As you drive along Crowley's Ridge Parkway, take in the dramatic landscape and rich history of this portion of the South. From fresh fruit and vegetables from the stands along the roadside, remains of an ancient inland sea, or historic and cultural spots, the parkway offers much to see and do.
Start your trip on the byway in Arkansas. Lake Poinsett State Park offers more than a dozen campgrounds, boat rentals, and miles of water to fish in. While you're there, catch a bucket full of bass, bream, or catfish and enjoy your meal as you camp underneath the spiny leaves of the trees. The 22,600 acres of the St. Francis National Forest is one of the smallest forests in the country, but you can still let a cool breeze ruffle your hair as you bike among mountain trails or hike among wooded pathways. Mountain streams trail around the forest, so cool your feet off and take pictures to catalog the abundance of birds and other wildlife in the forest.
Prehistoric wildlife and other artifacts come to life at the Discovery Room in Parkin Archeological State Park, which provides you with a variety of fun facts and living history. Once a thriving town that grew up around the ferry that crossed the St. Francis River, Chalk Bluff became home to a Civil War battle, when General Marmaduke attempted to take his army across the river. Pursued by the Union Army, he was forced to retreat, but not before many soldiers lost their lives. Today you can walk around the battle site and learn more about it through the markers there.
Cross over the border into Missouri just a few miles down the road to visit the Four Mile House, which once held many captured soldiers behind its walls. Don't forget to see the grave of young Billy DeMint, who was murdered after bravely refusing to disclose where his father was to a band of guerrillas.
In October, hundreds flock to the Blues and Heritage Festival in Helena to enjoy some delicious home cooked Southern food and listen to the talent and variety at the festival. While in Holcomb, known as the watermelon and cantaloupe capital of Missouri, be sure to stop at one of the many stands and pick up some of the sweetest fruit in the country. Visit the town of Malden to learn about the people and culture at the Malden Historical Museum and explore the room holding the Dennis Collection of Egyptian Antiquities.
Crowley's Ridge offers a taste of the culture and history of the Southern people in its examples of their food, music and way of life.
Birding on Crowley's Ridge Parkway