Crater of Diamonds offers three diverse trails
MURFREESBORO — In addition to searching for diamonds, visitors can experience diverse natural beauty by hiking three trails at Crater of Diamonds State Park.
Signs are located at each trailhead with a map and information on trail distances and unique features.
The first trail that many visitors encounter at the park is the Wildlife Observation Blind Trail, located along the entrance road (trailhead coordinates: 34.039301-93.674290). This gravel path offers a quiet 0.2-mile walk to a wildlife observation blind. Along the way, visitors may encounter native fauna, such as white-tailed deer, squirrels, armadillos and numerous bird species. The trail offers an easy 20-minute round trip walk. The park’s spacious and serene wildlife observation blind has bench seating and several openings for an undisturbed view of local nature.
Park visitors can experience the crater’s unique geology and history along Prospector Trail. This 1.2-mile graveled loop takes about one hour to complete and traverses the non-diamond-bearing portion of the Prairie Creek Diatreme, the volcano that erupted where Crater of Diamonds State Park is located today. A portion of the path served as an access road during the park’s mine evaluation program in the 1990s. Along the way, visitors can encounter igneous rock outcroppings and remnants of commercial diamond mining in Arkansas. The trailhead is located along the northwest edge of the park’s diamond search area, and paid admission is required for access from the visitor center (coordinates: 34.032203-93.670184).
On cool evenings, many visitors also enjoy the Little Missouri River Trail. Located in the park’s campground (trailhead coordinates: 34.0289-93.667217), this 1.2-mile trail offers an easy one-hour walk featuring an overlook of the Little Missouri River on the southern border of the park. Interpretive panels along the way highlight native plants and animals. Half the path is paved and is the longest wheelchair accessible trail in southwest Arkansas. The unpaved portion is also easy to walk.
In recognition of the important roles that trails play in the world, the first Saturday of each June is National Trails Day. This national event, coordinated by the American Hiking Society and trails community, is designed to unite muscle-powered trail activities with the goal of connecting more people to trails. On Saturday, many Arkansas State Parks will host special programs and events promoting their trails. To find the nearest event, search for #NationalTrailsDay at http://www.arkansasstateparks.com. Visit http://www.americanhiking.org for more information about the American Hiking Society.
Call 870-285-3113, email craterofdiamonds@arkansas.com, or visit http://www.craterofdiamondsstatepark.com for more information about Crater of Diamonds.