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Arkansas
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Arkansas State Parks

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USA Parks
Arkansas
Mississippi Valley Delta Region
Village Creek State Park
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VILLAGE CREEK STATE PARK
VILLAGE CREEK STATE PARK
201 County Road 754
Wynne, Arkansas   72396

Phone: 870-238-9406
Reservations: 870-238-9406
Email: park email button icon
Here you can enjoy the unique geology of Crowley's Ridge, a landform of rolling hills in eastern Arkansas's Mississippi Alluvial Plain. A geologic anomaly, the ridge is covered with a lush climax Beech-Maple forest featuring oak, sugar maple, beech, butternut and tulip poplar. Park interpretive programs and exhibits share the story of the natural and cultural heritage of Crowley's Ridge. Five park trails totaling seven miles allow hikers the opportunity to explore this forest on their own, or on guided trail walks. The park also includes 15 miles of horse trails. Anglers can fish for bass, bream, catfish and crappie at the park's two lakes, Lake Austell and Lake Dunn. Launch ramps, boat docks, bait, fishing boats, electric motors and pedal boats are available late-spring through Labor Day.

Horseback riding has become a popular pastime at this park, the second largest park in land area in Arkansas's state park system. Twenty-five miles of multi-use trails wind through the rolling hills and beautiful, unique hardwood forest of Crowley's Ridge. The horse trails are open throughout the year. Call the park for current trail conditions. The horse camp features 30 campsites with water and electric hookups, an asphalt parking pad, picnic table and grill; a modern bathhouse; horse wash bays and 66 stalls inside the camping area. The horse stable's 10' x 10' stalls with water, electric, and ceiling fans.

The park visitor center includes an A/V theater, store, gift shop, and bicycle rentals. The interpretive center offers a large meeting facility and The Discovery Room that features exhibits of prehistoric artifacts and information about the wildlife of Crowley's Ridge. Interpreters offer programs, concerts, and special events throughout the year.

A new 18-hole, Andy Dye signature golf course featuring the rolling terrain of Crowley's Ridge and the dramatic backdrop of this forest opened in November 2008. For more information and tee times please contact the golf course manager at 870-238-6500.

History of the Area
Located in Arkansas, the park spans over 7,000 acres. It was established on June 6th, 1978. The area is known for its diverse topography and two lakes: Lake Austell and Lake Dunn.

The land has a rich history with Native American tribes such as Quapaw and Osage inhabiting it before European settlers arrived. Evidence of their presence can be seen through various archaeological sites within the park's boundaries.

In addition to natural beauty, this site also houses portions of the Trail of Tears - routes used during forced relocation of indigenous people from southeastern U.S regions to Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma) in early nineteenth century.

Over time facilities were developed including campsites, cabins & trails catering both recreational activities like fishing or hiking along with educational programs about local flora/fauna/history.

Cabins
Our fully equipped housekeeping cabins include: sofa-bed, fireplace, full kitchen, bath/shower, air conditioner/heater, television with satellite reception and telephones. Also included are basic dishes, pots & pans, utensils, etc., range, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, toaster, blender, blankets, pillows, towels and linens. Grill and picnic table are located behind each cabin.

Camping
The park campground includes 96 campsites including Premium A, Standard A and Standard B sites around Lake Dunn. Nestled on a nearby ridge are the park's 10 fully-equipped cabins that feature kitchens and wood-burning fireplaces. At Lake Austell, picnic sites are situated near a sandy beach and sun deck. The park also includes four standard pavilions (one is enclosed), playgrounds, baseball and multi-use fields, and a driving range.


Location
Village Creek State Park is located near Forrest City, Wynne

Trails
ARBORETUM TRAIL : Length: .25 mile : Time: 1/2 hour : Difficulty: Easy Description: This is the stortest and easiest of the park's trails and accessible to almost everyone. There are signs identifying many of the trees found along the trail with numerous benches allowing for a longer visit.

Location: Exit 242 off I-40 at Forrest City and go 13 miles north on Hwy. 284 to the park

AUSTELL TRAIL : Length: 1.12 miles : Time: 1 hour : Difficulty: Moderate

Description: This trail meanders through hogback ridges and through a wooded stream valley to Lake Austell, and then on to the picnic area. This trail covers a variety of terrain, moderately steep in places, and allows a good view of the diversity of the park environment.

Location: Exit 242 off I-40 at Forrest City and go 13 miles north on Hwy. 284 to the park

BIG BEN NATURE TRAIL : Length: 1/2 mile : Time: 3/4 hour : Difficulty: Easy

Description: A self-guided trail booklet that will guide you through this unique area of Crowley's Ridge can be obtained at the visitor center. The trail begins near the visitor center and loops back to its beginning.

Location: Exit No. 242 off I-40 at Forrest City, then 13 miles north on Hwy. 284

LAKE DUNN TRAIL : Length: 2.75 miles : Time: 2 hours : Difficulty: Easy

Description: The trail starts at Lake Dunn boat dock. It travels along wooded ridgetops and winds around to the swinging bridge where the Old Military Road once passed.

Location: Exit No. 242 off I-40 at Forrest City, then 13 miles north on Hwy. 284

MILITARY ROAD TRAIL : Length: 2 1/4 miles : Time: 2 hours : Difficulty: Moderate

Description: This beautiful trail preserves the most dramatic remaining portion of the Trail of Tears. Called the Memphis to Little Rock Road, it was completed in 1829 and provided the first improved route between Memphis and Little Rock, and became a major route of Indian Removal for Creek, Chickasaw and 600 Cherokee.

Location: Exit No. 242 off I-40 at Forrest City, then 13 miles north on Hwy. 284.


Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
September 4 Spectacular Day - Military Road Trail by Jim Cosgrove
park review stars; one to five We hiked the Military Road Trail today - fabulous day - no bugs, no critters, and we nearly had the whole trail to ourselves. Beautiful, quiet - could be addictive.
July 6 Family Campground by One Camper
park review stars; one to five Great staff, lot of outdoor activities - swimming, hiking, tennis, basketball, boating etc.. watch for the mosquitos.
May 25
park review stars; one to five
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Directions
From Little Rock, Arkansas:
1. Start by heading southeast on I:530 S.
2. Take exit 35 for US:63 toward Warren/Star City.
3. Turn right onto US:63 S and continue straight.
4. After about 37 miles, turn left onto AR:8 E/E Cedar St in Rison.

From Memphis, Tennessee:
1. Start out going west on Poplar Ave towards N Front St/I40 W.
2. Merge with I55S via the ramp to Jackson Miss.
3. Take Exit 23B:A to merge into I440W towards Texarkana/Little rock airport
4. Turn Right unto Bankhead Dr then take a slight Left turn unto Springer Blvd

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Arkansas
62

Arkansas State Parks

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