Village Creek State Park

My latest adventure took place at Village Creek State Park near Wynne Arkansas. This park is located on Crowley's Ridge. Melissa was with me on this hike and so was my nephew Tommy. This was his first hike with us and he did great. We did a combination of trails that totaled 6 miles in all. The majority of the trail was in the woods but there were two overlooks and two lakes along the way that offered different views. The weather was great (Mostly Sunny and 70's).

Lake Dunn. This is where we began our hike.

Blue Phlox along the trail.

Danger, Danger...Melissa must hang on for her life. It's at least a 2' fall if she slips. :)

This is an interesting part of the trail. Not only because of the unique scenery, but it is also part of the "Trail of Tears" This trail was used as the Cherokee Indians were removed from thier homelands in southeastern United States to Indian Territory in present day Oklahoma from 1838 to 1839.

The trees on the edge of this trail were very interesting. Years of erosion put them on the edge but not to be out-done they just shoot roots to the next available soil.

This is Lake Austell from an overlook along the way.
Melissa and Tommy take a break.

The Tulip Poplar Tree is another thing that Village Creek is famous for. These trees are found throughout the park and the blooms are beautiful. They bloom from April to May.
After our hike, were driving out of the park when we noticed a lot of people and cars in the camping area. We drove over to find out what was going on. As luck would have it, we had stumbled up on "Pickin in the Park". This festival is held here every year and it features professional and amateur musicians. Different groups set up in various areas and play. Spectators just walk from group to group and plop down in their lawn chairs and listen. It was a nice and unexpected treat.