As the leaves begin to fall and the smell of pumpkin spice fills the streets, plenty of opportunities arise to go on fantastic adventures and enjoy your favorite fall activities. Whether you are into hiking, camping, or wildlife watching, here are some great ideas to make the best of this season and spend some quality time with your loved ones without driving too far from Little Rock, AR.
1. Camping at Ouachita National Forest
A sprawling nature reserve spanning nearly two million acres
across the states of Arkansas and Oklahoma, Ouachita National Forest is a true
paradise for nature lovers and a fantastic spot for a camping trip with
friends. Established in the early 20th century by the U.S. Forest Service, this
place is considered one of the most scenic areas in the southern United States.
Boasting extensive woodlands crisscrossed by a large network of hiking trails,
Ouachita National Forest is a wonderful place to admire the changing colors of
the trees and breath some of the clean and crisp air that the season brings.
This public nature reserve features several different campgrounds with
facilities including picnic areas, flush toilets, hot showers, and fire pits.
2. Birdwatching at White River National Wildlife Refuge
Located a little under 90 miles east of downtown Little
Rock, White River National Wildlife Refuge can be reached in about one hour and
45 minutes via route US-165 and is a top-rated destination among local birders
and wildlife watchers. This nature reserve was established in the 1930s and
covers an area of over 160,000 acres on the banks of the White River.
White River National Wildlife Refuge is home to several different species of
birds including bald eagles, Canada geese, great blue herons, great egrets,
wood storks, gadwalls, rusty blackbirds, and wood ducks. Crisscrossed by
several miles of hiking and biking trails, this wildlife refuge is a place
where you can easily spend an entire weekend exploring its different areas.
3. Hiking at Lake Catherine State Park
Sitting on the shores of a 2,240-acre body of water, Lake Catherine State Park was established in the 1930s and is an excellent destination to go hiking and take a break from the routine. This public recreation area features not only an extensive network of multi-use trails but also great amenities for visitors, including boat rental shops, a horseback riding stable, picnic areas, cabins, and campsites.
If you are planning a memorable adventure this fall, the spacious and comfortable 2022 Ford Explorer Platinum has everything you need to keep you and your passengers comfortable while on the road. Visit us today at Crain Ford of Little Rock and check out this and other fantastic vehicles we have available for you.
Image via Pixabay.
