Cedar Glade Picnic Area And The Erbie Access Road
Standing Tall At The New Erbie Access
It was mid-December and I was with my longtime hiking friend MrBill. Both of us had not been out for some weeks and wanted to just get out, take a drive, and see something. We decided to take a drive down the Erbie Access road off Highway 7. Our plan was to drive down to the river, then over the low water bridge at Erbie, and head back home. We have driven down this road often over the years, both to access hiking trails and to launch canoes. It's 8 miles down to the low water bridge and there are several beautiful places to stop.
The first place we pulled over is Cedar Glade Picnic Area. It is a well maintained picnic and camping area along the Buffalo River Trail, It has two picnic tables, a fire pit and excellent parking for day hikers. We have often stopped here for a snack or just to enjoy the view. Although easily accessible and an excellent spot for a family picnic and hike, especially with young kids, we have seldom seen anyone here during the week. The Ponds Loop at Cedar Glade Picnic Area is a short, easy stroll through a forest of pine and cedar that leads to two ponds with fishing docks.
After exploring Cedar Glade we hopped in the Jeep and continued down the access road to the new Erbie Campground. Well, new to us anyways, as we used to put our canoes in at the old Erbie Campground, which, for many years now, you are no longer allowed to camp in. We startled a doe and she jumped in front of us and made her way up the road. We stopped and let her get off into the woods. We drove through the entire campground and were pleased to see a tent set up in the very back. Some folks were taking advantage of the off season to have the entire place to themselves. Parking at the canoe access we noticed that over the years the river has washed away many of the features that were built into the access point and only the two rock pillars still stand.
Once we were done with the new Erbie Campground we continued down the road, passing the Parker-Hickman farm. This is a featured item in the park and they have done a decent job of keeping it in good condition, although there have been times when they let the grounds get overgrown. Once past the farm there is a parking area before you get to the low water crossing, with a field behind it. We pulled in there. This is the old access point and campground. It is a very peaceful and beautiful spot, and virtually no one ever stops here anymore. Behind the field up on the hill, the Buffalo River Trail passes. There used to be a access trail that the park kept mowed, but it is no longer there. You could park at this spot and walk to Kyles and back. One of the reasons we liked putting our canoes in here was there is a really fine rapids just above the new Erbie Access point and launching here always gave us an extra thrill. We walked a little ways on the trail then came back to the Jeep. The river was up and we decided not to cross over, so we just drove back the way we came.
Day trips in the winter, when the weather is nice can be lots of fun. Whether you take a hike or just drive into the national forests or the park, the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas offers a wide variety of choices for those who like to spend time outside. Put down that virtual reality machine and grab the family or friend and get a dose of real reality!
Day trips in the winter, when the weather is nice can be lots of fun. Whether you take a hike or just drive into the national forests or the park, the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas offers a wide variety of choices for those who like to spend time outside. Put down that virtual reality machine and grab the family or friend and get a dose of real reality!