Arkansas State Parks Trip Ideas

Along the DeGray Lake Resort State Park's trails and throughout the forest floors, the humble humpback dung beetle (Deltochilum gibbosum) faithfully carries out its repetitive, rather repugnant, responsibilities without reservation. Few species in the park’s elaborate food chain can rival the curious, hard-working star of this short video and the unique “role” it plays.

For some, the idea of glancing at a screen while on the trail will never be appealing, and that’s okay. For the rest of us, technology has become an asset that allows us to bridge the gap between observing the natural beauty around us and immersing ourselves in it.

Each spring, DeGray Lake Resort State Park is adorned in an array of colorful blooms, some of which can easily go unnoticed. This photo essay is a tribute to just a handful of samples found around the park. See how many you recognize.

While we wait for cooler temperatures to come to The Natural State, here are the top 10 ways to stay cool at Arkansas State Parks during the dog days of summer.