Top O’ (th’) Zark

Rain.

Just about every state around us was reporting record breaking rainfall—and roadways closed due to flooding.  We needed to continue our trek northward and had two options: take the more scenic and flood-prone backroads (89 miles/< 2-hours) through the Ouachita Mountains; or take the more reliable and longer Interstate route (280 miles/~4-hours) around Little Rock.  Why I even mention the more conservative path is beyond me.

Hank was pulling Glory through some beautiful mountain passages.  Along the way we were privy to the extent of the flooding; as large temporary lakes appeared on both sides of the roadway—with corn stalks serving as lily pads as they struggled to stay above the waterline.  The extent of the crop damage was a daunting sign as to what some people would have to overcome to pay this year’s bills.

Panorama sunset over Mount Magazine

As we transitioned from the Ouachita Mountains into the Ozark's, we crossed a low-lying (and flooded) plain that gave a great visual of our next destination—Mount Magazine.  Mount Magazine rises up from the valley in a spectacular fashion—giving the impression of a much higher elevation than the modest 2,753 foot summit.  The southern access road is a steep, narrow set of switch-backs that had Hank revving-up the RPMs while staying in the lower gears.  Glory wasn’t merely a spectator, as one particular exceedingly tight 180-degree hair-pin turn resulted in loud metallic creaks echoing from her flexing chassis.  Everyone was working hard that day.

When the kingpin that joined the two was disconnected, we found ourselves (again) in the relative solitude of a sparsely populated campground.  The wind weaving through the elevated forest provided ample oxygen to maintain a hearty campfire; and the traveling crew basked in the light of distant stars that were undiminished by light pollution.  With the exception of Buddy spontaneously escorting an uninvited raccoon to (by his definition) "the outside perimeter of our campsite," there was nothing stirring except the leaves in the wind; the crackling of seasoned wood; and the symphony of cicadas. 

Mount Magazine is situated in the northwestern corner of Arkansas, and is home to the highest point in all of Arkansas.  Adjacent to the campground is a trail that leads to the pinnacle point of this mountain—Signal Hill Trail.”  At the top of this short (<1-mile RT) trail is a horizontal stonework in the shape of Arkansas.  Of particular interest is that all of the stones used to create this work of art are stones representative of the various geological regions within Arkansas.  From sandstones of the southeastern river basin, to granite in the northwestern regions; this “to scale” exhibit reflects the variations of substrate across our 25th state.

Arkansas state map in native stone

The park as a whole is simply beautiful in every facet.  There is an enormous lodge that sits atop a monstrous bluff, providing incredible views across the valley below.  The interior is constructed of native timbers and stone, creating a fluid blending of the interior styles and the surrounding environment.  There are also a series of cabins situated along the same bluff, providing even more personal space while not compromising on the natural scenery integration.

Steep bluffs, lush forests, and a blanket of clouds above

The nearby Overlook Drive gives breathtaking views to the Northwest and Northeast of the park.  This one-way paved thoroughfare is adorned with numerous overlooks of the valley below.  These towering bluffs—coupled with the sheer cliffs—provide an inspiring and intimidating view into the distance.  In addition to the overlooks, there are a few stone structures and secluded outcroppings to find solitude in the clouds.  It was at one of these outcroppings that we were able to capture a lightening storm rolling across the valley below, and eventually moving onto the mountain where we were watching from inside a stone shelter.  The video below would've been longer, but the unpredictable lightening strikes forced us to move along before the storm-front passed over us.  Still, nobody puts on a show like nature.




For the pedestrian-minded, the Bear Hollow Trail is a 3-mile trail that has some of the most spectacular views in the park—crossing numerous creeks (which feed waterfalls below); overlooking towering bluffs; and crossing through some of the oldest uncut forest in the park.  

Capturing memories on a bluff adjacent to the Bear Hollow Trail

From within our parked location at the Cameron Bluff Campground, we could walk to most of these trails/overlooks while giving Hank a much deserved rest.  There was even a moderate trail adjacent to our camp that wound along mid-ridgeline as it made it’s way back to the visitors center.  The views were not as noteworthy, but the continual access to a multitude of springs made this a favorite trail of The Boys.

River trekking with The Boys

In our 7-months of travels, this easily ranked in the Top-2 of beautiful camping destinations.  The only possible way our stay could have been better, is if we were able to experience the explosion of fall colors.   We needed to keep moving, but we both knew that we would return again to this "Island in the Clouds."

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