Crowley’s Ridge State Park near Paragould is Arkansas' fourth state park. 

The rolling hills of Crowley’s Ridge are part of the landscape and are among the park's distinct features. How this long ridge formed is an intriguing bit of geology. More about its formation can be found here. 

“Situated conveniently between Paragould and Jonesboro, Crowley’s Ridge State Park is one of the five original state parks in Arkansas built by the Civilian Conservation Corps,” said Chris Kincaid, Superintendent at Crowley’s Ridge State Park. “This park is uniquely situated in Northeast Arkansas. We have five housekeeping cabins and a wooded campground where folks can come to study distinctive flora and fauna, geology, and history. There are also other interesting historic and natural areas nearby within a short drive. There are five state parks within an hour’s drive from Crowley’s Ridge State Park, with Lake Frierson State Park being the closest. The Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum and Educational Center is in Piggott and Johnny Cash’s boyhood home is in Dyess. Furthermore, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center is right down the road and features many interesting and entertaining exhibits about the Crowley’s Ridge physiographic region.” 

The ridge is one of six natural divisions in the state and five Arkansas State Parks can be found along it, including Crowley’s Ridge State Park. The others are Lake Frierson State Park, Lake Poinsett State Park, Mississippi River State Park and Village Creek State Park. 

Along with geology, history is also a strong feature at the park. The park is located at the former homesite of a pioneer known as Benjamin Crowley and the park, and ridge, are also named after him. Crowley’s gravesite is also located within the park and a large monument marks the spot. 

The park was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, CCC, and opened in the 1930s. The CCC built trails and structures like cabins, many of which you can still see and also stay at at the park. 

“The CCC here built a group lodging area that is still in use today and is probably one of the most important features of this park and region,” said Kincaid. “This rustic area sits on four secluded acres of Crowley’s Ridge State Park and features a view of Walcott Lake. The historic dining hall seats 60 people and has a commercial kitchen. Additionally, this area has five bunk cabins that will house 12 persons each for a total of 60 bunks. There is also an open-air pavilion, a bathhouse and restroom, a group fire pit, volleyball court and horseshoes. Fishing and hiking are popular activities and kayaks are available for rent on the lake. This area is available for rent year-round and is popular for reunions, weddings, and retirement parties.” 

The park has two lakes: Lake Ponder, which is popular for cooling off at, and Walcott Lake, which is popular for fishing and kayaking. Lake Ponder also has a tie to the CCC as they dug it and the trailhead for the Lake Ponder Trail, which loops around this lake, can be found near the CCC Pavilion, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can read more about the CCC at the park in this Arkansas State Parks article. 

Lake Ponder is also the scene of a recent addition to the park that visitors might be surprised to find. 

“While the landscape here is obviously quite different from the surrounding landscape it is often overlooked,” said Kincaid. “This region has an incredible story as a geological anomaly shaped by wind, water, and climate. The natural history of the area is thought provoking and challenges the imagination. With that said, the recent addition of the Summer Splash Aqua Park is certainly a surprise for many visitors. Open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, seven days a week. Summer Splash offers an exciting challenge for everyone. It is located at Crowley’s Ridge State Park on Lake Ponder and is Northeast Arkansas’ premier on-the-water inflatable water park. The aqua park has exciting attractions including a climbing wall, the super swing, a bridge, slides, bridges, and inflatable hamster wheel rides. This site is designed to deliver high-energy fun, adventure, and unforgettable summer memories for the whole family. There are private cabanas and visitors can also enjoy a scenic lake view from our historic CCC Pavilion when booking a party.”

For more details about Crowley’s Ridge State Park visit arkansasstateparks.com/parks/crowleys-ridge-state-park.