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Arkansas is home to 52 beautiful state parks that showcase the diversity of the various regions of our state. Our state parks are free to visit and explore, making them one of the top attractions for locals and out-of-staters. Seeing all 52 parks may seem challenging, but it’s totally doable. While a whole weekend could easily be spent at each park, I’ll walk you through how to see all 52 Arkansas State Parks in 10 Weekends. It will be a whirlwind tour, so you’ll want to keep track of your favorites so you can go back and visit them more in-depth.
When traveling or participating in outdoor activities, I love to set goals for myself. When Arkansas State Parks launched the park passport program and later Club 52, which awards visitors with prizes as they complete their passports, my family was totally on board. The passport has motivated us to get out and see parts of the state we wouldn’t usually visit. This weekend, we’re exploring the parks in my home corner in northeast Arkansas.
Northeast Arkansas State Parks
This weekend trip will focus on these nine Northeast Arkansas State Parks:
- Jacksonport
- Lake Frierson
- Crowley’s Ridge
- Herman Davis
- Hampson Archeological
- Lake Poinsett
- Davidsonville
- Powhatan
- Lake Charles
Where To Stay:
Crowley’s Ridge State Park has 25 campsites, four cabins with kitchens, and one rustic cabin. It’s a great place to settle in for a busy weekend of sightseeing. You’ll want to book well in advance, but I always recommend calling the park directly if you want to plan an impromptu getaway, as things often become available at the last minute.
Crowley’s Ridge is located between Jonesboro and Paragould, so if camping isn’t your forte, you could stay at a hotel. Lake Frierson also has several camping spots available.
Day 1
Today, you will travel to Crowley’s Ridge State Park, stopping at Jacksonport and Lake Fierson on the way. After you set up camp and get settled, hike a trail, enjoy a campfire or participate in one of the park’s evening programs.
Jacksonport State Park – 2 Hours
Must See:
- Visitors Center – View the displays that showcase Jacksonport’s history as a thriving riverport.
- Courthouse – Jacksonport became the county seat in 1852. The original, now-restored courthouse serves as a museum and the location for many of the park’s interpretive programs. Note: The courthouse is closed Monday – Wednesday.
If Time Allows:
- Tunstall Riverwalk – This easy ½-mile trail runs along the banks of the White River and offers views of wildlife and a glimpse into why Jacksonport was such an important spot along the river.
- Fishing – The banks of the river are a prime spot for fishing. You can bring your own gear or borrow some from the Arkansas Tackle Loaner program available at the visitors center desk.
Read a full story on Jacksonport State Park here.
Lake Frierson State Park – 1-2 Hours
Must See:
- Visitors Center – Get your passport stamped and check out the nature exhibits in the visitors center. You can learn about local species of fish, snakes, turtles and more.
- Fishing/Boating – Lake Frierson provides 335 acres of prime fishing for bream, catfish, crappie, saugeye, and bass. Bait is available in the visitors center, and fishing boats are available for rent. The barrier-free fishing pier in the day-use area is a popular spot for shore fishing.
If Time Allows:
- Dogwood Lane Trail – This beautiful hiking trail is about ½ mile long and offers many wildlife viewing opportunities along with many different plants and trees. The trail gets its name from the many Dogwood trees that line the path, making it a top spot to visit in the early spring.
Crowley’s Ridge State Park – 2 Nights
Must See:
- Lake Ponder Trail – This paved, barrier-free trail circles Lake Ponder. A highlight along the trail is the boardwalk and overlook built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. You can also visit the log structure and pavilion, which house the concession stand and boathouse.
- Dancing Rabbit Trail – The Dancing Rabbit loop trail is one of our favorite spots at Crowley’s Ridge. This moderate hiking trail has some small elevation climbs, but the highlight is the two swinging bridges that are so fun to wobble across.
- Shiloh Cemetery – Visit the final resting place for Benjamin Crowley, the namesake for both the park and the region, and his wife, Catherine Annie Wiley Crowley.
If Time Allows:
- Swimming Beach – Swimming is available Wednesday through Sunday from Memorial Day through Labor Day. With the slide and sandy beach, it’s a favorite spot for cooling on hot days, especially for the kids. There is a fee to use the swimming beach.
- Spider Creek Trail – This mixed forest trail is ideal for bird watching. It’s beautiful in the spring, when visitors will spot a variety of wildflowers.
Read a full story on Crowley’s Ridge State Park here.
Day 2
Start the morning with a hike around the Dancing Rabbit trail before heading out on a day trip to visit Herman Davis, Hampson Archeological and Lake Poinsett. Grab dinner at the Lorado Grill, then return to Crowley’s Ridge for the night.
Photo courtesy of Arkansas Department of Park, Heritage and Tourism
Herman Davis State Park – 15 Minutes
This park is a monument dedicated to Herman Davis, who received several military awards from the American and French governments and was named on General John J. Pershing’s list of WWI’s 100 great heroic stories. The park doesn’t have a visitor’s center, but it does have a rubbing station where you can mark your passport.
Hampson Archeological State Park – 1-2 Hours
Located in beautiful Wilson, Arkansas, Hampson Archeological State Park boasts an incredible collection of artifacts from the Nodena site, a farm-based civilization from A.D. 1400 to 1650. The museum has a variety of hands-on exhibits that kids will find fascinating.
When you leave the park, stop by White’s Mercantile and grab lunch at the Wilson Cafe or The Grange at Wilson Gardens.
Lake Poinsett – 1 hour
Must See:
- Visitor Center – This small park is quiet and peaceful. Stop into the visitor center to get your passport stamped.
- Great Blue Heron Trail – The trail is mostly wooded and not too difficult but is not appropriate for strollers or wheelchairs.
If Time Allows:
- Lake Poinsett – Fishing boats, canoes and kayaks are available for rent and are a great way to view the lake. You can also try fishing for bass, crappie, bream and catfish. There is a fishing pier on the lake located outside the park. Ask for details at the visitor’s center.
- Hiking – Two additional hiking trails are not shown on the park map. Park staff can assist you in locating the trails.
Day 3
After checking out of the campground you will head west today to visit Davidsonville, Powhatan, Lake Charles before heading home.
Davidsonville State Park – 1-2 Hours
Must See:
- Davidsonville Townsite – Davidsonville was Arkansas’s first planned town and county seat, and the park pays a unique tribute to the town that no longer exists. Walk through the steel structures that represent buildings that once stood tall.
- Visitors Center – The new visitors center has several exhibits showcasing artifacts from Davidsonville Township and the ongoing excavation of the site.
If Time Allows:
- Scott Cemetery Trail – Visit this post-Civil War trail down an easy half-mile trail.
- Canoeing – Rent a canoe to explore Trapper Lake or the Black River. Canoeing the Black River includes haul-back service so advanced reservations are recommended.
Powhatan Historic State Park – 1-2 hours
Must See:
- Courthouse and Visitors Center – Lawrence County had two country seats until the 1960s. When the decision was made to move to one country seat in Walnut Ridge, the Powhatan courthouse was restored and opened as a state park in 1974.
If Time Allows:
- Historic Buildings – The grounds contain a variety of historic buildings that are worth exploring.
Lake Charles State Park – 1-2 Hours
Must See:
- Cedar Trail – This easy, mostly paved trail skirts the edge of Lake Charles and is a great way to see a large portion of the park. It’s also the perfect location for a picnic.
- Fishing Pier – Enjoy a stroll along the fishing pier and watch the boats go by.
If Time Allows:
- Nature Center – Open only on weekends, the nature center offers hands-on activities and learning programs.
- Hiking – The park has three additional hiking trails.
- Swimming – The swimming beach is a popular spot for families in the summer.
While we enjoyed visiting these Northeast Arkansas State Parks, Crowley’s Ridge and Lake Charles stood out as our favorites in this region. In the comments, tell us which park you love and why.
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