Big Spring On The White River And Haw Creek Falls
Big Spring At Cotter Arkansas
March was a fine month for exploring. In addition to several hikes we did a few road trips also. March 16 we took a trip over to Cotter on the White River and on April Fool's Day Haw Creek campground was open so we drove over to check it out and Haw Creek Falls.
Arkansas is a paradise for the person who enjoys the outdoors. Whether it is duck hunting or deer and elk hunting, Arkansas has it. For those who like to be on the water, you can canoe the Buffalo River or take your boat out on one of the many area lakes. Hiking and camping in the Buffalo Nation River Park, Wilderness Areas and National Forests are healthy and relaxing activities. And for those who enjoy fishing Arkansas offers some of the finest trout fishing in America along the White River
The town of Cotter has a beautiful park which features Big Spring, a spring which feeds the White River. A tremendous amount of water comes out of the ground here. The park has been around since the turn of the last century and is a focal point for community activities. There is a swimming hole for the family to enjoy during the dog days of summer. A public boat launch is available. There is also small railroad memorial there. There are plenty of places to just sit and enjoy the view, both picnic tables and the soft grass. There is a ball park and a pavilion. Of course you can also fish!
I took a drive up to Bedford Camera in Springfield, Missouri to look at a new Nikon Digital Camera. On the way home we stopped at Mr. Gilbertis PLace. Having grown up just north of Chicago I can testify that his deep dish pan pizza is an authentic Chicago style pizza. It was simply delicious and I heartily recommend this small restaurant in Hollister, MO
In January we took a road trip down into the National Forest, drove past the Haw Creek Campground and noticed a small waterfall. We knew there was a large one alongside the campground but at that time, it was closed for the season. On April Fool's Day the campground had opened up so we drove back the day after a very good rain. We wanted to see Haw Creek Falls and also Pack Rat Falls.
In January we took a road trip down into the National Forest, drove past the Haw Creek Campground and noticed a small waterfall. We knew there was a large one alongside the campground but at that time, it was closed for the season. On April Fool's Day the campground had opened up so we drove back the day after a very good rain. We wanted to see Haw Creek Falls and also Pack Rat Falls.
We crossed the low water bridge to the campground and parked near the vault toilets. There are 9 campsites here, each with a table and grill. You can see Haw Creek Falls from the campground and it is a short walk to view them up close. We were lucky, due to the rain the day before the falls were magnificent. After admiring them we decided to see if we could make it to Pack Rat Falls.
We met a very nice man, Keith. who was a serious hiker and he said he would hike with us and go ahead to scout out exactly where the falls were. He noticed my knee brace and was trying to be so very helpful. We took off in the wrong direction but then corrected ourselves and started working our way up a small grotto. The hike became more difficult that I could handle and we had to let our guide and some others go on ahead. We turned back and sat at the campground waiting for them to return. Keith brought back a video that he took on his cell phone. It was really a beautiful spot.
We met a very nice man, Keith. who was a serious hiker and he said he would hike with us and go ahead to scout out exactly where the falls were. He noticed my knee brace and was trying to be so very helpful. We took off in the wrong direction but then corrected ourselves and started working our way up a small grotto. The hike became more difficult that I could handle and we had to let our guide and some others go on ahead. We turned back and sat at the campground waiting for them to return. Keith brought back a video that he took on his cell phone. It was really a beautiful spot.
I hope that each of you gets a chance to visit Arkansas and enjoy some aspect of the Natural State! It truly has something for everyone who enjoys the outdoors. Large expanses of National Forests along with world class trout fishing and the nations first National river, make the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas one of the very finest places you can bring your family for a vacation.