Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-Record. Today, Deary writes about Lower Lake Recreation Area.
Last week's destination article covered a 400-acre reservoir situated at the base of the DeGray Lake Dam. Since we completed our recent excursion on this small and bountiful body of water by midmorning, I thought it would only prove fitting to share a little information about yet another outdoor destination in the vicinity.
This is the perfect opportunity to write about a small U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recreation area nestled just below the base of the dam containing the lower lake. One could literally secure their small craft to their vehicle and be at this particular destination within a couple of minutes, providing folks with an opportunity to experience yet another environment -- an environment much different from what they had just experienced on the upper side of the dam.
A portion of the 6-acre park is separated from the Caddo River by a heavy band of trees and undergrowth. There are, however, two spots where the waterway is accessible within the perimeters of the facility.
A flight of stairs leads to a platform just below the base of the dam. The view from the platform can change dramatically in short order. Various volumes of water are released from the DeGray Lake Dam on a regular basis, which in turn, directly affects the flow pouring over the smaller structure containing the lower lake.
In turn, I suspect the current might prove somewhat volatile at this particular location at times. Hence, a set of buoys stretched across the river several feet downstream of the structure.
Water was obviously being generated at the upper dam during my most recent visit to the park, as large volumes of water were pouring over the lower dam and into the Caddo River. The scene was magnificent, but to enter the water at this point would have proved somewhat foolish.
Although the scenery at the base of the dam is impressive, that's not the main draw for all of the water-loving folks who show up at the Lower Lake Recreation Area by the droves during the summer months.
The facility also sports an access point to the river a little farther downstream. Of course, this is a great spot where people can simply wade into the river and cool themselves on those hot and sultry days of summer. But this is also a popular put-in point for those who long for a pleasant float.
The float to the Valley Street/Highway 7 south bridge takes anywhere from three to four hours to complete and is family friendly when water is not being generated at the DeGray Dam.
Of course, the current changes drastically when water is being released from above. According to the information I have been able to gather, there are no means of learning exactly when water will be released. But they generally generate on a daily basis between 2 and 4 p.m., which allows floaters ample time to get an early morning float in and be off the water before any significant changes in current.
Now for the downfall of the float. Although there is an access point at the Highway 7 bridge, there are no locations where one is allowed to park. In turn, one must either pay for a shuttle service at a facility just across the highway, or they can arrange for a family member or friend to pick them up at the launching ramp at a specified time.
Even those who are not interested in floating and swimming are apt to find the Lower Lake Recreation Area of interest, as the park offers other activities, as well.
As one might suspect, the park is a great location where one can embark upon a picnic. Seven individual picnic sites are situated at the park. Each designated spot is impressive, as the tables are protected from the sun via roofs. Each site also sports a grill and is situated a distance from the other sites.
Those wishing to plan a get-together with family and friends might be interested in reserving a time slot at the pavilion that is located on the premises. The structure is impressive, to say the least.
Although probably five small grills are located within a few feet of the pavilion, I was most struck by the huge rock grill located at this designated area. The pavilion is capable of providing shade for a large group of people and is located within a stone's throw of playground equipment.
The park also caters to those of a competitive nature. Evidently, the facility is a popular destination for volleyball enthusiasts. The sand court appears to be well-used and the net is well maintained.
How about playing a round at the 18-hole disc golf course that is located on the premises? Although I have never embarked upon a game of disc golf, it does certainly look intriguing, and the sport is growing in popularity.
This particular course was established in 2011 and makes its way through a predominantly flat and open wooded area. Although I had no Frisbee with me during our recent visit, I did walk the course. I could only imagine how fun it would be to play the game, but I did make a mental note to return during cooler weather and give the game a try.
Sections of the path leading around the disc course are also used as a fitness trail. This designated route makes its way to four different fitness stations. Each station is dedicated to specific exercises.
The first station certainly posed the greatest challenge. Although the situp and leg-over bench lent to little difficulty, the hand walk and dip apparatus proved a humbling experience.
Continuing along the fitness trail, we took advantage of equipment that was designed for doing body raises, reverse pullups, push-ups, curls and military presses.
The exercise equipment at each station was interesting as it was all constructed from metal tubing or treated 4-by-4s. Despite the equipment's simplicity, each and every station was extremely effective.
As for the trail leading from station to station, I was not so impressed. In fact, it was in need of maintenance. In all fairness, however, we did happen upon a couple piles of gravel that I suspected would be used to resurface the path when the temperatures became somewhat more bearable.
We were also reminded, during our walk along the trail, that with summertime conditions come those pesky chiggers. That being said, I would not suggest embarking upon a walk along this short trail during the next couple of months without first spraying one's legs and shoes with your favorite insect deterrent.
Despite a bait of chiggers, our recent visit to Lower Lake Recreation Area was an enjoyable experience. And I would suspect that out next excursion to this location will prove even more fun, as the days will be cooler and we'll likely experience our first try at pitching a Frisbee through the woods and from hole to hole.
To get to the Lower Lake Recreation Area from Hot Springs, take Highway 7 south to Caddo Valley and turn right onto Highway 390 just before reaching the I-30 bridge. Follow 390 for a couple of miles and the park's entrance will be located on the left.
Local on 07/29/2016