Devil's Den State Park
11333 W. Arkansas Hwy. 74
West Fork, AR 72774
479-761-3325
devilsden@arkansas.com
Hiking, backpacking and mountain bike trails take outdoor enthusiasts to wild backcountry areas of Devil's Den State Park and the surrounding Ozark National Forest. Sixteen cabins with kitchens and fireplaces welcome the more laid back visitor to the natural beauty of the park. A horse camp area and riding trails are also available. The park includes a group camp, pavilion, mountain bike trails and numerous caves and crevices for the explorers in your family. The longest of these is Devil's Den Cave (550 feet).
For more details about the park's riding trails, mountain bike trails, hiking and backpacking trails and caving opportunities, go to: www.adventurestateparks.com
Hobbs State Park- Conservation Area
21392 E. Hwy. 12
Rogers, AR 72756
479-789-2380
hobbs@arkansas.com
Arkansas's largest state park in land area, Hobbs State Park covers 11,750 acres along the southern shore of 28,370-acre Beaver Lake. The state park-conservation area currently offers two hiking trails, all-weather public firing range, regulated seasonal hunting, undeveloped access to Beaver Lake and interpretive programs.
Pea Ridge , National Military Park
15930 Highway 62
Garfield, AR 72732
479-451-8122
www.nps.gov/peri/
As noted on the National park website Pea Ridge National Military Park preserves the site of a 1862 Civil War battle that gave the Union total control of Missouri and led directly to the federal occupation of Arkansas. Some 26,000 soldiers clashed during the two-day battle, with Confederates under Gen. Benjamin McCulloch and Union forces under Gen. Samuel R. Curtis. The Confederate army also included about 800 Cherokees. Today, the park encompasses 4,300 acres and features a reconstructed Elkhorn Tavern, a visitors center, museum, self-guided tours and a 2.5-mile segment of the "Trail of Tears." Pea Ridge is located along U.S. 62.
The Pigeon Roost Trail
To reserve a campsite, call 877-444-6777
or visit www.reservusa.com or
www.adventurestateparks.com.
This trail is an eight and one-half-mile loop in a figure eight, giving the hiker options of four-mile loops or the entire route. This moderately difficult trail is excellent for beginners, scouts and families looking for adventure and scenery without having to travel a great distance. The trailhead and its associated parking area are located on Highway 12.
Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park
P.O. Box 306
Prairie Grove, AR 72753
479-846-2990
prairiegrove@arkansas.com
Prairie Grove is recognized nationally as one of America's most intact Civil War battlefields. The park protects the battle site and interprets the Battle of Prairie Grove, where on December 7, 1862, the Confederate Army of the Trans-Mississippi clashed with the Union Army of the Frontier, resulting in about 2,700 casualties in a day of fierce fighting.
Visitors can walk along the ridge and into the valley where the heaviest fighting took place. See wayside exhibits on the one-mile Battlefield Trail, or travel the park's six-and-a-half-mile driving tour.
Exhibits, tours and other programs describe the battle and its local effect. The park hosts Arkansas' largest battle reenactment on the first weekend of December, on even-numbered years. The park is on U.S. 62 in Prairie Grove, AR.
Withrow Springs State Park
33424 Spur 23
Huntsville, AR 72740
479-559-2593
withrowsprings@arkansas.com
Withrow Springs is a peaceful setting for camping and quiet river floats along War Eagle Creek. Canoes and shuttle service are available. Enjoy hiking, swimming, tennis, baseball and softball, the crossbow range and great fishing. The park has 50 campsites that are situated near a spring, which begins from a small cave in the park. Facilities include picnic sites, pavilions, a snack bar and gift shop.
