Carolina Beach State Park

Carolina Beach State Park is an excellent place to enjoy recreational activities, hiking, boating and fishing. Nature photographers also enjoy the thousands of photo-ops of nature and wildlife. The park also has an interesting history. Before settlers came to the area, it was inhabited by the Cape Fear Indians. There was a clash between them and the new European settlers in 1715. Ten years later, the tribe left the area. There have been many reports of finding artifacts from this era, such as pottery, arrowheads and shells. Pirates also posed another threat to the early settlers in the area that is now Carolina Beach State Park. Settlers struggled to live there. Finally in 1726, a true settlement was established there. The Cape Fear River was named as one of the five official entry ports for commerce, which made the settlement thrive. In 1969, the state park was built to maintain the integrity of the area and the waters that flow through it.

This park is actually an island. It is built on the triangle shaped patch of land called Pleasure Island, surrounded by the Cape Fear River and Atlantic Ocean. Hiking is one of the most popular activities and there are several trails to choose from. Keep in mind that only hiking is permissible; bikes are not allowed on any trails. Sugarloaf Trail is one of the most interesting choices. The name comes from the 50-foot sand dune that is a landmark on this trail. Sugarloaf dune was a site where soldiers camped during the Civil War and was also a popular landmark for sailors in early colonial days. It is a three-mile trail, marked with orange circles for identification, beginning at the marina lot. Fiddler crab are commonly seen on this trail. Flytrap Trail is another interesting hike. It is only a half-mile and is a peaceful and shady walk. Enjoy the longleaf pines, turkey oak, savanna and pocosin trees. Note the wild Venus flytrap plants growing on the pocosin trees while hiking here. There is also a delightful wooden boardwalk and wild orchids on the trail. There are several other trails, including Campground, Swamp, Snow’s Cut and Oak Toe. Trail maps and information can be obtained at the park’s main office.

Bellevue State Park

Bellevue State Park is located on the grounds that were formerly the home of William DuPont, Jr. This well cultivated 328 acre park offers activities that can be enjoyed during any season. From tennis courts and disc golf in the warmer months to ice skating in the winter, visitors can enjoy themselves year round. Bellevue State Park is situated in the suburbs near New Castle County in Delaware. The grounds overlook the Deleware River. Many of the park’s facilities were built by DuPont while he lived on the property.

Formal Gardens and Mansion

Mammoth Spring State Park

The Mammoth Spring State Park, located in Fulton County, Arkansas, spans more than sixty acres of the Ozarks. It contains the state’s largest natural spring – the main attraction that drew settlers and tourists to the area as far back as the late 1800s.

Trails and Sights

Lake Poinsett State Park

Lake Poinsett State Park is located among a panorama of rolling hills called Crowley’s Ridge. The 640-acre lake is situated in northeastern Arkansas, and was constructed by the Arkansas Fish and Game Commission in 1960 to provide recreation to outdoor lovers and those who enjoy fishing. Lake Poinsett State Park was established in 1963 and faces the northern end of the lake. The park offers picnicking and camping options for guests, as well as excellent fishing facilities. Outdoor enthusiasts typically find the shallow waters of the lake ideal for catfish, crappie, bream, and bass fishing.

Lake Poinsett State Park’s location makes it an excellent base from which one can go exploring, and those interested in the history and scenic attraction of Crowley’s Ridge, can enjoy a year-round feast for the eye. An enormous range of colors can be viewed from either the north or south ridge, including bright red maple leaves during autumn, dogwood blossoms in spring, and a plethora of wildflowers throughout the summer. The history buff will enjoy the northern area of the park situated close to Paragould. This area, made famous by General Marmaduke during the Civil War, is a celebrated historical site.

Lake Ouachita State Park

Located in the Ouachita Mountains National Forrest, Lake Ouachita State Park is an Arkansas gem. Along with awesome views of Arkansas’s natural beauty, the 40,000 acre lake and surrounding park area offer a visitors center, restaurant, cabins, campsites, a full service marina, swimming, hiking trails, boat ramps, and interpretive exhibits.

Lodging
Cabins at Lake Ouachita State Park offer upstairs lofts with 2 double beds, bedrooms downstairs with double beds, a living room, dining room, and kitchen area with cooking tools and utensils for up to six guests. Towels and linens are provided, as well as telephones with free local calls, and a TV with DVD player. For reservations call 1-800-264-2441.