Crowley’s Ridge is a unique geological area in Northeast Arkansas. This area sits between 250 and 500 feet above the surrounding Delta lowlands region. Enjoy an abundance of natural beauty here with opportunities for camping, hiking, swimming, fishing, and boating.
This 270-acre Arkansas state park is a delightful spot for day picnicking or a short weekend stay. It’s best to visit in the spring or early summer for full vegetation growth and the most active wildlife.
📌 Located in Paragould, Arkansas (Northeast, near Jonesboro)
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Crowley’s Ridge is a unique geological formation and natural feature located in the United States, primarily within the state of Arkansas, but it also extends into Missouri. This ridge stands out as a significant topographical feature in the Mississippi Alluvial Plain, offering a contrast to the surrounding lowlands of the Delta region.
The area is the result of topographical erosion. It is believed to have been formed by the accumulation of sediment deposited by ancient rivers over millions of years. The ridge is primarily composed of windblown soils (loess), which contribute to its fertility.
This elevated landform supports a unique mix of hardwood forest, distinct from the surrounding areas’ wetlands and agricultural fields. The forested hills are home to various species of plants and animals, some of which are unique to this area.
Let’s jump into things to do inside Crowley’s Ridge State Park.
Hiking at Crowley’s Ridge State Park
There are four hiking trails ranging from fully accessible to moderate at Crowley’s Ridge. All of them can be walked in 30 minutes or less, making them ideal for families of all ages. Adventurous hikers might even choose to complete all four trails in one day!
The trails include: The Dancing Rabbit Trail (moderate), Lake Ponder Trail (ADA), Spider Creek Trail (moderate), and Walcott Lake Trail (easy).
Lake Ponder Trail (Easy, ADA Accessible)
A unique rustic-style boardwalk provides an easy and accessible hiking trail with views of the stone and log elements constructed by the Army Corps of Engineers to enhance the natural beauty and functionality of the area. (0.45 miles, approx. 30 minutes)
Walcott Lake Trail (Easy)
An easy loop trail that provides the best view of the surrounding delta farmland. The Walcott Lake Trail is along the fishing lake levee and is suitable for hikers of all abilities. (0.5 miles, approx. 30 minutes)
🖐Grab a Trail Map Here
Spider Creek Trail (Easy to Moderate)
Spider Creek Trail is a well-marked travel loop that travels through the forest. The best time to hike this trail is in the spring when wildflowers are abundant. Moderate elevation changes will get the heart pumping without being too difficult to traverse. (1.0 mile, approx 30 minutes)
Dancing Rabbit Trail (Easy to Moderate)
Dancing Rabbit Trail is an easy loop trail that travels along a gulley formed by erosion. Its 1.1-mile length features moderate elevation changes and can be combined with the Spider Creek Trail to create a longer hike. (1.1 miles, approx 30 minutes)
Read More: Top 5 Waterfall Hikes in the Ozarks
Swimming at Crowley’s Ridge State Park
Crowley’s Ridge State Park offers seasonal lake swimming in a dedicated area with lifeguards on duty. Public swim hours are noon to 6 PM between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Day rate swimming access is $4-$6 pp. Group rates available for 25+ people.
Read More: Find a Swimming Hole in the Ozarks
Fishing at Crowley’s Ridge State Park
Natural state anglers call it ‘the ridge.’ They’re referring to a string of small lakes along the ridgeline that start with Walcott Lake in Crowley’s Ridge State Park. This 31-acre fishing lake is a haven for bass fishers. If you’re out for the numbers, you can catch dozens of small bass up to 2lbs on a good spring day. The shorelines are well-kept and easy to access for bank fishing or launching a small boat.
Read More: Plan a First-Time Family Fishing Trip
Floating at Crowley’s Ridge State Park
There are two small lakes located at Crowley’s Ridge State Park, one for fishing (Walcott Lake) and one for swimming. For those who enjoy a float on the water at a leisurely place, you can get an hour or two in the bigger lake. For those who keep it moving, you might traverse the entire lake in as little as 20 minutes.
Read More: A Beginner’s Guide to Your First Float Trip
Camping at Crowley’s Ridge State Park
There is a small variety of options for overnight stays at Crowley’s Ridge State Park. The campground features 17 sites with 30 Amp electric and water and 8 tent sites. Reservations are required. The park also offers 5 bunk cabins for group lodging and 4 duplex cabins for families. Check availability to reserve your spot online.
Although limited in number, the campground is clean, with ample-sized lots and paved pads. Each site features a fire ring with a cooking grate, grill, and picnic table. The bathhouse is clean and accessible from the small campground, offering access to full amenities.
For families that prefer a little less rustic camping experience, the cabins provide the perfect accommodations. Some of the cabins are dog-friendly, while others are strictly no pets, so read the descriptions carefully when booking.
Read More: How to Survive Camping with Kids and Actually Have Fun
Plan Your Trip to Crowley’s Ridge State Park Today!
We love to explore, but we often have limited time. The various state parks across the Ozarks have never let us down! Our favorite times to visit Crowley’s Ridge State Park are the spring when wildflowers are in bloom and mid-summer when the temps rise, and we’re looking for a swimming hole to cool off in!
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