Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-Record. Today, Deary writes about Cove Creek Natural Area.
It doesn't take long to conclude that Arkansas has been blessed with scenic beauty and a diversity of environments. That being said, I have been covering destinations secluded in the heart of our forests for in the neighborhood of 20 years.
Of course, I have revisited a number of destinations several times throughout my stint as an outdoor writer and photographer. But I still happen upon new locations from time to time, and it is exciting to know that there are still locations out there I will tread in the future, that I have yet to discover.
Some of the locations I have shared are well known and publicized. But there are also secluded spots that see very little foot traffic, in comparison to those locations where folks show up annually by the droves.
Generally speaking, these little spots are often my favorites; partially because I favor solitude. But these destinations also hold hidden treasures, on occasion, providing a specific habitat for rare plants to thrive and producing scenery that is unsurpassed.
Thanks to the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, many of these special little tracts of land are designated as Natural Areas and are protected and managed in a fashion that the habitat will remain. In turn, flora species that are indigenous to a very specific environment stand a great chance of survival.
It is also important to recognize that there is rare fauna throughout the state that is also endemic to a very specific environment. In turn, the aforementioned state agency can also be credited for protecting the habitat these animals must have to survive.
I have visited a number of Arkansas' natural areas throughout the years, and I must admit that some of these locations are not destinations I would even suggest to most, as they are sometimes small and have little to offer to those who are in search of hiking trails, water sports, or other outdoor activities.
But on the other hand, some of these natural areas do provide an atmosphere that is more conducive to those looking for a fun-filled outing in the wonderful outdoors. In fact, designated trails meander through some of these locations and scenic beauty abounds. And some of these spots provide an array of colors during the spring season when wildflowers are making a showing.
One must bear in mind, however, that it is crucial to pay close attention to the need to protect the environment, even at the locations where trails have been constructed. One should always bear in mind that these habitats must remain intact. In turn, we should remain on the trails and tread lightly during our visits.
My friend, Todd Frazier, and I visited Cove Creek Natural Area a few years ago, after learning that a trail meandered through the property. If memory serves me, though, the conditions were far from optimal. It was a cold and rainy day, which resulted in a speedy trek along the path and back to our vehicle.
My wife, Sandy, and I recently decided to make a short detour during a recent drive to Conway. Although situated somewhat off the beaten path, the destination was not overly difficult to find.
From Interstate 40 at Conway, we took the Highway 25 north/Salem Road exit and took a right onto Highway 25. Remaining on 25 for approximately 6.3 miles we then remained straight on Highway 285 north at the Wooster community.
Remaining on 285 for just over 6 miles, we then turned left onto Mallet Town Road, where we traveled about 1.5 miles and took a right (beside a church) onto Town Circle Road.
We then drove approximately three-tenths of a mile and took a right onto J.D. Road. Be aware that there are two right-hand turns in very close vicinity at this point. Just take the second road to the right, that is across the road from a red barn and runs alongside a field. Then simply follow J.D. road to the parking area.
The sky was overcast when we left home, but as luck would have it, a slight mist began to fall as we neared our destination. However, the temperature was far more tolerable than the day when Todd and I had visited the natural area. In fact, here is was, mid-December, and I was wearing shorts and a thin shirt.
The rain remained light, so Sandy and I decided to begin our excursion in spite of the conditions. Stopping and studying the information posted on the sign, I noticed that a small section of property had recently been cleared. Although uncertain, I suspected a larger parking area was in the works.
Striking out along the beaten path we trekked along a fairly level terrain for a short distance before crossing a small branch and beginning the slightest ascent. This section of the forest was interesting in the sense that it provided totally different habitats on the opposing side of the trail.
The section of land on our left consisted of what appeared to be the product of selective clearing.
The open woods and heavy understory provided what appeared to be the perfect habitat for whitetails to thrive. In fact, I was somewhat surprised that we did not happen upon a deer going about its everyday rituals.
The setting on the right was far different, as a heavy stand of eastern cedars took root in the soil. This too, provided a habitat that would prove conducive for an array of native animals to thrive. However, I suspected the open grassy area on the left would prove the most bountiful with wildflowers during the spring and early summer.
The trail then entered more of a wooded environment, providing yet another healthy habitat for wildlife. I noticed a number of oaks in the mix, which would serve a food source for turkey, deer, and an array of small mammals. The path eventually topped out atop a knoll, where we turned left and embarked upon a short jaunt along a spur trail leading to a vista overlooking Cove Creek.
The view from the overlook was amazing. However, one should bear in mind that a single misguided step from atop the bluff would likely prove fatal, as the rock face dropped what I would suspect exceeding 100 feet to the drainage area below.
Returning back to the main trail, we continued along the path as it began a slight descent to within a stone's throw of the creek's edge. This was also a beautiful spot, as the opposing side of the pool was contained by a sheer bluff. And although I have never fished in this particular waterway, I was confident that smallmouth bass would be lurking in the waters.
The trail veered away from the shoreline shortly thereafter. And although the journey through the riparian area was short, I assumed that this would prove a great location to admire wildflowers with the return of spring.
The trail then made its way across a rickety bridge and headed slightly uphill to where it intersected with the route we had trekked earlier, and we turned left and returned back to the vehicle.
Our 1.5-mile trek had resulted in a pleasant journey, in spite of the light rain. And I headed back home with hopes of returning and experiencing the walk when the upcoming season brings with it a vibrant green canopy and a substrate painted with colorful flowers.
Society on 01/12/2020