Experience Crowley's Ridge at five Arkansas State Parks
By: Zoie CliftThe unique landform of Crowley’s Ridge is one of six natural divisions in the state. A way to experience this interesting landscape is via a trip to an Arkansas State Park. Five Arkansas State Parks can be found along it, including Crowley’s Ridge State Park, Lake Frierson State Park, Lake Poinsett State Park, Village Creek State Park and Mississippi River State Park.
Crowley’s Ridge State Park and the ridge itself are named after Benjamin Crowley. More about this pioneer can be found here. The state park can be found at his former homesite. More historical connections can be found in the park's ties to the Civilian Conservation Corps, CCC. The park opened in the 1930s and is one of the original Arkansas State Parks built by them. The CCC built trails and infrastructure like cabins and more at the park. More information about Crowley's Ridge State Park and its landscape can be found at this Arkansas State Parks article.
Lake Frierson State Park is Arkansas' 33rd state park. Lake Frierson is a showcase feature at this state park and fishing is a go to here. The small park, which can be found on the eastern shore of the lake, is located a few miles from Crowley’s Ridge State Park and is also near Jonesboro.
Along with enjoying the lake, one can camp at the park at seven campsites, including four for RV’s and three for tent camping. There is a free boat launch ramp at the park and fishing boat and kayak rentals are also available. Due to the close proximity to Crowley’s Ridge State Park, a venture to and from either can be done with ease.
Fishing is also popular at this small park, which can be found on the northern end of Lake Poinsett. The park, which is Arkansas’ twentieth state park, has a launch ramp and boat rentals and also 29 campsites to choose from. There are two hiking trails available at the park including the Great Blue Heron Trail and Pale Wood Trail, which is located behind the park visitor center.
Village Creek State Park
Village Creek State Park near Wynne is a versatile park with features that range from multi-use trails to a golf course. This is Arkansas' second largest state park so there is plenty to explore here.
The park has 96 campsites for RVs, trailers, tents, and even equestrian camping. For more details on camping here visit reserve.arkansasstateparks.com/village-creek/camping.Along with camping there are also 10 cabins available to stay at. Visitors can fish or paddle on the park’s lakes and there is plenty of trail terrain to discover that gives an up close experience of the landscape of Crowley’s Ridge. Outdoor activities include hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Along with exploring this landscape, visitors can also walk along a preserved section of the historic Trail of Tears while here too. This park is a certified site on the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. More information about this history of Village Creek State Park can be found here.
This state park is located on the southern end of Crowley's Ridge and as the name implies, borders the Mississippi River. The park visitor center is a place to start to learn about the park, which is located on two national scenic byways, the All American Great River Road and the Crowley's Ridge Parkway.
This state park operates through a U.S. Forest Service special use permit within the St. Francis National Forest. The state park has trails, fishing, kayaking, camping and access to three lakes: Bear Creek Lake, Storm Creek Lake, and Horner Neck Lake. Campsites are spread throughout campgrounds and camper cabins are also available.
Zoie Clift
Zoie Clift is a writer for the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.
