Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-Record. Today, Deary takes readers on a journey to Mount Nebo State Park.
I have experienced the pleasure of visiting all of the 52 state parks scattered throughout Arkansas. And I'll be the first to share that each and every facility is worthy of a visit.
Many of the parks are situated in areas of historical significance. And while others focus predominantly on the beauty of the state's bountiful outdoors, they, too, have an interesting story to tell.
In fact, several of the rock structures and trails that can be found within the perimeters of our parks today are results of a program that was implemented many years ago.
It all began during Franklin D. Roosevelt's tenure as the president of the United States. It was 1933, and the United States of America was in the midst of "the worst economic downfall in the history of the industrialized world."
The stock market crashed just four years earlier, resulting in the fall of nearly one-half of the banks throughout the country and 15 million unemployed American citizens. Times were beyond hard. With no work and no source of income, men were struggling to keep their families fed.
Hence the necessity for President Roosevelt's brainchild. The Civilian Conservation Corps program would provide outdoor employment to young men throughout the country and a means of putting food on the table. The program only lasted 11 years. But that was ample time to keep U.S. citizens on their feet until times improved.
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So what does this program have to do with the state parks? Well, it just so happens that many of the aforementioned buildings, trails and small dams that we are accustomed to seeing and utilizing at today's state parks are a result of their hard work and impressive craftsmanship.
The park we will visit today is one such facility. In fact, Company 1780-V made the 1,350-foot ascent to atop Mount Nebo in the early 1930s. The 186-man team brought with them skills, a willingness to work and 20 tons of equipment.
The mountain had been inhabited since before the Civil War and was already a favored vacation spot. In fact, a resort hotel was erected atop the mountain in the 1890s catering to steamboat passengers traveling via the nearby Arkansas River.
However, the mountain was designated as a state park in 1927. And it benefited greatly from the president's "New Deal," as a majority of its trails, cabins, bridges, and pavilions were built by these C.C.C. workers in the early 1930s.
So just what was it that deemed this plateau watching over the Arkansas River Valley of such value that it be designated as the state park? Well, I'll step out on a limb and suggest that pretty much anybody who visits this particular facility will quickly recognize its significance.
The view from the state park is hardly anything less than spectacular. One can peer to the north, from the visitor center and see for miles. Although the view from this perspective is impressive, even better views await within the perimeters of the park.
Sunset Point Vista is situated along the western extremities of the park and offers an amazing perspective of a distant Arkansas River winding through the river valley below.
Sunrise Point is obviously located at the opposing side of the park and lends to a beautiful perspective, as well. In fact, I cannot think of a better way to start one's day than being at this location when the sun peeks over the horizon.
Although incredible views are certainly perks, one does not have to bank on early morning and late evening hours to savor the wonderful outdoors. Of course, the view from these vistas will be impressive throughout the entire day. But one is apt to find a number of other activities to keep them occupied, as well.
In fact, Mount Nebo is also a great hiking destination, as 14 miles of designated paths meander within its perimeters. There are several spurs and connecting trails throughout the facility. But we will focus on the main and most lengthy routes.
The Summit Park Trail begins on the northwest side of the mountaintop and makes a 1.6-mile journey through moderate to strenuous terrain. The path makes its way down to Fern Lake along the same path that was used by guests of the Summit Park Hotel, in the late 1800s. However, the route was improved during the CCC workers' efforts.
The Rim Trail is regarded as moderately difficult and spans 3.5 miles as it circles the mountaintop and provides access to all of the other designated routes.
This particular path was blazed in the late 1800s. However, CCC workers were responsible for the additions of stone steps and retaining walls. Those embarking upon a hike along this particular path will be privy to beautiful views of the river valley galore. In fact, one will see the water route of the Trail of Tears that was used in the 1830s, as well as a view of a distant Lake Dardanelle.
The Bench Trail welcomes hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders alike. The route stretches 4 miles and lends to an easy difficulty level. The beaten path follows a narrow bench that served as a road during the early 1900s.
The Bench Trail makes its way through woodlands alongside Fern Lake and a historic spring while encircling the mountain. The path pretty much remains level and lends to several impressive views along the way.
OK, so what if one is not prepared to strike out on a hike along a designated trail? Well, that's no indication that this destination is not for you. In fact, the state park is a great destination for an auto tour.
I'll be the first to agree that one could travel every road throughout the facility within a matter or minutes and be on their way. However, I am also aware that this is a perfect location for viewing whitetails from the comfort of one's vehicle.
Does and yearlings are common throughout the park. And my bride and I had the pleasure of watching two huge bucks going about their everyday rituals just last weekend. In fact, we also watched yet another 8-point as he casually walked across the road and slowly disappeared into a wooded block.
Of course, Mount Nebo is a great location to embark upon a picnic with friends and loved ones, and they also welcome camping enthusiasts with 24 campsites. One should be aware, though, that the road leading to atop the mountain is steep and winding. Hence the reason for the recommendation that no trailers or RVs exceeding 24 feet should attempt the climb.
Yep, Mount Nebo State Park is a special place, indeed. And it is a destination I intend to revisit time and time again.
To get to Mount Nebo from Hot Springs, take Highway 7 north for approximately 62 miles and remain straight on Highway 22 west at Dardanelle. Go three-tenths of a mile and take a left onto Highway 155. Travel 4.9 miles to the park entrance.
Mount Nebo State Park is a great destination for those who enjoy spectacular views. - Photo by Corbet Deary of The Sentinel-Record