Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-Record. Today, Deary writes about Village Creek State Park.
I stopped in at Village Creek State Park a few years ago and was impressed. Several miles of trails ran through the 7,000-acre facility, and there were two small reservoirs, both of which had proven great fisheries throughout the years. And even though I am not a golfing enthusiast, I was impressed that a course was also located within the perimeters of the park. This was a location that offered a little something to everybody.
But this particular destination was several miles from home. Located in the Crowley's Ridge section of Arkansas, the facility would simply have to wait until I found the time to schedule a road trip to the extreme eastern portion of the state.
Well, I finally had the opportunity to return to the vicinity. And although we did not leave Hot Springs until midmorning, we still managed to arrive by the noon hour. And we had plenty of time to get better acquainted with the park before the day's end.
Although my intentions were to return with my kayak and fishing gear following my initial visit, we headed to the destination with yet another idea. Yep, we had our mountain bikes on the rack and were eager to give a section of their trail system a whirl.
There are actually five trails meandering within the park. The Arboretum Trail was only a quarter-mile in length and focused predominantly on the native trees growing along the short route.
The Austell Trail stretches 2.24 miles through a variety of terrain. In fact, sections of the beaten path make their way along some steep terrain, on occasion and meander along a few hogbacks, while en route to the shoreline of Lake Austell. As a result, the route's difficulty level is considered moderate.
The Big Ben Nature Trail travels about a half-mile prior to tying back into itself. However, don't allow the short distance fool you, as it also makes its way through some fairly rugged terrain and is also classified as moderately difficult.
The Military Road Trail stretches 2.25 miles and is classified as easy to moderate. This is a route that history buffs might consider, as it shares a section of the route referred to as The Trail of Tears.
Also known as The Little Rock Road, the route was completed in 1829 and led from Memphis to Little Rock. The historic trail was used during the relocating of the Choctaw, Chickasaw and Muskogee Native American tribes during the Trail of Tears. According to information posted in the state park's brochure, "It was also used by the detachment of Cherokee that signed the treaty of New Echota that led to Cherokee removal."
We found all of the aforementioned routes intriguing, and well worth a trek. But all of these designated trails were designed for hiking. That in mind, we were most interested in yet another path that cut its way through the park. That's right, we were focused on the Multi-Use Trail System.
Meandering in the neighborhood of 25 miles, the route consisted of several interconnecting loops. And this particular trail system welcomed bikers and equestrian enthusiasts, as well as hikers.
Some of the loops were geared more toward the avid and experienced mountain bikers. However, others were classified as easy to moderate. We were not familiar with these paths at all. And to be honest, our skill level was not remotely where it needed to be to tackle and enjoy the most difficult of trails. That in mind, we chose a 6-mile route, consisting of two loops that were rated as easy to moderate.
The route lent to an enjoyable ride. However, sections where horses had been ridden during wet conditions proved extremely rough. And we did happen along one long steep climb where we were forced to unseat and push our bikes to atop the ridgeline.
With the ride behind us, we continued our tour of the park. And of course, I was more than eager to return to the two reservoirs that had originally spurred my eagerness to visit this particular park.
I first considered renting a small craft at the baitshop, which is located on the banks of Lake Dunn. But the rentals are only offered on weekends during April and May and on Tuesday through Sunday from Memorial Day though Labor Day.
But the fact that rentals were not available during our recent visit really mattered not. I had no fishing gear with me at the time and was satisfied with returning to embark upon my all-time favorite outdoor activity, maybe this fall, with the arrival of cooler weather.
But it still made sense to kick around the water's edge for a bit and at least get a little better acquainted with the small lakes prior to embarking upon yet another drive to the destination.
Lake Austell contains 85 acres and is stocked with bass, bream, crappie and channel catfish. And it has certainly been known to cough up some impressive specimens, from time to time.
In fact, this particular body of water received its fair share of publicity several years ago, when an angler coaxed a 15-pound, 12-ounce largemouth bass from its waters. A Florida strain of largemouth bass was introduced to its waters in the mid-1980s. And dozens of bass exceeding 8 pounds have since been caught at this location.
Lake Dunn is a tad smaller than Lake Austell, but is also known for producing some impressive bass. Largemouths are but one of the species that have been known to grow to impressive statures in this body of water.
Some 30-pound catfish have been known to come out of these waters, and it is not uncommon to catch pan-sized crappie, as well. And one would expect that a few large bream swim within its perimeters, also.
Of course, those who enjoy a day in the outdoors and would rather return home for the night can find plenty to keep them occupied at Village Creek. But the facility is also geared with those who enjoy extended stays amongst Mother Nature in mind, as well.
In fact, the facility sports 96 campsites near lake Dunn, 24 of which are "Premium" class A sites. There are also 67 "Standard" class B sites at the park, all of which sport electricity and water hookups.
Those who long for more of a homelike setting might be interested in renting one of the 10 cabins that are located at Village Creek. The cabins are fully furnished, including kitchen utensils and linens.
Yep, the Lake Village State Park is a special location where just about anybody with a passion for the outdoors can find something to keep them occupied. And although I'll likely return to this destination with my bike on the rack, I'll surely have my yak secured atop the rig with anticipation of tying into one of those lunkers which swim within the perimeters of its fertile lakes.
To get to the state park from Interstate 40, near Forest City, take Exit 242 and travel 14 miles on Highway 284 north to the park's entrance.
Local on 10/16/2019