Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-Record. Today, Deary writes about Woolly Hollow State Park.
There are times when I strike out on a road trip with definite destinations in mind. And in turn, I have a pretty good idea of what lies in store. There's certainly something to be said for researching an area before embarking upon a journey.
However, there are also times when I find enjoyment in simply choosing a general direction without a predetermined destination. Of course, there's always a chance of spending an entire day on the road without finding a single spot worthy of mention.
But these unproductive outings come few and far between in such a bountiful state. We are privy to literally millions of acres of public lands, and there are a plethora of recreation areas, trails and scenic overlooks lurking within the perimeters of the forests.
There are also a number of historical sites throughout the state, many of which played a significant role in the Civil War. That all being said, there's something waiting out there, in any direction one chooses to travel.
We recently struck out in the direction of Conway, with a predetermined destination in mind. However, our plans went to pot upon our arrival, when we learned that the trail we had intentions of walking was partially underwater, and in turn, was closed.
So here we were. An hour and a half away from home with nowhere to go. We had traveled this far, however, and it seemed a shame to simply turn around and head back to the house. That in mind, we struck out in a northward direction with anticipations of happening upon a destination where we could enjoy an excursion in the midst of Mother Nature.
Heading north on Highway 65 at Conway, it suddenly hit me. We were only minutes from a spot that I had visited a couple of times before. I had enjoyed my previous excursions to the Woolly Hollow State Park. And although the visitor center would be closed, I was hopeful that trails, winding within the perimeters of the park and the lake that was on the premises would be opened for public use, in spite of the recent pandemic.
It didn't take long, upon our arrival, to learn that Joe Public was still welcomed to utilize the trails and lake. And judging from the number of cars in the parking areas, there were a number of other people who shared our longing to get out and savor the wonderful outdoors.
Parking near the lake, we watched as a number of folks cast their lines into the body of water. And although it didn't appear that anybody was experiencing success, they were obviously enjoying the opportunity to spend time in an environment where the springtime air was fresh, and there was ample space to practice social distancing.
The visitor center was closed. And in turn, kayak rentals were not available. But people appeared to be happy with simply spending time along the shoreline.
The swimming and camping area was also closed until further notice. But with a little luck, the COVID-19 scare will soon be behind us, and these services will be offered again in the near future. In fact, I suspect at least a portion of the campsites will be opened to those who are willing to follow specific guidelines prior to the time when this article hits the press.
Although unsure of how the camping situation will be handled during the weeks to come, But folks will be privy to choosing from 30 Class AAA campsites when the facility eventually returns to its normal operations. Each of these sites is equipped with water, sewer and dual electrical hookups, as well as a table and grill. A bath house is also situated nearby. However, it will also be closed until a later date.
There are also 10 Class D sites within the perimeters of the park. However, I am unsure if these sites are presently open to the public. That being said, I would strongly suggest contacting the state park at 501-679-2098 prior to making any plans to embark upon an overnighter at the facility. In fact, I would contact any state park prior to making any big plans.
Although I enjoyed watching as folks cast into the lake's waters, our plans were to embark upon a jaunt into the forest. And fortunately, none of the trails were barricaded. they were all open.
We benefited from a couple of options. The Huckleberry Nature Trail winds 3.5 miles during its journey around Lake Bennet. The beaten path makes its way through a forested area and was originally built in the mid-1930s as a Civil Conservation Corps project. The route was restored in 1981 by the Youth Conservation Corps.
Although this particular route was inviting, we chose to embark upon a jaunt beginning at an old cabin that actually stood less than a mile from the park, at the Woolly Family Homestead, and was eventually moved to and restored at the location where it sits today.
The log structure was originally built in 1882 by Martin Alfred Woolly, whose family arrived in Arkansas in 1851. The cabin was moved to its present site in 1975.
After taking in the beautiful setting and reading the interpretive sign in the front yard, we struck out along the trail running beside the structure and entering the woods. The Cabin Trail is only a half-mile in length. But fortunately, the route intersects with the Huckleberry Nature Trail.
Although somewhat short in the distance the Cabin Trail lends to a pleasurable walk, making a slight ascent to atop a knoll. The path makes its way through a predominantly hardwood forest and alongside a field for a short distance. Although we didn't notice any critters during our excursion, I would suspect that it is not uncommon to see native wildlife going about their everyday rituals within sight of the route on occasion.
The route eventually wound around and ended at the intersection of the Huckleberry Trail. Of course, one could simply turn around and backtrack to the vehicle at this point. However, I would suggest turning left at the intersection and taking in the same route as we chose during our recent visit. In fact, the jaunt back was hardly longer than it would be to backtrack, if any at all.
Once turning onto the Huckleberry Trail, we traveled a very short distance and turned right at the intersection of the Gold Creek Loop. The beaten path makes a slight descent to and runs alongside the small branch for a while prior to veering back to the right and leaving the water behind.
I noticed a number of wildflowers making a showing along this particular section of the half-mile route. And I would suspect that various plants will continue to make a showing in this fertile area throughout the next few months.
The trail eventually tied back into the pavement, where we turned right and embarked upon a short jaunt back to the parking area where the walk had originated. Arriving back at the vehicle, I couldn't help but ponder how blessed we have been during this pandemic to have locations where we can still get out and take in fresh air. And although I have always had a healthy respect for Arkansas' State Parks system, I left Woolly Hollow with even a better understanding of how blessed we are to live in this great state.
To get to the Woolly Hollow State Park, take Exit 125 off Interstate 40, at Conway. Travel north for 12 miles on Highway 65 and take a right onto Highway 285 just north of Greenbrier. Remain on 285 for 6 miles and the park's entrance will be on the left.
Local on 05/17/2020