Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-Record. Today, Deary writes about Mississippi River State Park.
I've visited a majority of our state parks throughout the years, but there are a few on my radar that I have not yet explored. Those situated along the eastern edge of Arkansas fall into this category.
That recently changed when my wife and I made a trip to West Memphis. Although our scheduled event would pretty well consume the entire day, I had a plan. We could simply stay overnight and take the long and scenic route home. In turn, our journey would lead us within close proximity of several destinations I had been intending to visit.
Planning our route home was pretty easy. From West Memphis, our journey would lead us east on Interstate 40 for a few miles before we headed south on Highway 79. The journey would then consist of a 16-mile jaunt along a dirt road prior to tying in with Highway 49 north at Helena, which would eventually lead us to Brinkley, where we would tie back into the interstate. There was plenty to keep us occupied for an entire day.
Although anticipating the entire journey, I was most excited about our first stop. Having recently read about Mississippi River State Park, I was confident a wealth of interesting information and scenery awaited at this particular destination.
Arriving at the facility during mid morning, I was instantly impressed upon entering the Visitor Center. This park was clearly a group effort, as the Arkansas State Parks and U.S. Forest Service shared the building for office space.
After chewing the fat with a state park employee, we immediately entered a large room sporting several interesting educational displays explaining interesting facts pertaining to where the Mississippi River, Crowley's Ridge and the St. Francis National Forest converge.
Interactive exhibits lent to an opportunity to get better acquainted with the area. The interpretive stations touched on a very rich history, as the American Indians used Crowley's Ridge as a means of escaping high waters. But these hills, which are not common in the eastern section of Arkansas, also proved very productive hunting grounds for these natives.
Many early European explorers also visited this area, as the Mississippi River was a popular travel route. And this section of the state also played another huge role in American history. According to information posted by the Arkansas State Parks system, "In 1815, this area was the initial point for the survey of the Louisiana Purchase Territory. By the early 1900s, much of the land here had been cleared for agriculture and grazing."
With a little better understanding of Crowley's Ridge's history and the critters calling the area home, we struck out for a short jaunt along Trotting Fox Trail, which is located practically within a stone's throw of the building.
Although appearing somewhat drab during the winter months, the beaten path still lent to a pleasant 0.5-mile trek through level terrain. During the spring and summer, however, this trail would prove scenic and educational.
The trail makes its way alongside a large pond, providing ample opportunity to embark upon a little aquatic exploration. One could expect to find an array of reptiles and amphibians taking advantage of the habitat produced by the small reservoir. And one certainly can't rule out making a few casts into the water with hopes of success.
Native flowers are sown alongside the trail during the warmer months, deeming it a great hike for those who are interested in experiencing the diversity of showy native plants taking root in the soil. The trail was devised with plant life in mind, as a study in forest regeneration is the focus of the walk.
The interpretive center and trail would have been more than enough to deem the stop at the Mississippi River State Park worthwhile. But upon retuning from the trail I was pleasantly pleased when the kind lady behind the desk explained the park encompassed much more acreage than we had seen.
Located a couple of miles down the road, a camping area was nestled on the banks of Bear Creek Lake. Embarking upon a short drive, we were greeted by 17 campsites at the Camping-Beech Campground.
Fourteen of the sites sported water, electric and sewer hookups. Although designed with RV camping in mind, these designated spots would also prove a great destination for those who would rather sleep in a tent yet appreciate access to these utilities. Three walk-in tent sites were also located at this particular facility.
Located on the east side of the reservoir, Lone Pine Campground is designed with those who are more into leaving all of the luxuries of home behind. This section of the park consists of 14 primitive sites. Those staying at the Lone Pine facility will have no hookups and will be privy to nothing more than vaulted toilets.
Large groups were also considered during the layout and construction of the camping areas. Maple Flats Camping Area is designed with group camping in mind. However, this facility also lacks any hookups and sports only vaulted toilets.
The park also provides a day-use area. Beaver Point picnic area is equipped with tables and grills. A swimming area is also located on-site, as is a boat ramp. And those who might be longing for a brisk walk into the southern extremities of Crowley's Ridge will likely find the Bear Creek Nature Trail of interest.
Although not embarking upon an 8.2-mile trek along the designated path during our recent visit, I would suspect the hike would lend to plenty of interesting scenery. Of course, one is apt to see local wildlife during any season. And only a couple of months separate us from that magical time of the year when wildflowers paint the forest's floor with vibrant colors.
Now back to the lake. How about fishing? I was confident the reservoir produced its share of fishing opportunities after talking with the lady at the Visitor Center. But I grew even more intrigued upon actually seeing the lake.
Unlike many bodies of water in eastern Arkansas, I was surprised at how clear the water appeared. And judging from what I could see from the shoreline, the lake provided an optimal habitat for bass, catfish and panfish to thrive.
As the morning progressed, we eventually left the campground behind and made a lengthy drive along a dirt road to where we would conclude our visit to the Mississippi State Park at the confluence of the St. Francis and Mississippi Rivers.
While en route to our next destination, I couldn't help but ponder how much the Mississippi River State Park had to offer. Yes, it was a distance from my home. But it was also one of those locations I would eagerly visit again.
To get to the Mississippi River State Park from Hot Springs, take Highway 70 east to Interstate 30. Merge onto I-30 and travel east for 26 miles and take Exit 138A onto I-440 east. Go 10 miles and take Exit 11 onto I-40 east toward Memphis. Drive 62 miles and take Exit 221. Turn right onto Highway 78E, travel 14.7 miles and go left on Highway 79. Go 11 miles and continue straight on West Chestnut Street. Turn right onto North Alabama Street after 0.3 mile. Go 0.5 mile and take a left onto Highway 44. Go 3.3 miles and the destination will be located on the left.
Local on 02/05/2016