the shoreline, lending to photo opts galore. The path continues over and around knolls, eventually making its way to an overlook situated at the end of a long and wooded point.
The view from the point is impressive. In fact, this would prove a great spot from where one might simply kick back, catch their breath and take in the scenery.
From the observation deck, the trail heads back in the direction of the parking area, along the opposing side of the point. This section of the trail also pretty much parallels and meanders within close proximity of the shoreline lending to even more impressive scenery, until eventually heading back through the woods, in the direction of the parking area, where the hike began.
The state park is a popular destination during the spring and summer, months and rightfully so. Situated on the banks of beautiful Lake Ouachita, it provides water enthusiasts with access to in the neighborhood of 40,000 acres of surface water.
Lake Ouachita is a popular destination for folks with an array of interests. Of course, the designated swimming area will remain desolate at present, but it is a popular spot during the warmer months of the year.
A majority of the boating enthusiasts have also hung it up until the summer season. However, the most avid of anglers will utilize the launching ramp throughout the entire year. And one should not be surprised to see duck hunters occasionally accessing the lake from the state park.
That all being said, this is the perfect time for bird-watching enthusiasts to embark upon a casual boating excursion. Although the state park marina does not offer boat rentals during the winter months, the state park does provide scheduled Eagle Watch lake cruises during the winter months.
In fact, these events are scheduled on Tuesdays and Saturdays throughout the month of December. Those making reservations for the Eagle Watch tours will meet and load onto a barge at the marina, from where a state park interpreter will lead a tour.
I have attended the tour on several occasions throughout the years. Of course, there are no guarantees. But seldom have been the times when the interpreter failed to locate and point out at least one bald eagle. In fact, it is not uncommon to see more than one of these majestic birds going about their everyday rituals during an outing.
Of course, most folks would rather not camp until the return of warmer weather. However, those of us who enjoy winter camping might consider the state park as a possible destination.
The park sports 93 campsites, in all, during the more camper-friendly months. And the 58 Class AAA sites will be available throughout the winter months. And of course, the bath house will likely be welcomed by all.
Those who are more interested in the comforts of home might consider one of the eight fully equipped cabins, that are on site, as are four camper cabins.
Of course, the cabins are popular. And, in turn, one should inquire about reservation dates prior to making any plans.
Yep, the Lake Ouachita State Park is a jewel situated right here in our backyard. Of course, it is a popular destination during the warmer months of the year. But those who are in for a winter outdoor excursion might just find the facility as “just what the proverbial doctor ordered” in the weeks to come.
To get to the state park from Hot Springs, take Highway 270 west to Mountain Pine Road/ Highway 227 and turn right. Travel 6.1 miles and turn right to remain on Mountain Pine Road. Drive 5.1 miles to the park entrance. Remain straight at the four-way stop and the visitor center will be on the left.