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Located atop the forested hills in northeast Arkansas, Crowley's Ridge State Park occupies the former homestead of Benjamin Crowley, whose family first settled this area.

Native log and stone structures, constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, set the mood for this park's rustic warmth. Park facilities include four fully-equipped, modern duplex cabins with kitchens; a group lodging area featuring five bunk cabins, a kitchen/dining hall and bathhouse; 26 campsites--18 Class B and
8 Tent sites; picnic areas; snack bar; trails; standard pavilions; baseball field; 31-acre fishing lake (electric motors only); and a 3 1/2-acre swimming lake.  Interpretive programs are offered here at the park throughout the year.

Crowley's Ridge State Park is located 15 miles north of Jonesboro on Ark. 141; or nine miles west of Paragould on U.S. 412, then two miles south on Ark. 168.

Our fully equipped duplex housekeeping cabins include: Sofa-bed, fireplace, kitchen, shower, air conditioner/heater, cable television and Wi-Fi wireless access. Also included are dishes, pans, utensils, etc., range, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, toaster, iron and ironing board, pillows, towels, and linens. BBQ grill, ground grill, and picnic table are located outside each cabin. There are no telephones in the cabins.

Group lodging area includes a dining hall/kitchen, group bathhouse, outdoor pavilion with picnic tables and grills, an outdoor volleyball court and group fire ring. The entire facility is located on a 31-acre fishing lake. All buildings are heated/air conditioned. This area accommodates up to 60 people and is available for rent throughout the year.

Did you know there is a unique land form of rolling hills in eastern Arkansas that is home to four state parks?

Crowley’s Ridge is one of Arkansas’s six major natural divisions. Located in the flatlands of the Mississippi River Delta, this rolling ridge was formed when the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers changed course millions of years ago. Topped by windblown dust called loess, the ridge extends from southeast Missouri to Helena, Arkansas. Four state parks call the ridge home: Crowley’s Ridge State Park, Lake Frierson State Park, Lake Poinsett State Park and Village Creek State Park.

Did you know Crowley’s Ridge State Park is located on a geologic anomaly?

This lovely recreational park featuring CCC Rustic-style facilities from the 1930s lies atop a geological anomaly in northeast Arkansas called Crowley’s Ridge. Left as an erosional remnant from the natural forces of rivers 40 million years ago, Crowley's Ridge stands 100 to 200 feet above the fertile plains of the Delta in eastern Arkansas. The ridge was named for Benjamin F. Crowley, a soldier in the War of 1812 whose land grant was the first pioneer settlement in this part of the state. Crowley's Ridge forms a narrow arc of scenic rolling hills extending from Cape Girardeau Missouri into the northeast corner of Arkansas down to the Mississippi River at Helena. The forest on the Ridge is different from others in Arkansas. It’s a climax beech-maple forest.

Located near Paragould at the site of Benjamin Crowley's original home site, Crowley's Ridge State Park is situated on the western slopes of the ridge. Once a campground for the Quapaw Indians, the park offers visitors swimming and fishing in spring-fed lakes, shaded campground and picnic areas, and scenic nature trails.

The park was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) beginning in 1933, establishing it as one of the six original state parks in Arkansas. Today, these native stone and wood structures create a setting of rustic serenity nestled in the natural beauty of Crowley’s Ridge.

Trails

Dancing Rabbit Trail 

Length: 1.25 miles
Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Moderate
Brochure: Available at visitor center  Print Map

Description: The park was once a campground for Native Americans who named the setting of this trail the Dancing Rabbit Arroyo. The Spanish word "arroyo" stands for deep gulley. This trail leads hikers along this gulley, formed years ago by erosion, over two swinging bridges, and loops back to the visitor center.

Location: 15 miles north of Jonesboro on Hwy. 141, or 9 miles west of Paragould on U.S. 412, then 2 miles south on Hwy. 168

Lake Ponder Trail

Length: .45 miles
Time: 1/2 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Brochure: Available at visitor center

Description: View the plants of Crowley's Ridge from a rustic-style boardwalk and stone overlook in the unique construction style of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Many CCC structures are visible along the trail and are highlighted by wayside exhibits outlining the park's rich history.

Location: 15 miles north of Jonesboro on Hwy. 141, or 9 miles west of Paragould on U.S. 412, then 2 miles south on Hwy. 168
Comments: Barrier-free

Spider Creek Trail

Length: 1 mile
Time: 1/2 hour
Difficulty: Moderate
Brochure: Available at visitor center

Description: The trail begins at the southern end of the picnic area and features a diversity of plant and animal life. Wildflowers are particularly numerous around the spring.

Location: Fifteen miles north of Jonesboro on Hwy. 141, or 9 miles west of Paragould on U.S. 412, then 2 miles south on Hwy. 168

Walcott Lake Trail

Length: .5 miles
Time: 1/2 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Brochure: Available at visitor center

Description: This easy trail atop the fishing lake levee offers a chance to view shorebirds as well as the best vantage point to view the park's bat condo.

Location: Fifteen miles north of Jonesboro on Hwy. 141, or 9 miles west of Paragould on U.S. 412, then 2 miles south on Hwy. 168

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 Crowley's Ridge Time Line ►►

 Directions to Park

The park is 15 miles north of Jonesboro on Arkansas 141;
or nine miles west of Paragould on U.S. 412,
then two miles south on Arkansas 168.

 Contact Information
2092 Highway 168 North
Paragould,  AR  72450
E-mail:  CrowleysRidge@Arkansas.com
Park/Campsite Reservations
1-870-573-6751
Cabin Reservations
1-800-264-2405

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02/23/12 07:57 AM