20 Sep 2015 Have an adventure on the 501 trails
Story and photos
by Linda Henderson
Arkansas is a land filled with hiking trails that wind up and down mountains, cross towering bluffs and descend down into canyons to waterfalls.
According to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, there are more than 250 hiking trails in the Natural State. These hikes include challenging multi-day hikes to easy day hikes to visit waterfalls, lakes and panoramic vistas. Many of these amazing and beautiful points of interest are right here in the 501. Hiking is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the state’s beauty and get a little exercise.
A few years ago, I was a lot more interested in the more challenging hikes, but now age and bad knees have helped me to gain appreciation for the less strenuous day hikes that the 501 has to offer. I tend to enjoy short interpretive nature trails and hikes of less than three miles. I also like to have a point of interest such as a waterfall or scenic overlook as a part of the trek.
Central Arkansas has an abundance of state parks and designated natural areas with hiking trails. Here are a few of my favorite 501 short walks and day hikes.
HUCKLEBERRY NATURE TRAIL/WOOLLY HOLLOW
Tucked away in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains north of Greenbrier is Woolly Hollow, one of Arkansas’ small, picturesque state parks. The park surrounds Lake Bennett.
According to Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, Lake Bennett was constructed in 1935 by the CCC and WPA. Lake Bennett was the first SCS watershed project in the United States built for scientific study of the effects of water run-off, silt and erosion control from a specific watershed.
Along with swimming, boating, fishing, pedal boat rides, camping, picnicking and a historical one-room log cabin, there are multiple hiking opportunities.
Huckleberry Nature trail is my favorite. The trail winds its way around Lake Bennett. It offers views of the lake and climbs a gentle ridge. The trail is rated easy and is 3.5 miles. At the end of the trail is a spillway waterfall and beautiful little creek with a foot bridge crossing. In the springtime the trail is lined with wildflowers.
FALL BRANCH TRAIL/LAKE CATHERINE
Fall Branch Trail at Lake Catherine State Park is another trail on the list of my picks. The trail begins near the campground and winds through the woods, crossing Little Canyon Creek a couple of times. It eventually leads to a 12-foot waterfall on Falls Creek and works its way back to the trailhead. Along the trail there is a suspension foot bridge that spans Little Canyon Creek. Little kids as well as big kids will enjoy the bouncy movement of the bridge.
The trail is approximately two miles long and is rated moderate. It runs along a ridge next to Lake Catherine, so hang on to small children or you might have to go fishing for a kiddo.
Lake Catherine State park is Southeast of Hot Springs. The park is built at the edge of beautiful Lake Catherine and surrounded by more than 2,000 acres of forest-covered Ouachita Mountains. There are lots of recreational activities available in the park.
COLLINS CREEK TRAIL/GREERS FERRY
Another very family friendly hike is Collins Creek Trail. This trail is a part of the multiuse trails system at Greers Ferry Lake at Heber Springs. This beautiful nature trail is approximately 1-mile long and follows alongside the Collins Creek. It features a cold-water pipeline spill over waterfall from the Greers Ferry dam. The water spills over rock outcrops to form pools for trout. This trail is very easy, and a portion is handicap accessible.
When we are out in nature, we follow the leave-no-trace-behind policy. Natural areas can be damaged if low-impact principles are not used. Stay on designated trails. If you take off down a hill and make your own, trail erosion can occur. Also, you are much less likely to get lost if you don’t stray off the trail.
Heading out to the trails for the day brings many benefits. A day hike is a fantastic workout and a great way for nature enthusiasts to enjoy the outside world. It also provides time in the great outdoors with your family and friends. So go outside in the 501 — you might just have an adventure.
HIKING TIPS
Plan a hike that is suitable for everyone in your party and let the slower person set the pace. Always hike with a companion or group. There is safety in numbers, especially if injury occurs.
Carry a small first aid kit just in case of an injury.
Let someone who is not hiking know where you are and what time you expect to return.
Carry water to drink even on a cool day. Drink often to stay hydrated.
Bring a few small energy snacks like granola, energy or fruit bars, trail mixes and beef jerky. These will help to keep your energy up.
Remember to carry your trash out. There is nothing like finding an ugly plastic bag or wrapper in the middle of the wilderness to ruin the natural beauty.
Bring and use sunscreen to prevent sunburn, even on cloudy or cold days. Reapply the sunscreen about every 90 minutes or according to instructions.
Always protect your skin against ticks and other bugs by wearing insect repellent.
Leave your flip flops at home — wear hiking boots or shoes that protect your feet.
Check the weather forecast before heading out. Dress in layers.
Carrying maps, GPS or a good guidebook while out on a trail is always an excellent idea. Keeping these documents in a Ziploc bag may also prevent a downpour or a dip in a creek from messing up your maps.
Carry a daypack, but don’t pack too heavy — keep it light.
Never approach wild animals. They may look cute and harmless, but they are very unpredictable and can be very territorial and protective. Look out for snakes, spiders and other critters. Watch where you are walking. Be careful when around leaves, rocks and any time you step over a log.
I love using a hiking stick or poles. These help to give me some stability on wet trails and reduce strain on my legs and knees when going up or down hilly inclines.
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