Oklahoma’s largest lake, Lake Ouachita, is 40,000 acres and surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest. The Blakely Mountain Dam was built by the US Army Corp of Engineers between 1948-53 to dam the Ouachita River and create the lake for hydroelectric power, recreation and water supply.
At the eastern end of the lake in a pine forest is Lake Ouachita State Park, our destination for the day.
Our first stop was, of course, the Visitor Center.
Both taxidermy pieces and live specimens of wildlife found in the park can be seen there…here are a few of them (golden eagle, speckled king snake, bluegill, fox):
Exhibits about the geology and plant life are interesting and informative. Park-themed gifts are available for purchase here. A park ranger gave us great advice (along with a map) about hiking the Caddo Bend Trail and other attractions at the park.
Cabins and campgrounds are available at the park and we saw families enjoying a sandy beach and swimming area on Lake Ouachita.
The lake is well known as a superior fishing lake. Some fish from the shore or from boats on the lake. Kayaking is also a popular activity on the lake.
Near the beach area are the Three Sisters Springs. When nearby Hot Springs became a nationally known health resort, it was believed that certain illnesses could be cured by drinking mineral waters or bathing in them. John McFadden (owning land near Hot Springs) claimed that he discovered healing properties in the three springs on his property. Visitors came (and some camped nearby) to soak in the open pools of water of the springs. The land was sold several more times, and by the 1930s, there were tourist facilities, a bottling plant, and warehouse at this location. Bottled water (World’s Wonder Waters) was purchased and shipped throughout the country for its healing powers. Each spring reportedly cured a different set of conditions.
Chemical analyses subsequently conducted showed that the springs contained the same elements, with only small variations in proportions. In 1939 the land was sold to the US Army Corps of Engineers in 1951 who were building nearby Blakely Mountain Dam. All three of the springs are now capped.
We drove to the parking lot at the Caddo Bend Trailhead. This is a 4-mile moderately strenuous loop trail on a peninsula that extends into the lake. We began on the south side and there were many beautiful views of Lake Ouachita from the trail.
We saw 6 or 7 deer, including some young fauns, along the trail, but this is the only one I captured on film.
Our sweet doggie, Sadie, was in heaven with all of the new smells and sights.
There were fantastic views of the lake from the Observation Deck at the tip of the peninsula.
We shortened the hike to about 3 miles by taking the service road back to the parking area. Along the way we passed one of the camping areas. What a lovely place to enjoy the beauty of nature.
We all enjoyed seeing more of the lovely landscape of southwestern Arkansas. There was no day use fee at this state park (which is always nice). For additional information about the park, go to www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/lake-ouachita-state-park.
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