Arkwild summer 2015

umme r Sadventures

by Land, Water & Air

FEATURING

CAMPSIDE COOKING MONSTER CATFISH GO RVING BOAT & MARINA GUIDE

SUMMER 2015 arKANSASwild.com

2 | Arkansas Wild 存 SUMMER 2015

Purchase or lease any new (previously untitled) Subaru and receive a complimentary factory scheduled maintenance plan for 2 years or 24,000 miles (whichever comes first.) See Subaru Added Security Maintenance Plan for intervals, coverages and limitations.

Customer must take delivery before 12-31-2015 and reside within the promotional area. At participating dealers only. See dealer for program details and eligibility.

ARKANSASWILD.COM | 3

CONTENTS SUMMER 2015 WWW.ARKANSASWILD.COM ¸ FAcebook.com/ArkansasWild

33

SUMMER ADVENTURES 20

24

MISSISSIPPI MONSTERS

ARKANSAS RIVER BOAT & MARINA GUIDE

27

44

GO RVING

THE STREAMS LESS TRAVELED

46 SPRINGHILL PARK TRAIL

10 OUTDOOR ESSENTIALS 12 WILD THINGS 14 GAME & FLAME 18 FIN & FEATHER 48 TOP GUIDES 50 OUT & ABOUT 4 | Arkansas Wild ¸ SUMMER 2015

Go hammocking and kick back almost anywhere outdoors. Check out our “Summer Adventures” feature starting on page 33 for more ways to enjoy the season.

JASON MASTERS

DEPARTMENTS

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REBEKAH HARDIN Publisher rebekah@arktimes.com MANDY KEENER Creative Director mandy@arktimes.com EDITORIAL DENA WOERNER Editor dena@arktimes.com MEL JONES Copy Editor melanie@arktimes.com KEVIN WALTERMIRE Art Director kevin@arktimes.com ADVERTISING ELIZABETH HAMAN Advertising Sales Director elizabeth@arktimes.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES SALEE BLACK salee@arktimes.com BONNY GREGORY bonny@arktimes.com LESA THOMAS lesa@arktimes.com PRODUCTION WELDON WILSON Production Manager/Controller ROLAND R. GLADDEN Advertising Traffic Manager ERIN HOLLAND Advertising Coordinator

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6 | Arkansas Wild ¸ SUMMER 2015

• Voice-activated controllers • Fields exclusively for shotguns

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS BRYAN MOATS MIKE SPAIN SOCIAL MEDIA LAUREN BUCHER lauren@arktimes.com OFFICE STAFF ROBERT CURFMAN IT Director LINDA PHILLIPS Billing/Collections KELLY LYLES Office Manager SUSIE SHELTON Circulation Director 201 E. MARKHAM ST., SUITE 200 LITTLE ROCK, AR 72201 501-375-2985 All Contents © 2015 Arkansas Wild

ARKANSASWILD.COM | 7

FROM THE EDITOR

Get Wild.

PATRICK JONES

The Two Faces of Arkansas Summer

Summer is the South—more specifically, Arkansas. Let the planning begin.

An Arkansas summer has two faces. The first face is easy to look at, actually quite lovable. It’s the face of fully open, shade-casting green foliage and peak time for the butterfly migration. It’s a lush lawn and magnolias beginning to burst beautiful. It’s bass steeped in predictable, post-spawn warm-weather patterns and trails begging to be walked and biked.

The second face—the oft-considered alter ego—frankly, can be hot. It’s when sun reflectors mark cars parked on steamy asphalt. It’s the shock of going in and out of air conditioned buildings, and finding those same cars ready to curdle milk if you don’t get home in a hurry.

But here at Arkansas Wild, we embrace the second face of summer like an identical twin with unique features, ones that are equally loved. We embrace tropical mornings when a lift of the garage door welcomes moisturizing, Southern humidity. We cycle, hike and fish early, break for the afternoon, and then hit it hard again nearer sundown.

Summer’s second face makes sweet tea taste that much sweeter and lemonade more refreshing than any northerner could ever comprehend.

Beer, too, quenches that much more when the sun is high and temps soaring.

In this issue of Arkansas Wild, we highlight nature and outdoor activities that apply perfectly to summer’s two faces. For starters, you might learn a couple new verbs in “hammocking” and “yurting,” two pastimes that are gaining momentum in The Natural State.

We bring you face-stubble to whiskers with summer’s biggest game, catfish. We’ve got summer adventure in every form, from zip-lining and frogging to kayaking and canoeing, rock climbing and hiking to mountain biking. We’ll also introduce you to five adventure guides, the best new camping gear and AG Russell, an iconic Arkansas knife maker.

Dena Woerner, Editor dena@arktimes.com @denajill

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CONTRIBUTORS KEITH“CATFISH”SUTTON Keith “Catfish” Sutton of Alexander is one of the country’s most beloved and well-known outdoor writers.

He has written 13 books, including The Crappie Fishing Handbook and Fishing Arkansas. In 2011, he was inducted into the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame as a “Legendary Communicator.”

LAURIE MARSHALL Laurie Marshall is a freelance writer living in northwest Arkansas. When she isn’t writing, she can be found digging in the dirt, working with power tools or taking road trips with her family.

MONICA ISSITT Monica Issitt blends her passion for the outdoors into her writing and her everyday experiences homeschooling her two kids. She is a former wilderness guide, having led dozens of trips in the Western United States.

CLIFF LI Cliff Li is an outdoor enthusiast who is proud to call Arkansas home. He shares his love of the outdoors with his three kids through camping, biking and hiking across Arkansas.

CALVIN VICK Calvin Vick splits his time “field herping” between his home in Cambridge, Minnesota, and southern basecamp near Little Rock.

A member of the Minnesota Herpetological Society, he studies snakes, lizards, frogs and salamanders from around the world.

JIM KRUEGER Jim Krueger started floating and fishing in south Arkansas on the Lower Ouachita River and nearby lakes. In the 1970s he began paddling canoes and kayaks. He is a member of the Arkansas Canoe Club. He is a level II kayak instructor.

MICHAEL ROBERTS Michael Roberts is the editor of Arkansas Food & Farm magazine, Arkansas Made magazine, and the Eat Arkansas food blog.

ON THE COVER: Family fun begins at the yurts on Petit Jean State Park.

Photography by Jason Masters.

ARKANSASWILD.COM | 9

OUTDOOR ESSENTIALS

GOURMET KITCHEN SET EVERY UTENSIL FOR ANY GOURMET ADVENTURE A must for the outdoor foodie, GSI Outdoors’ gourmet kitchen set includes a collapsible mini whisk, cutting board, two-piece spicer, scraper and pivot spoon/spatula. Available at Ouachita Outdoor Outfitters in Hot Springs and Gander Mountain in Sherwood.

MSRP $39.95 www.gsioutdoors.com

DOUBLENEST HAMMOCK AND ATLAS SUSPENSION SYSTEM GET CLOSE TO EACH OTHER, WHILE YOU GET CLOSE TO NATURE Your all-access pass to relaxation sets up in mere seconds. Big enough for two and palatial for one, the DoubleNest hammock from Eagle Nest Outfitters (ENO) still manages to stuff easily into its attached compression sack. Agile but enduring, the Atlas suspension system weighs only 11 ounces yet boasts a whopping 30 combined, overlapping attachment points making it the ultimate in hammock suspension. Available at Hunter’s Refuge in White Hall, Ozark Outdoor Supply and Gene Lockwood’s in Little Rock, Beyond Boundaries Outdoor & Adventure in Searcy, Mack’s Prairie Wings in Stuttgart, Lewis & Clark Outfitters in Rogers, Springdale and Fayetteville, and Gearhead Outfitters locations statewide.

Hammock: $69.95; Suspension System: $29.95 www.eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com

JAVA DRIP SIMPLE, PORTABLE DRIP COFFEE SYSTEM Wake up on your camping trip with hot coffee. GSI Outdoors’ twoperson 30-ounce double-wall Java Drip is made of BPA-free co-polyester with a removable insulating EVA sleeve. Available at Ouachita Outdoor Outfitters in Hot Springs and Gander Mountain in Sherwood.

MSRP: $32.95 www.gsioutdoors.com

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MOONSHINE LANTERN THE HAMMOCK–SPECIFIC LANTERN Illuminate your campsite with the Moonshine. This versatile lantern hangs from your ridgeline, sits flat on your camp table or can be hand-carried to find your way through the night. Available at Hunter’s Refuge in White Hall, Ozark Outdoor Supply and Gene Lockwood’s in Little Rock, Beyond Boundaries Outdoor & Adventure in Searcy, Mack’s Prairie Wings in Stuttgart and Gearhead Outfitters locations statewide.

MSRP: $24.95 www.eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com

FRABILL BUTTERFLY NET SUMMER FROLICK MUST-HAVE Kids will love chasing butterflies, fireflies and grasshoppers with the Frabill butterfly net. This summer essential features premium, soft polyester netting, tubular aluminum hoop and handle. Available at Bass Pro Shops in Little Rock, Gander Mountain in Sherwood, Cabela’s in Rogers, and Walmart and Academy Sports + Outdoors stores statewide.

MRSP: $14.99 www.frabill.com

SPY ANGLER SUNGLASSES CATCH A TECHNICAL PIECE THAT WON’T EVER LEAVE YOU UPSTREAM SPY’s Angler sunglasses provide the performance you need on the water and the looks you want when your time on the boat is done. Discreet Hytrel rubber temple tips keep it in place as you start to sweat and their Happy Lens can help keep you smiling even if the fish aren’t biting.

Available at Bass Pro Shops and Teague Vision Clinic in Little Rock, and Arkansas Eye Care Group in Conway.

MRSP: $99-$149 www.spyoptic.com

PHOTOS CURTESY OF VENDORS ARKANSASWILD.COM | 11

WILD THINGS

COLORFUL CRITTERS OF SUMMER

BY CALVIN VICK

frog tured on the left; the gray tree Cope’s gray tree frog is pic

ARKANSAS AIRBORNE ARTWORK Arkansas’ official state butterfly, the Diana Fritillary is a large and beautiful species that lives in the moist mountain areas of the Arkansas and Missouri Ozarks. Males and females, like most species, can be distinguished by looking at their wings. The male’s wings are twotone, with black at the top and orange at the bottom. The females are radically different, being mostly black with white and light blue trimmings.

The smallish Swamp Metalmark inhabits, as you’d expect, swamps. This nectar-eating species occurs in northern Arkansas. The males have a pointed forewing, but other than that, both genders look the same. They are brown in the center and have oranges and reds on the tips of their wings.

The large Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly occurs in the deciduous forests of southwestern Arkansas. The sexes are nearly lookalikes—with wide black wings trimmed with white dots and the telltale swallowtail rear lobes—but the black on the female turns to metallic blue near the bottom of the topside, while the male’s wings change to a bluish green.

12 | Arkansas Wild ¸ SUMMER 2015

is on the right.

Have you ever looked out the window at night and seen grayish-green frogs stuck to the siding by an outside light?

Most casual observers would say yes, and probably assume they’re all the same species. Chances are, though, they’re not.

Arkansas has 11 different species of tree frogs (scientific name: Hylidae), and two of the most common tree frogs look nearly identical, not to mention live in the same neighborhoods: the gray tree frog and Cope’s gray tree frog.

Both the gray tree frog and Cope’s gray tree frog have intricate, light gray to light green camouflage skin patterning— important for hiding from predators. To tell the difference, note that the Cope’s has faint patterning on its back and head, while the gray tree frog generally has distinct black outlining, almost scribbles, on its back. Other differentiators are even more subtle. Tree frogs are common throughout Arkansas and are a vital part of the ecosystem.

You’ll find Arkansas ’ official state butterfly —the

Diana Fritillary—in the Ozarks.

DON R. SIMONS

STEVE BOSTWICK

TRAIN YOUR EYES FOR TREE FROGS

ARKANSASWILD.COM | 13

GAME & FLAME

C E O D I OKING S P M CA Dutch oven cooking elevates camp cuisine beyond burgers and dogs

BY MICHAEL ROBERTS • PHOTOS BY JASON MASTERS

You’ll be the envy of the campground when you cook up a meal in an old-fashioned Dutch oven.

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omehow, I’ve made it 37 years without ever using a Dutch oven over an open fire to cook a meal. I’ve done what so many do with my campsite eats—grill burgers or hot dogs, or even worse, eat my meals out of cans like some sort of savage.

But it finally happened, on a beautiful day right outside a yurt in Petit Jean State Park: I set a fire, I let it burn to coals and I produced a tasty meal right there with a 14-inch cast iron Dutch oven hanging from a tripod. Did I make mistakes? Most assuredly. But for feeding a hungry crew after a day romping the wilderness, I think a Dutch oven is a vital piece of camping equipment.

Dutch ovens inspire some real reverence among their fans. Arkansas has Dutch oven clubs, including the Arkansas Dutch Oven Society (ADOS), and these clubs hold cook-offs—Dutch Oven Gatherings (DOGS)—where everyone gets together to show off their skills at manipulating heat to achieve the result everybody wants: delicious food. Over on the ADOS website (arkdos.org), there is an encyclopedia’s worth of recipes, cooking tips and information about equipment, and I spent a good long while there in preparation for my Sunday stew.

Of course a stew is pretty simple, which is why I chose it for my inaugural dish. For experienced Dutch oven

cooks, things like pineapple upside down cake, yeast breads, brownies and roasted chicken can all be done in that cast iron kettle. It’s a fascinating throwback to a time before thermostats and knobs that make indoor cooking a snap. And of course, everyone knows that food cooked outside tastes better.

But no first time is without mistakes. At first, my fire was far too large, requiring some creative use of a marshmallow roasting stick to make things right. At one point I had the kettle too close the coals, resulting in a small (ok, medium) boil-over situation that caused some flare up and a general sense of panic in the camp.

But when I pulled my dish at last and took a taste, I was all smiles—it was not only edible, it actually tasted good.

And if I can do it, anyone who wants to eat better while camping can do it—and I guarantee you’ll be the envy of everyone around you when you set up your sharp black tripod and start breaking out the cast iron.

Interested in growing your own camp cooking repertoire beyond the burger and the dog? Bass Pro Shops in Little Rock conducts Dutch oven classes the first Tuesday of every month from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.—which is quite convenient, since they sell a complete line of accessories to get your rig working right.

ARKANSASWILD.COM | 15

dutch oven care tips

*Keep your oven dry: Cast iron cooks with a wonderful, even heat but it has one major enemy: moisture. After use, clean the oven as soon as possible and thoroughly dry it before storing.

Between uses, be sure the oven is kept in a dry place so that rust doesn’t give a nasty surprise during the next trip’s packing. *Oil it up: After washing and drying, apply a thin coating of oil to the interior and exterior of the Dutch oven, then wipe off the excess with a paper towel. Oil provides a good barrier against moisture, helping protect that rust-prone iron.

Campfire Beef Stew INGREDIENTS:

2 pounds chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes 1 paper or plastic bag 1 cup flour Salt and pepper Cooking oil or shortening 1 cup celery, sliced 1 cup carrots, sliced 1 large onion, diced 3-4 cloves garlic, diced 1/2 tablespoon rosemary, chopped 1 tablespoon thyme, chopped 4 cups beef stock (or if space is limited, use water and 6-8 beef bouillon cubes) 4 cups water (may substitute beer for 2 cups of this) 1 pound red potatoes, cut into pieces

INGREDIENTS:

1. Place flour in the paper or plastic bag, then add a generous amount of salt and pepper depending on taste preference. Add the cubed beef and shake vigorously so that the meat is well coated.

2. Add 1/4- to 1/2-inch of the oil or shortening to the Dutch oven away from the open flame.

Hang the Dutch oven so that it is 12- to 18-inches from the coals. When the oil is hot, add the meat and brown, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding. Set batches aside on a platter until all the meat is brown.

3. Add the onions, celery, carrots and all meat back to the pot and stir well. Allow the vegetables to cook for 5 to 15 minutes, until the onions start to turn translucent. For a darker stew, cook the vegetables until they begin to caramelize, approximately 20 to 25 minutes.

4. When the vegetables have reached their desired state, add the garlic, rosemary and thyme and stir well. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, taking care not to let the garlic brown. Add the beef stock and two cups of the water (or beer). Add the potatoes. Adjust the height of the Dutch oven so that the mixture simmers but does not boil.

5.Cover, and let simmer 1 to 2 hours, checking to adjust seasonings and stir every 20 minutes.

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*Wick it: One way to help combat moisture is to leave the lid slightly ajar on the oven and place a rolled up paper towel in the crack. The towel will act as a wick to keep moisture out of the oven. *Get gear: For the serious Dutch oven cook, investing in protective cases and carrying bags is another way to protect your cookware. A good cast iron oven can last a lifetime and beyond with the proper care, so protective gear can be seen as an investment in many delicious meals to come.

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ARKANSASWILD.COM | 17

FIN & FEATHER

L L E S K S N U I R VES .

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BY LAURIE MARSHALL

Arkansas Beginnings:

When A.G. Russell was a small boy in Eudora, Arkansas, his grandfather taught him to make knives. By the early 1960s, he launched a successful business selling his handcrafted blades by mail order.

Located:

A.G. Russell Knives is headquartered in Rogers, along Interstate 49. Online at www.agrussell.com.

Pioneer:

Russell also founded the Knifemakers’ Guild and the Knife Collectors’ Club—both the first organizations of their kind. He was also the first person inducted into the Knife Digest Cutlery Hall of Fame in 1974.

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The A. G. Russell™ Shopmade™ California Bowie is a beautiful handmade knife that is made in the A. G. Russell™ shop in Rogers. The design is by A. G. Russell as a tribute to the “English” style Bowies made by knifemaker Ed Henry in the 1960s and 1970s.

The 8 1/2-inch classic Bowie blade is American-made, 154-centimeter stainless steel, heat-treated to a Rockwell hardness of 59-61 Rc. It measures 1 1/4-inch at its widest point. The hilt is 420-grade stainless steel, and is precisely fitted to the blade tang.

The handle scales on this version are created by encapsulating a Norway Spruce pine cone in a highly durable urethane resin, and then slicing through the middle to create a very unique organic pattern.

The sheath, also designed by A. G., is handmade in the U.S. of first class American leather. The quantity made will depend on the limited availability of the unusual material being used for the handle scales.

Marked “A.G. Russell Shopmade®”.

BRIAN CHILSON

A.G. RUSSELL SHOPMADE BOWIE WITH PINE CONE HANDLE

Explore one-of-a-kind, American made pieces, conceived and crafted by our founder. Our Paul Michael Company Exclusive pieces are made from locally harvested wood and other reclaimed materials, handcrafted, and finished at our woodshop in arkansas.

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BY KEITH SUTTON

Tipping the scales at more than 100 pounds, catfish have inspired fishermen to seek out the legendary bottom feeders

Tall Tale

It sounds like a tall tale. A catfisherman told me that while fishing on the Mississippi River at West Memphis, he saw a 10-pound-plus catfish race across the river’s surface. This was unusual behavior for a bottom feeder, but what happened next was even stranger. As the man watched, the first catfish was swallowed by a second. “The bigger cat swirled beneath the ten pounder and ate it like an hors’ d’oeuvre,” he said. “I thought, ‘That’s a true Mississippi monster.’”

Days later, on August 3, 2001, while fishing nearby, Charles Ashley of Marion boated a 116.75-pound blue cat, a world record. When news of his catch hit the streets, the veracity of the first story no longer was questioned. Undoubtedly, a catfish that size could eat 10-pounders—even 20-pounders—for appetizers.

20 | Arkansas Wild ¸ SUMMER 2015

THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER at Helena produced this 116-pound blue catfish for Brad Stout of Rosie in August 2008.

The fish was released alive back into the river.

PHOTO COURTESY BRAD STOUT

IN OCTOBER 2010, Owen Schroeder (left) of Clarksville, Tennessee, caught this Mississippi monster while fishing with guide James Patterson (right) near West Memphis. It tipped the scales at 83 pounds and was released alive back into the river.

PHOTO COURTESY JAMES PATTERSON

CATCH AND RELEASE practices are becoming more common among Mississippi River catfish anglers, helping produce giants like this 100-pound-plus specimen turned back into the river by Tennessee angler Matt Bingham who was fishing near West Memphis.

TV FISHING PERSONALITY Bill Dance of Collierville, Tennessee, often catfishes in the Arkansas portion of the Mississippi River. He frequently catches heavyweight blue cats like this 55-pounder, and in summer 2012, caught and released one twice this size.

PHOTO COURTESY MATT BINGHAM

PHOTO COURTESY BILL DANCE

ARKANSASWILD.COM | 21

Truth

Monster blue cats aren’t the only big ones caught in the Mississippi River. Flatheads often reach enormous sizes as well, like this one caught by guide James Patterson of Bartlett, Tennessee.

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JAMES PATTERSON

Fact is, my friend’s “catfish-eats-catfish” story was never in doubt by local anglers.

The Mississippi River along Arkansas’ eastern border has produced giant catfish since settlement, including several monsters caught in recent years. Documented rodand-reel catches the past decade include a 116-pounder caught at Helena, plus 103- and 108-pounders caught near West Memphis.

Television fishing personality Bill Dance often fishes for the Mississippi’s trophy blue cats. “In the summer of 2012, fishing upstream from Memphis, I caught three of my biggest ever: a 75-pounder, an 83-pounder and a 110-pounder!” he told me.

All three were released to make it possible for them to be caught again at even larger sizes.

The Mississippi harbors giant flatheads, too. Twenty- to 40-pounders are as common as costume jewelry at a flea market. Fiftyto 70-pounders are caught daily in summer.

Channel cats also are abundant. Anglers often catch dozens up to 15 pounds.

Fishing anywhere from Blytheville to Eudora could produce the catch of a lifetime. Giant cats hold near structure such as channel drop-offs, wing dikes, outside bends and logjams. Proven hotspots include the Memphis/West Memphis stretch—the site of Ashley’s catch—and downstream confluences with large tributaries such as the White and Arkansas rivers.

Want someone to guide you? I highly recommend James Patterson with Mississippi River Guide Service. He has years of experience fishing for the river’s trophy catfish. Contact him at 901-383-8674 or visit www.bigcatfishing.com.

Despite the huge catfish there, relatively few rod-and-reel anglers fish the Arkansas portion of the Mississippi. For those seeking the catfish of a lifetime, however—perhaps even a new world record—no body of water in the U.S. offers better opportunities than this river of monsters.

ARKANSASWILD.COM | 23

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Rockwater Marina is a full-service marina–fuel, pump out, electricity, water, restrooms, beer and ice.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROCKWATER MARINA 24 | Arkansas Wild ¸ SUMMER 2015

Outside Greater Little Rock EMERALD COVE MARINA

300 S. First St. Van Buren 479-474-9898 GPS: N35.4309877 W94.3551753 Full-service marina on the Arkansas River. Free WIFI; boat, slip and jet ski rentals; fuel; boat accessories; motor repairs; boat fuel; snacks/groceries.

ISLAND HARBOR MARINA 1700 Island Harbor Marina Dr. White Hall 870-536-2629 www.islandharbormarina.net

GPS: N34.2821879 W91.9484272 Only marina between Little Rock and Greenville, Mississippi. Located on Lake Langhoffer (Pine Bluff Harbor) about 1/4 mile off the Arkansas River at mile 71.1; covered and open slips; launch ramp; ski shop, swimwear, sportswear; courtesy weigh-in station for fishing tournaments; pontoon, ski and fishing boat rentals; bait shop, lake/river maps available, snack/ groceries, boat fuel.

RUSSELLVILLE MARINA, BOAT REPAIR & CABINS

330 Beach Rd. Russellville 479-967-1543 www.russellvillemarina.com GPS: N35.2923307 W93.2023571 Cabins for up to five people; barbecue pits, picnic tables; two double beds; two children’s bunk beds; fully equipped kitchens; lakeside view; marina; boat repair shop; camping; nature walks; fishing; miniature golf; swimming beach; walking trails; amphitheater; interpretive programs available.

Marina sells fishing licenses, bait, maps, snacks/groceries and fuel.

SPADRA WATERFRONT MARINA 700 Marina Dr. Clarksville 479-754-5021

www.spadramarina.com GPS: N35.4266332 W93.4773811 Family owned and operated marina (exit 58 on I-40) on the west end of Lake Dardanelle and mile marker 230.6 on the Arkansas River. Covered and uncovered slips ranging from $55 to $130 a month plus tax (discount by the year); ethanol-free 89 octane fuel; waste pump-out station; up to 50 amp service on dock; full-service bait and tackle shop; outboard boat motor repair; sales and service; marine parts and sales; boat rentals (14-foot V-bottom boats with 6hp motors); RV sites.

WILDCAT MARINA

300 S. First St. Van Buren 479-242-1187 GPS: N35.4309877 W94.3551753 Slip rentals (30 and 50 amp); diesel and unleaded fuel; houseboat rental and sales; store; 24-hour video surveillance; free WiFi; pump out available; boat cleaning and valet service; shuttle service upon request; overnight accommodations with laundry, showers and restrooms.

Greater Little Rock JOLLY ROGER’S MARINA

11800 Maumelle Harbor Rd. Roland 501-868-5558 www.jollyrogersmarina.com GPS: N34.8627062 W92.5656839 Fishing boat, party barge rentals; boat slips; fuel.

LITTLE ROCK YACHT CLUB

3 Yacht Club Dr. Little Rock 501-868-4401 www.lryachtclub.com GPS: N34.831134 W-92.440099 Full-service marina with gas and diesel on the Arkansas River at mile marker 130. Pump-out available.

No rental, all private owners, but transient slips available. Covered

slip rental up to 100 feet; boat ramp and Travelift; strategically located between Maumelle Campground and Pinnacle Mountain State Park; the 14-mile river bike trail runs by the property. Fine-dining restaurants, groceries and more nearby.

ROCKWATER MARINA

1601 River Rd. North Little Rock 501-347-8275 www.rockwatermarina.com GPS: N34.757490 W92.2837484 Full-service marina located near downtown Little Rock and North Little Rock; currently the only marina that services the Arkansas River between Murray Lock and Dam and the David Terry Lock and Dam; 64 current boat slips with pump-out system (136 are planned); fueling station; ship store; large patio; concierge services. Beer and wine permit. In development is an enclave of 33 single-family homes, The Residences at Rockwater.

HI-WAY LANDING

24 Johnson Cir. Mayflower 501-470-9909 GPS: N34.9704211 W92.4096199 Boats and boats with motors for rent; bait and fishing supplies; boat motor mechanic on-site; RV hookups; cabins.

PARADISE LANDING & FISHING VILLAGE

100 Paradise Rd. Mayflower 501-470-0917 GPS: N34.9785406 W92.4096569 Fishing licenses sold, boat rentals, bait shop, maps available, fishing guide service, snacks/groceries, boat fuel, restaurant featuring American cuisine such as burgers, salads, plate lunches, breakfasts, homemade desserts; RV park with 20 sites.

Visit www.arkansas.com for a full listing of marinas.

ARKANSASWILD.COM | 25

CAMP CRAIN SERVES AS COMMON GROUND FOR RV ENTHUSIASTS V

can get their gear together to join us for the weekend. This isit the lush green grounds of Catherine’s Landing in way, our customers get to interact with our personnel, learn Hot Springs at the end of April or beginning of May things they may not have known about their RV and make and you will find about 100 happy people enjoying their more friends.” recreational vehicles and the outdoors.

Camp Crain kicks off on a Friday with a camper check-in A tradition at Crain RV, Camp Crain brings veteran and and gift bags. Saturday is full of activities like a scavenger newbie campers together for a long weekend of family fun, hunt with prizes, karaoke, awards and a carnival wagon that food and festivities – all of which Crain RV provides. serves hot dogs, nachos and ice cream for everyone in the “I was at a rally that Newmar Motorhomes was hosting, park - not just Crain Campers. This year, and I thought, ‘We ought to do something Camp Crain crowned the first king and like this, too,’” said Bill Shirey, general “Our customers get to interact queen of the event, Bob and Deb Stringer, manager at Crain RV in Little Rock. “We veterans of Camp Crain. collaborated with the folks at Catherine’s with our personnel, learn “All of our customers are welcome to Landing, and we’ve had about 100 people things they may not have participate, and we have everything from a attend each one.” known about their RV and travel trailer parked next to a motorhome,” Camp Crain is an opportunity just for Shirey said. “People travel from all over Crain RV’s customers to meet through make more friends.” the United States to attend. It’s a familya common interest, learn more about friendly event, and campers bring their their RVs and let their hair down. The kids, grandkids and pets with them. If you don’t want to do exclusive dealer for Airstream, Newmar and Tiffin as well as the scavenger hunt or any of the other activities we have the largest dealer in Arkansas for Jayco, Crain RV pays for all planned, you can go fishing or hang out at the pavilion or the camping sites, food and prizes. In fact, all Camp Crain go to the amusement park. The entire goal of Camp Crain campers have to do is reserve their spot with Crain RV and is for people to come together over a common interest arrive at Catherine’s Landing on the first day of the weekend. and have a good time. It’s really laid back, and we welcome “All of the people who work at Crain RV are avid campeveryone from all walks of life.” ers,” Shirey said. “We close the shop on Thursday so they

26 | Arkansas Wild ¸ SUMMER 2015

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Let’s Go RVing !

Time to hit the road!

PHOTO COURTESY OF CATHERINE’S LANDING

Gather the family and pack your bags.

Arial view of Catherine’s Landing RV park ARKANSASWILD.COM | 27

Favorite Spots for RVing in Arkansas

Arkansas has a wealth of parks and other destinations perfect for RVing. Here are just a few of our favorites.

John F. Kennedy Campground

Located on the Little Red River just downstream of Greers Ferry Dam, the campground offers 73 sites with electrical hookups, 13 of which also have water hookups.

Additional amenities include flush toilets, showers, a dump station, picnic shelter and a boat ramp. An outdoor enthusiast’s dream, Greers Ferry Lake offers boating, sailing, water skiing, swimming, scuba diving and fishing opportunities, as well as three National Nature Trails and one multi-purpose, fitness trail.

375 Hatchery Rd. • Heber Springs • 501-250-0841

DeGray Lake Resort State Park

On 13,800-acre DeGray Lake in the Ouachita Mountain foothills, DeGray Lake Resort State Park offers 113 campsites with water and electric hookups. Locations vary from lakeshore to shaded woodland. Accessible sites are also available for visitors with disabilities. Arkansas’ resort state park offers all water sports and year-round fishing for bass, hybrid bass, crappie, bream and catfish. A full range of watercrafts can be rented. Take a guided horseback ride, or go hiking on one of the park’s six easy to moderate trails.

2027 State Park Entrance Rd. • Bismarck • 501-865-5851 • www.degray.com

Mount Nebo State Park

Rising 1,350 feet, Mount Nebo offers sweeping views of the Arkansas River Valley.

The park has 24 Class B RV sites with electric (30 amp) and water hookups. Mount Nebo State Park is one of the Arkansas state parks system’s two parks offering launch sites for hang gliding enthusiasts. For mountain biking enthusiasts, the 4 1/2-mile Bench Trail is a fairly level route along a natural terrace that encircles Mount Nebo.

This is an excellent ride for your family’s first mountain biking adventure.

16728 W. Highway 155 • Dardanelle •479-229-3655 • www.arkansasstateparks.com

Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! This unique destination in Eureka Springs boasts six highly coveted RV spots, five of which can accommodate a full-size RV with electric and water hookups, some with septic hookups. At 15-feet-by-45-feet, the sixth site is for small campers only, and offers full electric, water and septic hookups. No matter what site you choose, you’ll be able to sit outside at night and listen to the sounds of the exotic animals all around the refuge. During the day, take a guided, half-mile habitat tour and learn about a variety of species, or follow the self-guided habitat trail and see bears, coyotes, tigers, lions, ligers, cougars, leopards and more amazing animals.

239 Turpentine Creek Ln. • Eureka Springs •479-253-5841 • www.turpentinecreek.org

Catherine’s Landing

Situated on 400 pastoral acres and a mile of water frontage on Lake Catherine, Catherine’s Landing boasts more than 100 level RV sites with modern concrete pads and full hookups. All RV sites also include a grill, picnic table, fire ring, Wi-Fi and cable. Combine this with exceptional on-site amenities, a convenient concierge at your service and a beautiful lake right outside your RV and you have everything you need for a cozy getaway.

1700 Shady Grove Rd. • Hot Springs • 866.929.7590 • www.rvcoutdoors.com

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Which is Right For You? Check out the most popular RVs from Mayflower RV

RVing 101

Make the most of your RVing experience by following these tips from Crain RV.

UNDERSTAND THE RV DIFFERENCE What is the RV difference? It’s the fact that your Class A coach is much taller, wider and heavier than any car or truck you’re used to driving. Most cars these days are pretty small—about 15 feet or so in length—so if you’re dealing with a 40-foot motorhome, you’re operating a vehicle that is many times larger than your car.

ALWAYS PERFORM A PRE-TRIP INSPECTION Many RV drivers fail to do so out of laziness. It’s why you’ll see RVers take off from a campsite while still plugged in to a power source or with their awnings out. If you don’t perform a pre-trip inspection, eventually you will have a problem.

KNOW THE RIGHT WAY TO SET AND UTILIZE YOUR MIRRORS Many people don’t fully understand what RV mirrors are supposed to do and how they’re supposed to be set. When it comes to mirrors, most people assume, “Well it came this way, I guess that’s how it’s supposed to be set.”

One in five large vehicle accidents are connected to a driver’s mirrors. Either the driver failed to use his mirrors when changing lanes or turning, or his mirrors were improperly adjusted. Some people believe the convex mirror should be facing downward so that you can view your front wheels, which is absolutely incorrect. Your convex mirror is meant to help you see alongside your coach. If you have a person standing at the rear of your motorhome, you should see the top of their head. If you’re able to see well above that person’s head, that means your convex mirror is set too high.

MASTER THE FOUR BASIC RV DRIVING SKILLS Every commercial driver in North America has to master four basic driving skills: straight line backing, tight right turns, dockside backing and parallel parking. If you know how to perform these maneuvers, you understand the location of your back wheels and realize how large a footprint you have, which is vital.

If you don’t, you probably won’t be comfortable behind the wheel of a Class A motor coach.

COACHMEN APEX 215RBK—TRAVEL TRAILER One of Mayflower RV’s top-selling units for the past five years, customers especially like the Apex’s outside kitchen.

COACHMEN CLIPPER 17BH—TRAVEL TRAILER This lightweight bunkhouse is great for a small family because of its front bed and rear bunk beds.

THOR WINDSPORT 34E—CLASS A Well-appointed at just over 35-feet long, this Windsport by Thor is one of Mayflower’s most luxurious motorhomes.

COACHMEN APEX NANO 187RB—TRAVEL TRAILER Designed by Mayflower RV, this camo Apex Nano by Coachmen is a hit with the hunters.

ARKANSASWILD.COM | 29

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ARKANSASWILD.COM | 31

Mississippi River State Park

My fishing hole

Cast a line into a crystal-clear lake. Watch the start of a new day. Revel in the natural beauty surrounding your lakeside campsite, cabin or resort lodge. Arkansas’s state parks are here for you.

My park, your park, our parks

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Summer will soon be upon us here in The Natural State, and what better way to enjoy it than by hitting some amazing adventure spots located throughout this wonderful outdoor playground that is available to all of us? Â ARKANSASWILD.COM | 33

Land

Yurting

When people think about camping, images of sleeping on the hard ground in the heat of summer surrounded by hoardes of mosquitoes comes to mind.

With year-round universal recreation tents, or yurts, this doesn’t have to be the case. Yurts are circular-framed, tent-like structures that often include wooden floors, windows, beds or cots, and are sometimes climate controlled.

34 | Arkansas Wild ¸ SUMMER 2015

JASON MASTERS

1

Petit Jean State Park

GRAB THESE CHAIRS AT DOMESTIC, DOMESTIC IN LITTLE ROCK

JASON MASTERS

Petit Jean State Park, located just outside Morrilton, is well-known for its spectacular vistas, scenic hiking trails and Cedar Falls. What better way to enjoy one of the best state parks in Arkansas than by planning an extended stay in a yurt? Four yurt sites are available to rent at Petit Jean State Park. The yurts at Petit Jean have electricity, screened windows, an ice chest, stove, lantern and cots that can sleep up to six people. The yurts do not come with climate control and linens are not provided. Guests should bring cooking and eating utensils, matches and linens.

Other activities at Petit Jean include fishing, swimming and hiking. Daily rental rates are $55/night. Â

Petit Jean State Park www.petitjeanstatepark.com/accommodations/ camping.asp 501-727-5441 ARKANSASWILD.COM | 35

PHOTOS BY JASON MASTERS

2

Grab a spot for hammocks.

PHOTO COURTESY OF RVC OUTDOORS

While You’re at Petit Jean

RVC Outdoors

Catherine’s Landing, an RVC Outdoor Destination, has different sized yurts to rent. They sleep anywhere from four to six people to six to 12 people. The yurts come with Wi-Fi, a grill and a picnic table, deck and a fire ring. Daily rates start at $80/night and up.

While camping at Catherine’s Landing, you can rent a boat to fish or explore Lake Catherine or stay on land and swim in a saltwater pool. Or, you can zip through your stay at Adventureworks Zip Line, Also available is the Bovine Nine disc golf course.

GRAB THIS BASKET AT DOMESTIC, DOMESTIC

Enjoy the lake.

RVC Outdoors (Catherine’s Landing) www.rvcoutdoors.com/catherines-landing/ accomodation/yurts 866-929-7590

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DeGray Lake Resort Other Things to Do During our visit to Petit Jean, we stayed for two nights and hiked the Seven Hollows Trail on day one and the ever-popular Cedar Falls Trail on day two. I was proud of my 5-year-old daughter for hiking almost the entire 5-mile loop of the Seven Hollows Trail on her own with a minimum of piggyback rides. She remarked that she was “climbing like an iguana, jumping like a frog and crawling like a lizard!” Yurt camping at Petit Jean proved to be the perfect combination of luxury camping and getting to enjoy the great outdoors.

36 | Arkansas Wild ¸ SUMMER 2015

DeGray Lake Resort State Park in Arkadelphia has four yurts available for rent. The yurts at DeGray Lake have electricity, wood floors, screened windows, an ice chest, double burner stove, table and chairs, and bunk beds and can sleep up to six people. Like the yurts at Petit Jean State Park, they do not come with climate control and linens are not provided. Guests should bring cooking and eating utensils, matches and linens. Other activities at DeGray Lake Resort include golf, a swimming beach, horseback riding, boat rentals and hiking trails. The park is minutes away from the Iron Mountain bike trail. Daily rental rates are $55/night.

DeGray Lake Resort State Park www.degray.com/accommodations/camping_yurts.aspx 1-800-737-8355

PHOTO COURTESY OF DEGRAY LAKE RESORT

Don’t forget to pack a picnic.

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Off -Road Excitement

Do you have an ATV you’re wanting to ride in cool places?

What about a lifted 4x4 that you built specifically with rock crawling in mind? The Hot Springs Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Park has more than 1,200 acres for you to explore in 4x4s, UTVs, ATVs, dirt bikes and mountain bikes. The trails range in difficulty from one diamond for the novice to five diamonds for the most experienced and rugged of vehicles. Fees start at $15 per day for ATVs and $30 per day for SUVs/UTVs, with annual memberships available for discounted rates. For those who want multiple days of fun, they have on-site cabins and campsites for rent, as well as a convenience store and restrooms with hot showers. They are open year-round Thursday through Monday, 9:00 a.m. to dusk, and closed only during the week of Christmas. Be sure to checkout their website for monthly park events.

Hot Springs Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Park www.orvpark.com 501-625-3600

PHOTO COURTESY OF WILD WILDERNESS SAFARI

PHOTO COURTESY OF ORV PARK

For a One-Day Adventure, Check Out These Places

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Wild Wilderness Safari

Located on 400 acres in northwest Arkansas, the Wild Wilderness Drive-Through Safari in Gentry is an experience for the animal lover in you! The safari consists of a 4-mile drive-through, a petting zoo and walk-through areas. Kids can also enjoy camel and pony rides to add to the experience. They have over 85 species of animals, which include wild/exotic felines, mammals, hooved animals, primates, birds, canines and reptiles. They are open daily from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. (including holidays) and admission rates are $10 for children under 13 (two and under are free), and $15 for anyone 13 or older.

Wild Wilderness Drive-Through Safari www.wildwildernessdrivethroughsafari.com 479-736-8383

Tip: Don’t forget extra batteries, a camera with video capabilities, or fully charged smartphone to record those special moments and joy of ziplining for the very first time. With all the adventuring available, there is plenty of opportunity to capture the joy, happiness and excitement of friends and family enjoying the outdoors.

Tip: If you bring kids on outdoor adventures, make sure you have plenty of drinks and snacks. Let them set the pace and be prepared for lots of stops. Happy kids equal happy parents.

ARKANSASWILD.COM | 37

Water

1

Kristian R. Underwood surfing on the top wave at Siloam Springs Kayak Park.

Siloam Springs Kayak Park Playing in the water is deeply engrained in our collective psyche and it is impossible to overstate just how lucky Arkansans are that here, all roads really do lead to water.

And with the opening of the Siloam Springs Kayak Park last year, getting out and playing in the water as we were meant to do just got easier—and more exciting.

Kristian Underwood, long-time canoeist and instructor with the Arkansas Canoe Club (ACC), clarifies the name of the park for me, as it recently changed from Siloam Springs Whitewater Park. “Even though it’s a kayak park, it is for canoes, too.”

The name change was necessitated by the misconception that this paddlers’ destination was akin to a wet-n-wild park. However, paddlers who frequent the park do claim that it is a family-friendly place for those who respect the powerful and unforgiving nature of moving water.

“It is an exhilarating spot designed for paddlers to gain experience with spins and rolls,” Underwood explains.

38 | Arkansas Wild ¸ SUMMER 2015

Steve Reynolds, another experienced paddler and member of the ACC, and touted by his peers as the ambassador to this project, worked with the city of Siloam Springs and helped to secure a grant from the Walton Family Foundation for the engineering of two waves created by constriction of the waterway.

Located on the Illinois River, it serves as a “park and play,” saving the logistical and time commitment of floating longer sections of the river, or for when no other rivers around can be run because they’re dried up. With pride, Underwood says, “You don’t have to go to North Carolina or Colorado to get whitewater experience.”

Siloam Springs Kayak Park www.siloamspringskayakpark.com 479-524-5779 www.arkansascanoeclub.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF SILOAM SPRINGS KAYAK PARK

BY MONICA ISSITT

PHOTO COURTESY OF SUP OUTFITTERS

2 Other Things to Do

STAND-UP PADDLEBOARD (SUP) RENTALS

One of the newest fitness activities to make a splash here in Arkansas is stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). It is essentially paddling while standing up on oversized, buoyant surfboards. With all the lakes and rivers in The Natural State, one can SUP just about anywhere in the state. Stand-up paddleboarding makes for a full-body workout and also provides a better vantage point than being close to the water in a canoe or kayak.

SUP OUTFITTERS

Melody Elliot of SUP Outfitters in Eureka Springs is extremely passionate about the sport and super excited to share her love with those wanting to try it out.

Having lived in Hawaii where SUP originated, she brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to Arkansas. She is a certified SUP instructor and provides rentals, lessons and ECO tours on Beaver Lake. For the more fitnessinclined, Melody also hosts SUP Yoga events. Rentals start at $20/ hour while classes start at $30/ person depending on the group size. If you are interested in trying out this incredibly fun, safe and enjoyable sport, please call ahead for reservations.

SUP Outfitters 479-244-7380 www.sup-outfitters.com

BAREFOOT PADDLEBOARDS

Opening in May 2015, Barefoot Paddleboards is bringing SUP rentals and lessons to DeGray Lake Resort State Park in Arkadelphia. Their goal is to provide outdoor recreational fun and promote wellness and fitness.

Rental rates start at $20/hour and lessons are $50/person for 30 minutes in duration, which also include a one-hour rental. They are open seven days a week from 9 a.m.-6 p.m., but reservations can be made for a special sunset paddle.

Barefoot Paddleboards www.barefootpaddleboards.com 479-774-2266

OUACHITA OUTDOOR OUTFITTERS

Ouachita Outdoor Outfitters, located in Hot Springs—just a stone’s throw from Lake Hamilton—is another outfitter that can take care of your paddling needs. While they have all sorts of outdoor gear and watercraft for sale, they do rent out kayaks and stand-up paddle-boards for a very reasonable fee ($30-$40/ day). Even though their stand-up paddleboards are inflatable, they are just as rigid as a hardboard, and provides for ease of transport.

The staff at Ouachita Outdoor Outfitters is very friendly and knowledgeable, so be sure to drop by for a visit while in the Spa City.

Ouachita Outdoor Outfitters www.ouachitaoutdoors.com 501-767-1373

ARKANSASWILD.COM | 39

Loco Ropes

The state is bustling with zipline parks but Loco Ropes, located at the Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, has an additional adventure in the form of a treetop adventure ropes course. They have two types of adventures available: The Tower Adventures Package which includes the 300-foot Flying Pig zipline, the Hotshot Freefall and Planks Peak Climbing Wall, and the Treetop Adventures Package, which is a high-wire ropes course with three different segments. The Tower Adventures Package starts at $7.50/attraction, while the Treetop Adventures Package starts at $15 depending on which ropes course you want to try out. There are height and weight restrictions but the staff is Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) certified for your utmost safety. They are open March 1 through November 30, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Loco Ropes www.locoropes.com 870-269-6566

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Ozark Mountain Ziplines

If you’re going to be in Eureka Springs, the Ozark Mountain Ziplines needs to be on your “to-do” list! Their two-hour guided zipline tour gives you a unique way to experience the flora and fauna of the hardwood forest canopy located around Eureka Springs. They also offer a nice hiking trail for those who don’t want to zipline but would like to accompany their group. There is a weight limit and children must be at least three years of age. A two-hour tour costs $89/person plus tax.

Ozark Mountain Ziplines www.zip lineeurekasprings.com 479-363-6699

Tip: If you bring kids on outdoor adventures, make sure you have plenty of drinks and snacks. Let them set the pace and be prepared for lots of drink and snack stops. Happy kids equal happy parents.

40 | Arkansas Wild ¸ SUMMER 2015

PHOTO COURTESY OF OZARK MOUTANIN ZIP LINES

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PHOTO BY LOCO ROPES

Air

PHOTO COURTESY OF SKYDIVE SKYRANCH

PHOTO COURTESY OF ZIP LINES AT OUACHITA BEND

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Zip Lines at Skydive Ouachita Bend Skyranch Located in the rugged area of the Ouachita Mountains between Hot Springs and Malvern, the Zip Lines at Ouachita Bend bring ziplining to central Arkansas. The zip lines and guides are ACCT certified and the zip tour combines hiking through natural areas with up to a sevenline zipline course. The basic tour (two zips) starts at $40/ person while the full tour (seven zips) takes about three hours and costs $95/person. The zipline park is located on Hwy 171 approximately 2 miles from I-30 near Malvern.

Zip Lines at Ouachita Bend www.ouachitabendadventures.com 501-318-3711

For the most extreme thrill seekers, Skydive Skyranch in Siloam Springs is your ticket to skydiving. They offer tandem skydives for those new to skydiving, which allows you to free fall for 25 to 50 seconds with an experienced, licensed instructor. They also offer static line and accelerated free fall (AFF) classes for those wishing to learn to how do solo skydives. A tandem skydive takes anywhere from three to four hours to do while the classes are all-day sessions. Those interested must be 18 years or older and under 220 pounds. Those over 220 pounds may be able to jump at the discretion of the instructor for an additional fee. A single tandem-jump starts at $195 with additional costs for photos and/or videos.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LOCO ROPES

Skydive Skyranch www.skyranch.com 479-651-6160

Flying high at Loco Ropes.

ARKANSASWILD.COM | 41

1

Rowdy Adventures

Do you have a group where everyone wants to do something different? Rowdy Adventures may be for you! Not only do they have ziplining, they also have 4-wheeling, horseback rides, a giant 55-foot swing, a rock climbing wall and canoeing, adding a huge variety for the outdoor adventurer. Tours start at $40/person for the basic zip line tour all the way up to $130/ person for the Rowdy Explore Tour, which includes all the activities listed above. By reservation only, they also offer night ziplining illuminated by glow sticks. That sounds like a unique way to experience ziplining like never before! The course is also ACCT certified and they are located off exit 54 on I-30 (Okolona exit) just south of Arkadelphia.

Rowdy Adventures www.rowdyadventures.com 870-274-3001

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROWDY ADVENTURES

All of the Above

PHOTO COURTESY OF BUFFALO OUTDOOR CENTER

TRADER BILL’S OUTDOOR SPORTS 1530 Albert Pike • 501-623-8403 www.traderbills.com • Open 7 Days a Week

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Hot Springs Oldest Boat Dealer

Buffalo Outdoor Center

The Upper Buffalo River is one of the most scenic and treasured recreational areas in Arkansas. Designated as America’s first national river, its cool green waters provides amazing scenery among massive towering bluffs, numerous waterfalls and historic cultural sites. The Buffalo Outdoor Center (BOC) is located just outside Ponca, and is ready to help you plan your Buffalo River adventure.

They have cabins for rent—including several with amazing, panoramic views—and some units have hot tubs and Wi-Fi. The BOC also rents canoes and provide shuttles to get you where you need to be. The Riverwind Lodge is available for the once-in-alifetime special occasion. There is also a zipline canopy tour that lasts two to three hours for those who want to see the Ozark Mountains from a different perspective. Hiking trails and swimming spots are plentiful. After a fun day playing in the outdoors, be sure to reserve a spa treatment at the Riverstone Spa. With such a huge variety of activities, there’s something for everyone at the BOC. Buffalo Outdoor Center www.buffaloriver.com 870-861-5514 Tip: Ideally, a helmet or chestmounted action camera (like a Go-Pro) would be perfect for recording all of your outdoor adventures, whether on land, in the water or in the air. This way you can capture all those “can’t miss” moments. And the Go-Pro’s can capture decent still photos as well to add to your scrapbook or photo album.

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Upper Caddo

The Streams Less Traveled

Arkansas has hundreds of miles of lesser-known float streams just waiting to be discovered

BY JIM KRUEGER

W

hen you mention floating or canoeing in Arkansas, the conversation typically starts with well-known destinations like the Buffalo National River or the Spring River. In addition to these two, The Natural State is blessed with hundreds of miles of float streams that are enjoyed by those lucky enough to discover them.

All of these streams are class I or class II and can be successfully floated without much prior experience. One of the biggest advantages of these streams is that they get less use and can offer peaceful, solitary outings, which are sometimes hard to find on the more popular sections of the Buffalo and Spring rivers.

Both the Upper Caddo and Upper Ouachita rivers have been favorites of floaters for many years. In their upper reaches, above Lake DeGray for the Caddo, and above Lake Ouachita 44 | Arkansas Wild ¸ SUMMER 2015

for the Ouachita River, there are at least half a dozen different sections the paddler can choose from on each river. Both streams start in the Ouachita Mountains of western Arkansas and flow generally southeast.

The Ouachita River is the longest river in the state, and even in its more mountainous upper reaches, is a wider stream than the Caddo. Both streams share unbeatable scenery—from mountainous to pastoral and woodland—and both have nice shoals and rapids in the class I and class II range interspersed with deep pools perfect for swimming and fishing.

These streams always offer paddlers a great selection of gravel bars which make great places to stop for lunch or breaks, and both streams can feature good opportunities for photographing wildlife and the flora of this part of Arkansas.

Floats on the Upper Caddo are most often centered on the towns of Glenwood, Amity and Norman. The float from Norman down to the Swinging Bridge take-out is about 6 miles, or can be lengthened to 8 miles by floating on down to the Narrows (Highway 240 Bridge).

This is a lesser-paddled float and can offer more solitude. The water level on this trip needs to be in the 6- to 7-1/2-feet range. From the Narrows downstream to Glenwood (Highway 70 Bridge) is the most popular and most heavily used float by the area outfitters. The trip is about 7-1/2 miles, but can be lengthened to 9-1/2 miles by launching at the Swinging Bridge. The river level needs to be in the 5-3/4 feet to 7 feet range. From Glenwood on downstream to the take-out at Amity (Highway 182 access) is a bit longer float, about 9 miles. This section is less floated and is enjoyed for its fishing, pastoral views and woodlands over arching the river.

Shade and cool water are always so nice on a summer day! This section does have some sporty little rapids and great gravel bars, and can be floated a lower levels when the sections above may be getting a bit too low. River levels in the 5-1/2 to 6-feet range on this section are ideal. Levels for these sections can be found by searching the USGS Current Conditions for Arkansas at www.waterdata.usgs.gov.

Upper Ouachita

On the Upper Ouachita River, favorite floating sections are those near Mt. Ida. Levels for these floats typically use the gauge at Dragover, which can be found on the River Info page of the Arkansas Canoe Club’s website at www.arkansascanoeclub.camp7.org.

Oden to Rocky Shoals

The float from Oden down to Rocky Shoals (Highway 270 bridge) is fairly lengthy at about 10 miles, but has some great scenery. The flow moves along just fine with a river level of about 3 to 5 feet. A section that gets a bit more use in this area is a few miles downstream, launching at the Sims Bridge (Highway 298) and floating on down to the Dragover campground, or on through the Dragover section to the Dragover take-out. This can be about a 5-1/2 to 8-1/2 mile trip depending on the take-out. When planning, use the same river level recommendations for all these floats.

The Dragover section itself has been the one that many have floated over the years. One of its most notable features is that paddlers are allowed to put in at the campground, paddle through the section to the take-out, and then make an easy walk back to retrieve their vehicle.

Illinois River

Northwest Arkansas’ Illinois River offers floaters a chance to get on the water close to home. The sections from Chamber Springs to the Siloam Springs Kayak Park and from the park down to Highway 59 are popular sections and can be floated much of the year.

Saline River

The Saline River and its upper forks are close to Benton and Bryant in Saline County and are local favorites.

The Alum and North Forks, northwest of Benton, are easy floats that offer good fishing and clear water.

The Arkansas Canoe Club has worked with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to establish nine Water Trails that typically involve “out and back” paddling, with no shuttle issues to worry about. More information can be found at www.arkansascanoeclub.com

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The Kings River

The Kings River, near Berryville in Carroll County is well-known for its excellent fishing for smallmouth and spotted bass. Public access is somewhat limited and sections tend to be too long for a day float. The float from Rockhouse to Trigger Gap is popular when levels are prime.

Get Out There And Paddle

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ai

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l Park T l i h r ing

Nearest Town: Barling Nearest Accommodations: Fort Smith Distance: Approximately 10 miles GPS: N35.344323 W94.296912

T

BY DENA WOERNER

he Springhill Park Trail near Barling is a fast and twisty trail. Sculpted along the banks and lowlands of the Arkansas River, the terrain has a character all its own. The trail begins on grassy flats and winds though wooded lowlands leading into rolling hills, curves and turns around large, beautiful trees.

It’s a favorite trail for sharpening bike-handling skills.

There aren’t a lot of climbs and rocky technical sections, so you can really pick up your speed as you lean the bike around every turn. But don’t be fooled; while relatively flat, it’s far from an easy course. No tough climbs also means no downhill rests. You’re literally hammering out the trail the whole way through. There are a few surprises along the way with small gravity cavities and long manmade bridges.

Nancy Dean-Pollan frequents the Springhill Park Trail. It all started in 2003 with an afternoon group ride with friends. What was supposed to be exercise turned out into something really enjoyable.

“I like the Springhill Park Trail because it’s very flat and winds through a beautiful ‘enchanted’ forest. You can take your time and enjoy the sights and sounds of birds, or really pick up speed and test your RPMs. The back half of the trail offers a beautiful view of the Arkansas River and the Springhill Dam. It’s a great trail for new riders and young children because you don’t have to be committed to the entire length of the trail. It has several bailout points so you can ride a short section and get back to your vehicle quickly.

Springhill Park offers a great campground with water and electricity. This is very nice for people that want the whole out-to-nature weekend experience.”

—Nancy Dean-Pollan TRAIL TIP: If riding for the first time, make sure the trail is dry and maintained, especially in the late spring and early summer. It is river lowland, so it holds water after heavy rains and the vegetation grows up quickly with warm, sunny weather. When in doubt, you can visit the River Valley Mountain Bikers Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ groups/RVMTB/ and inquire about trail conditions.

46 | Arkansas Wild ¸ SUMMER 2015

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TOP GUIDES

ARKANSAS’

GUIDES TO THE

O U T D O O RS

BY MONICA ISSITT

Q & A with leading Arkansas professional adventure guides THE BENEFITS OF HIRING A GUIDE for your next outdoor adventure are numerous. They share detailed knowledge of local flora, fauna, history and the specific skills of their area of expertise, as well as cover all safety concerns and logistics leaving their clients free to enjoy the experience.

Each of the guides featured have a high level of familiarity with and ability in their chosen niche. Together with their passion for the outdoors and awareness of what the client needs, it is a recipe for a rewarding and inspiring time outside.

AMANDA SMITH

ARKANSAS CLIMBING SERVICES Q: TO WHAT AREAS DO YOU TAKE CLIENTS MOST OFTEN? A: Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, Sam’s Throne and Cave Creek.

Q: WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR GUIDE OFFERING? A. We are the only climbing guides in the state that offer rappelling-specific trips and the only service with a permit to rappel above the Buffalo River.

Q: HOW LONG HAVE YOU GUIDED PROFESSIONALLY? A: Two years.

Q: WHAT CERTIFICATIONS OR QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU HOLD? A: Wilderness First Responder; Single-Pitch Instructor via American Mountain Guides Association.

Q: WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF BEING A GUIDE? A: Getting to work with people on their specific goals and watching them take away something important from the experience.

Q: HOW DID YOU GET INTO CLIMBING? A: I visited the climbing gym with a friend. I was stoked.

Q: WHAT WOULD BE YOUR ADVICE TO A COMPLETE NOVICE? A: Hire a guide; you’ll get more out of it— and it’s not as scary as you think.

Contact Information: Amanda Smith Arkansas Climbing Services 479-422-5148 www.arkansasclimbingservices.com Facebook: Arkansas Climbing Services, LLC

48 | Arkansas Wild ¸ SUMMER 2015

BRAD MORRIS

WHITE RIVER ADVANTAGE FISHING SERVICE Q: TO WHAT AREAS DO YOU TAKE CLIENTS MOST OFTEN? A: On the White River, from 23 miles above, to the Bull Shoals dam and from the dam to Buffalo City.

Q: WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR GUIDE OFFERING? A: I’m often rated as the top guide at several resorts along the White River. I’ve met requirements to be on the Costa Del Mar Sunglasses Pro Staff.

Q: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A PROFESSIONAL GUIDE? A: 16 years.

Q: WHAT EXPERIENCES QUALIFY YOU TO BE A GUIDE A: I spend more than 220 days on the water each year. I was the youngest guide on the White River when I began my career at 18 and am still the youngest at 34.

Q: WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF BEING A GUIDE? A: Understanding what my clients want and delivering—that’s the best part.

Q: HOW DID YOU GET INTO FISHING? A: I grew up in Cotter, catching crawdads as a toddler. It is all I ever wanted to do.

Q: WHAT WOULD BE YOUR ADVICE TO A COMPLETE NOVICE? A: Don’t be intimidated by not knowing anything or by not trying something before.

Contact Information: Brad Morris White River Advantage Fishing Service 870-405-3967 www.whiteriveradvantagefishing.com

TONYA & MICHAEL SACOMANI

MATTHEW FRIANT

SALINE RIVER CANOE

PINNACLE MOUNTAIN STATE PARK INTERPRETER

Q: TO WHAT AREAS DO YOU TAKE CLIENTS MOST OFTEN? A: We operate from the headwaters of the Saline River in Benton and we drop clients off for 11-mile, 9-mile and 4.5-mile floats downriver.

Q: TO WHAT AREAS DO YOU TAKE VISITORS MOST OFTEN? A: I guide hikes around the park and spend a lot of time guiding our canoe and kayak floats on the Little Maumelle River.

Q: WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR GUIDE OFFERING? A: The Saline River is a federally protected waterway and is home to several endangered species. We are a family-friendly service on a river unspoiled by industry.

Q: WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT WHAT YOU OFFER VISITORS TO THE PARK? A: I meet and help visitors leave with a handful of new things learned and a smile on their face.

Q: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN RUNNING YOUR SERVICE? A: Six years.

Q: HOW LONG HAVE YOU GUIDED PROFESSIONALLY? A: Six years on Lake Greeson and four years in the Gulf of Mexico targeting tuna.

Q: WHAT CERTIFICATIONS OR QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU HOLD? A: CPR and Swiftwater Rescue.

Q: HOW DID YOU GET INTO PADDLING? A: The Saline River was my backyard.

We would go exploring and spend nights on the river.

Q: WHAT WOULD BE YOUR ADVICE TO A COMPLETE NOVICE? A: Use an outfitter, because it’s a great way to find out if you actually enjoy doing something in the outdoors.

Contact Information: Tonya & Michael Sacomani Saline River Canoe 501-749-2266 www.salinerivercanoe.com Facebook: Saline River Canoe

Q: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AN INTERPRETER? A: One year. I’m the newest interpreter at Pinnacle Mountain State Park.

Q: WHAT CERTIFICATIONS OR QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU HOLD? A: Certified Interpretive Guide, Swiftwater Rescue, Wilderness First Responder, lifeguard, Base Management Rock Climbing Instructor.

Q: WHO TAUGHT YOU THE MOST TO PREPARE YOU TO BE A PROFESSIONAL GUIDE? A: My uncle, Paul Saksa, taught me how to fly fish and Jim Wakenight inspired me with lake fishing.

Q: WHAT IS THE BEST PART ABOUT BEING A PARK INTERPRETER? A: I get paid to be outside, meet people and have fun.

Q: WHAT WOULD YOUR ADVICE BE TO A COMPLETE NOVICE? A: Head out to experience my favorite vista in the park, the East Quarry overlook on the Rocky Valley Trail.

Contact Information: Matthew Friant Pinnacle Mountain State Park 501-868-5806 www.arkansasstateparks.com

GEORGE BIEKER GUIDE ARKANSAS

Q: TO WHAT AREAS DO YOU TAKE CLIENTS MOST OFTEN? A: Buffalo Wilderness areas near Jasper.

Q: WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR GUIDE OFFERING? A: I lead completely customizable experiences, tailored 100 percent to client care with no set curriculum.

Q: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A PROFESSIONAL GUIDE? A: Five years.

Q: WHAT CERTIFICATIONS OR QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU HOLD? A: Wilderness First Responder, EMT, Certified Interpreter, CPR/Red Cross, Single-Pitch Instructor, Leave No Trace, 24 Day in Mountaineering and Lead Instructor Training, and 12 Day Rock and Ice Instructor Training through IWLS Outdoor Leadership School, Training through American Mountain Guides Association and Professional Climbing Instructors Association.

Q: HOW DID YOU GET INTO CLIMBING? A: Through the University Recreation Program at University of Arkansas.

Q: WHAT WOULD YOUR ADVICE BE TO A COMPLETE NOVICE? A: 90 percent of the time, you’re going to fail, but failure is what keeps us climbing. You have to find the positive spin on that.

Contact Information: George Bieker Guide Arkansas 479-236-8798 www.guidearkansas.com Facebook: Guide Arkansas, LLC ARKANSASWILD.COM | 49

OUT & ABOUT

MOUNTAIN VIEW, ARKANSAS Ozark Folk Center State Park

BY MONICA ISSITT

Location

In the heart of the Ozark Mountains, three hours from Fayetteville and two hours from Little Rock.

History

The “Folk Music Capital of the World” was founded in 1873. The Arkansas Folk Festival began in 1963 and each April finds Mountain View bursting with incredible talent and its accoutrements—every folk instrument imaginable.

The Ozark Folk Center was created in 1973 and hosts various folk artists and festivals throughout the year but people have also jammed and picked at the square (and in living rooms, on porches, in yards…) from the beginning and they still do, every day.

Official Attractions

The Ozark Folk Center is a living history museum set up as a walkable town filled with gift ideas, demonstrations and participatory learning. Watch a blacksmith, carve a spinning top, dip a candle, and learn about Dutch oven cooking or growing heirloom herbs. The park even has a ropes course, Loco Ropes, where participants are led through 30 challenges.

Meet, Eat, Retreat

If you’d like to stay in the park, Ozark Cabins at Dry Creek are available. The Skillet Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you would rather camp or park an RV, the Ozark RV Park is next door and has primitive sites to full hook-up.

Take a Hike

Moderate to strenuous: North Sylamore Creek Trail is a 15-mile point-topoint (access at Barkshead, Gunner Pool and Blanchard Springs campground)

Just for Fun

Mirror Lake Trail is a 1.3-mile loop trail with a waterfall and ruins of a mill (just downhill from Blanchard Caverns).

Stroll

Blanchard Springs Trail is a scenic, .25-mile paved trail (at Blanchard Springs Caverns area).

We Recommend

Stopping in shops like The Dulcimer Shoppe, home of the highest quality, handmade dulcimers in the country, or Mountain View Music where you can view an array of handmade folk instruments. Taking a picnic to the Sylamore Creek Campground. Fishing for trout on the White River. Taking a cave tour at Blanchard Springs Caverns, a beautiful living cave system, where the more adventurous can don knee pads and take the Wild Cave Tour. Riding on the Syllamo Mountain Bike Trail, a technical trail that, along with only 36 other trails in the country, is rated Epic by the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA).

Book It

Ozark Folk Center • 1032 Park Ave., Mountain View, AR 72560 • 870-269-3871 • www.ozarkfolkcenter.com 50 | Arkansas Wild ¸ SUMMER 2015

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52 | Arkansas Wild ¸ SUMMER 2015