Pages: 1 2
Located a few miles northeast of Little Rock, the city of Jacksonville, AR, is a good base to explore the central part of Arkansas and check out some of the beautiful state parks that the region has to offer. Whether you are planning a day trip or a camping adventure, here are some fantastic nearby destinations you can reach within a couple of hour’s drive from the Jacksonville downtown area.
1. Lake Charles State Park
Covering about 140 acres and established in 1967 by the
Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, Lake Charles State Park offers a
plethora of opportunities for outdoor sports enthusiasts looking for some great
spots for fishing, camping, hiking, mountain biking, and swimming. Located just
a few miles away from the city of Jonesboro, and not far from the Missouri
state line, this public recreation area can be reached in less than two hours
by car from Jacksonville.
As the name indicates, the main attraction in this nature reserve is Lake
Charles, an artificial reservoir constructed in the early 1960s for flood
control purposes. The lake has become a popular summer destination among visitors
from all over the region, as it offers some great amenities including
well-equipped picnic areas, playgrounds, boat ramps, fishing docks, and an
interpretive nature center.
2. Wooly Hollow State Park
Located less than 60 miles north of Jacksonville, Wooly
Hollow State Park is a great day trip destination, as it can be reached in
about an hour by car. Covering a surface area of about 370 acres, this land was
originally part of a private homestead owned by the Woolly Family, before being
established as a state park in 1973. Currently managed by the Arkansas
Department of Parks and Tourism, it receives thousands of visitors each year.
The most popular activities at Wooly Hollow State Park are fishing, boating,
and swimming on the waters of Lake Bennett. This artificial body of water was
constructed in the 1930s by the Soil Conservation Service, and now features
several amenities including boat ramps, fishing spots, and a lifeguarded
swimming beach during the summer months. Those looking for an active escape
should check out the different biking and hiking trails along the Enders Fault
area.
