Mammoth Spring a state park, national natural landmark

The Mammoth Spring was once used to power a grist mill and eventually was used to produce electricity for the locals. - Photo by Corbet Deary of The Sentinel-Record
The Mammoth Spring was once used to power a grist mill and eventually was used to produce electricity for the locals. - Photo by Corbet Deary of The Sentinel-Record

Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-Record. Today, Deary writes about Mammoth Spring State Park.

There are a plethora of natural springs throughout the state. Some have been utilized as a constant water source, even during the driest seasons. In fact, there are some thought to have medicinal qualities.

Then there are springs that quietly bubble from the substrate in the depths of the forest. And although these particular water sources don't seem to directly benefit mankind, they are actually beneficial to our native flora and fauna. In fact, they sometimes produce a habitat that is essential to the very survival of rare and endangered plants and animals.

These springs vary in size. Some produce nothing more than a slight trickle, while others flow freely from the earth's surface. In fact, one of the world's 10 largest springs is situated in the northernmost extremities of the state.

Located just north of the Ozark town of Hardy, Mammoth Spring produces a staggering 9.78 million gallons of water per hour. Situated within sight of Highway 63, the spring is located only 497 feet from the state line.

The water coming from the spring produces the Spring River. Unlike most of the waterways cutting their way through the state, its flow remains consistent regardless of the season. And the fact that the water temperature remains at a chilling 58 degrees, even during the brunt of summer, deems the river a popular floating destination.

Mammoth Spring is recognized as a national natural landmark and was designated as an Arkansas state park in 1957. But its history goes much farther back than any legislation that might have ensured its well-being.

Settlers arrived in the early 1800s and formed a small village referred to as "Head of the River." A spring-powered grist mill lent to a prospering town, and the railroad rolled in and built a depot in 1886. The town's name was eventually changed to Mammoth Spring.

The town continued to flourish, and the Arkansas-Missouri Power Company bought rights to the dam that had been constructed by the Mammoth Spring Milling Company and built a hydroelectric plant in 1925. The company provided the area residents with electricity until 1972.

Many relics of the past are still standing at the park, lending to opportunities for visitors to take a step back into time when things were far different from what we have grown accustomed to today.

A number of years had since transpired since I had visited this particular state park. That in mind, I recently began researching other potential outdoor destinations which might be in the general vicinity. I had a list of four locations, soon thereafter, and eagerly headed out bright and early the following morning to the north-central section of the state.

Arriving at the facility by midmorning, we ended our drive at a parking area within a stone's throw of the aforementioned train depot, which is located within the boundaries of the park.

Although the depot/museum was closed for the season, I did enjoy the opportunity to get a close look at the caboose that was on display outside the building. I was also intrigued by the fact that the rails running within feet of the depot were shiny, lending to the conclusion that the railroad is still in use today.

The water source at Mammoth Spring State Park produces 9.78 million gallons of water per minute, deeming it one of the largest springs throughout the world. - Photo by Corbet Deary of The Sentinel-Record
The water source at Mammoth Spring State Park produces 9.78 million gallons of water per minute, deeming it one of the largest springs throughout the world. - Photo by Corbet Deary of The Sentinel-Record

From the depot, we followed a concrete trail that meandered alongside the large pool and eventually made its way to atop the dam that contained the water. I was somewhat disappointed that the pond had been partially drained in an effort to control aquatic vegetation, and would remain low throughout the remainder of the winter. However, my mindset soon changed when I noticed a nutria feeding on vegetation near the trail's edge. This was my first close encounter of this mammal species. And fortunately, the critter was not remotely alarmed that I was nearby. In turn, I savored the opportunity to capture several photos while watching it go about its everyday rituals.

The trail then made its way alongside an old concrete structure that was utilized as a jail, back in the day. Taking a closer look at the cell, I couldn't help but ponder how today's prisoners experience a walk in the park in comparison to those who were incarcerated during the era when this facility was in use.

The trail then ran alongside yet another building just before the path made its way across the dam. Entering the building, we were in the midst of the powerhouse used by the aforementioned electric company. The generator and other gadgetry needed to produce electricity was still on-site and had been restored to museum quality.

Easing across the dam, I noticed yet another nutria, which also didn't seem the least bit intimidated by human traffic. And after watching this little creature browse the clumps of vegetation for a while, we remained on the concrete path as it ran alongside the visitor center and continued to follow the contour of the pond's shoreline.

I suppose we could have stopped in at the Visitor Center, at this point. But I was most interested in reaching what appeared to be the water source, in the distance. Although one could not see the spring gushing from the earth's surface, I did notice turbulence in the center of the large pool.

Backtracking in the direction of the Visitor Center, I was more than eager to take refuge from the frigid winds that howled from the north. But there was yet one more stop before we entered the building.

Easing in the direction of an old cannon, I was curious if a Civil War battle was fought in the vicinity of this town. But upon reading the information posted near the gun, I learned that Mammoth Spring played another yet important role in the conflict.

Information posted on the interpretive sign spoke of the "Old Soldiers Reunion." According to the text, this is an annual event at the state park and was originally a gathering of Civil War veterans from both sides.

The gathering dates back to 1893, and folks would travel for many miles, via horseback and wagons, prior to the automobile, to share stories and fellowship. The Cannon is actually from the Civil War and was fired, back in the day, at the beginning and end of each day during the event.

Finally arriving back at the Visitor Center, I welcomed the opportunity to use a heated and well-maintained restroom prior to chewing the fat with the fella behind the counter. The state park employee was very friendly and appeared to be extremely knowledgeable about the small town's rich history.

Eventually walking back to the vehicle, I was well aware that this was a destination that was nearly four hours from our home. But I had enjoyed the visit immensely. And I had aspirations of returning again soon, when the temperature was a tad warmer, and I could include a float along the Spring River into our plans.

To get to the state park from Hot Springs, take Highway 70 east to Interstate 30 and remain in an eastward direction to the I-40 split, where you will travel east for a short distance prior to turning left at Exit 155 onto Highway 67/167 north toward Jacksonville.

Travel 55 miles and take Exit 55 onto Highway 167 north, Highway 64 east, toward Batesville. Travel 71 miles and take a left onto Highway 62 west. Go 2.3 miles and take a right onto Highway 289 north. Travel 20 miles and turn right onto Main Street. Go 1 mile and turn left onto Highway 63 north. Go 800 feet and take a right onto Oregon County 269. Travel two-tenths of a mile and turn right onto Frisco Lane. Travel 50 more feet and the destination will be on the right.

Local on 02/02/2020

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