Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-Record. Today, Deary writes about Moro Bay State Park.
While recently kicking around in southern Arkansas, I opted to stop in at Moro Bay State Park. Although aware of the facility, I had never really put a lot of thought into a visit. And upon checking it out first hand, I was pleasantly surprised.
Located on the banks of the Ouachita River, the state park provides a beautiful setting, a rich history and plenty to keep one occupied and entertained.
Nestled on the water's edge, the park is a great destination for fishing enthusiasts. With that in mind, the state park offers boat and motor rentals. The park store, located at the Visitor Center, stocks a few of the more popular and productive artificial lures for these type of waters, and also carries live bait.
According to the state employee working at the park store, it's not uncommon for visitors to see their fair share of fishing success. Bass, bream, crappie and catfish are all abundant in these waters.
Although I didn't have a chance to actually rent a boat and tour the waters during my recent visit, I did take a stroll out on the dock. Judging from the view, one doesn't have to travel to far to find the optimal habitat for these fish species to thrive.
Within sight of the floating structure, cypress trees stood in and near the water's edge. Although torrential rains had recently swollen the river, I would suspect fishing would be good in the area, even at normal levels.
Hunting is not allowed within the perimeters of the facility's property lines, although hunters often utilize Moro Bay as a base camp. Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge is only 18 miles south of the state park, deeming the facility a great location to enjoy a few of the essential amenities of home between hunts. The only prerequisite is to keep their firearms cased while on state park property.
Those considering using Moro Bay as a base camp while hunting Felthensal are apt to experience an enjoyable outing. The NWA is bountiful with whitetail deer. Turkey squirrels and rabbits are also abundant on these grounds, and folks show up by the droves during waterfowl seasons.
But one doesn't have to be an avid angler or hunter to enjoy a stay at this particular state park. In fact, this is a great destination for those who find pleasure in animal watching.
As does the nearby NWA, Moro Bay State Park plays host to an array of native wildlife. One is apt to see ducks and other water-loving birds feeding and going about their everyday rituals within sight of the shoreline.
But a boat or kayak rental might also be considered. From a watercraft, a nature lover will have the opportunity to stray a little farther from civilization, where they might happen upon critters that are more reclusive. During the winter months, migratory birds are likely bountiful and don't be surprised if an excursion along the waterway lends to an eagle spotting or two.
As for wildlife watching from the state park grounds, deer are plentiful throughout the southern section of the state. An array of other mammals, including foxes, raccoons, opossums, squirrels and rabbits frequent the park, as well.
One would suspect that reptiles and amphibians are plentiful throughout the spring, summer and fall. Water snakes, cottonmouths and frogs surely utilize the river. And an abundance of their kin can likely be found in the habitats they most desire.
The bird watcher should find plenty to keep them busy for hours on end. Turkeys might frequent the area, and an array of song birds likely call the park home. It won't be long until migratory song birds came rolling through.
I would be most interested to see the birds of prey that fly overhead. Hawks would be plentiful, and the haunting calls of owls probably fill the night sky on occasion. And let's not forget the only mammal that navigates the sky, as bats will be zipping to and fro as darkness nears.
Located at the facility, Deer Run Trail is a 0.25-mile route where one might catch a glimpse of a few of the aforementioned critters. Although bountiful with wildlife, this designated route is best known for an unusual tree found growing within sight of the path.
A member of the hawthorn family, the Mayhaw tree produces an edible fruit. These juicy morsels provide the base for what many consider as a "fine jelly." The native wildlife also find the berries as a significant food source.
Also 0.25 miles in length, Low Water Trail makes its way within sight of some of the largest trees in south-central Arkansas. Birds and other wildlife are plentiful along this route. But due to a low elevation, this particular trail is sometimes closed as a result of high waters.
And now for a little bit of history. The park's location once deemed it a thriving town, as the Moro Bay Ferry site was a popular shipping point. Back in the day, the banks of the river played host to many warehouses. Cotton and other crops were stored in these structures. These good were transported via steamboat to Monroe or New Orleans.
Various private ferries operated out of Moro Bay from 1928 to 1947. But for the next 17 years Bradley and Union counties were somewhat isolated from everything on the opposing side of the river.
A ferry, operated by the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department, resumed in 1965. The ferry remained in operation until 1992, and was shut down at the completion of two bridges, one spanning the Ouachita River, the other crossing Raymond Lake.
The ferry has since transformed into one of the park's major interpretive exhibits. Although landed and closed to motorized vehicles, the ferry is situated at the river's edge. Visitors are welcomed to walk onto its deck and check out the control room. While exploring this exhibit, I found myself reminded of how times have changed during my lifetime.
Along with 20 campsites, Moro Bay State Park sports five cabins overlooking the water. These structures are furnished with all of the amenities of home, with two bedrooms, two baths, a great room/kitchen and a back porch. The cabins are open year-round. But one should make reservations before embarking upon their journey to the facility.
The park is also mindful of those who are more interested in spending the portion of a day outdoors and returning home for the evening. The facility sports two large picnic areas lending to ample space for friends and family to fellowship among Mother Nature. A large, covered pavilion is also available on site.
With more tolerable weather finally among us, this is a great time of the year to get out and enjoy the wonderful outdoors. And those who are planning an excursion to the southern part of Arkansas might consider Moro Bay State Park as a destination.
To get to Moro Bay State Park, from Hot Springs take Highway 270 east to Malvern. Remain on Main Street and continue straight on Highway 9. Go 31 miles and take a left onto Highway 8 east. Travel 15.5 miles and turn right onto Highway 167 south-Highway 79 south. Go 3.2 miles and make a slight left onto Highway 167 south. Travel 18.1 miles and take a left onto Highway 278-East Main. Go 4.7 miles and veer right onto Highway 160. Travel 15.1 miles and turn right onto Highway 63 south. Go 1.1 miles and the destination will be on the left.
Local on 09/04/2015