Many state parks tend to focus on just one main attraction. Some underrated parks, like Nevada's Echo Canyon State Park, are centered around a scenic canyon. Others, like South Carolina's Jones Gap State Park, have wildflower-filled meadows in a secluded mountain. However, Arkansas' Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area is the equivalent of a jack-of-all-trades. The 12,054-acre chunk of Ozark paradise, Arkansas' largest state park, lies about 200 miles from Little Rock. It offers visitors everything
from scenic trails to aquatic fun, with plenty of rigorous leisure activities like mountain biking and gun shooting mixed in for good measure.
The park's charming diversity lies in its historic inconsistency, changing with time. Years of erosion and varying dynamics created its current terrain. Streams have come and gone, the land shifted by creeks and springs. It eventually became home to Northwest Arkansas' first and largest lumber magnate, Peter Van Winkle. Almost no other development happened on the property. The resulting eclectic, untouched terrain makes it a "natural" park formed by nature itself, as opposed to a well-groomed parcel constructed and maintained by human hands.
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The Best Things To Do At Hobbs State Park
A visit to the Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area should be built around its 54-mile trail system. Though most of the routes can be navigated on foot, two-wheeled aficionados who live for drop-ins, pedal-punches, and that sweet suspension-squish will find this system a dream (translation: it's good for mountain biking, too). The park's Hidden Diversity Multi-Use Trail offers a 24-mile "Best of Hobbs" trek. From lakes to forests to a full look at the park's tapestry of wildlife, the two-hour journey on wheels (six hours on foot) will give visitors a full understanding of the park's charms. Hikers looking for a strenuous day out should head over to the 8.5-mile Pigeon Roost Trail, which allows for a shorter day trip or a longer trek for overnight stays.
Head long enough in nearly any direction at Hobbs State Park and you'll hit water. In the north, Beaver Lake's shores make up 22 of the park's 60-mile perimeter, with War Eagle Creek at the southern end of the park. These aquatic outposts give visitors a welcome alternative to long treks through lush forests. Fishing, paddling, or just relaxing by the shore all fit the bill. Though most of Beaver Lake's 31,000 acres lie outside the park, visitors can still hit its waters to fish for crappie, bass, and catfish.
Just in case the peace and quiet of a state park leaves you feeling the need for a little spice, the park's free shooting range, redesigned and renovated in 2021, is a mainstay in the local community. The unique attraction makes it stand apart from most state parks, with five shooting lanes of up to 100 yards in length — rifles and handguns only.
Planning Your Trip To Hobbs State Park
A visit to Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area should be part of a bigger trip to Arkansas itself. Kansas City International Airport is the park's closest major transit hub, a distressing 244 miles away. If you can, finagle a flight to Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport instead. It's a 50-minute drive away.
If you need a place to rest your head, you might as well make it under the stars. The park has 11 campsites with fire rings, lantern hooks, and tent pads. Make sure you pack all the essential camping equipment you'll need to vacation like royalty, as these primitive sites don't offer much beyond their incredible views. If you'd rather rush back to civilization, head over to Rogers. It's one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, yet offers small-town soul.
Temperatures during the peak summer season can get hot and muggy, so plan to visit during the shoulder season. Just be aware that regulated hunting is allowed in the state park, so certain trails close seasonally. Be sure to check the current closures and dress in bright colors to stay safe.
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