It’s been a very busy year in outdoor recreation in Arkansas. There were many big initiatives, and controversies surrounding the Buffalo National River, hopes to complete important projects, and plenty of popular destinations that were covered in ArkansasOutside.com articles this past year. To help you catch up and prepare for the new year, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 articles that our readers enjoyed based on page views.
10 – Dam removal highlight of War Eagle project
With the water level low in War Eagle Creek, a crew from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service used a hydraulic hammer to cut a notch in the middle of a concrete dam about a mile and a half east of downtown Huntsville Nov. 1. As chunks of concrete crumbled, water began to gush downstream…(more)
9 – Update on the Mena Trail Project
“Lining up so many government agencies and private partners takes time. The trails project near Mena, Arkansas is moving forward but at a slow pace. Some of the players include Federal, State, and City land agencies plus a couple of private foundations. Still, the movement is forward and the next phase starts on March 24, 2023, and runs until April 24, 2023. During this one month, the public has the opportunity to make comments within the scope of the project. According to..” (more)
8 – Our Readers Name Their Top 6 Arkansas Lakes
“There are over 2400 lakes in The Natural State over 5 acres in size. Last month we asked our readers to name their favorite lakes as they head out into the summer heat. Arkansas lakes are known for their beautiful, clean water, many of these lakes are among the clearest in the county. The lakes offer almost every water sport imaginable, boating and fishing, waterskiing, paddling, swimming, snorkeling, and…” (more)
7 – Top 10 Arkansas Mountain Bike Trail Systems
“So much to choose from, so much to ride. We’re not sure how we are going to do this next year, it’s getting tough to list all the trails. Arkansas now has over 1000 miles of mountain bike trails. More on that in a future article. This year we used Google to ask our readers what their top 3 favorite Arkansas mountain bike trails are. Not the best downhill line, the best cross-country, or the best park feel, just their favorites. And yes, this is purely a popularity contest, kind of like…” (more)
6 – Between a Rock and a Hard Place – Closing the Loop on the Arkansas River Trail
“In October 2006, the Big Dam Bridge opened, connecting the Arkansas River Trail on the North Little Rock side of the Arkansas River to the Little Rock side. The bridge, built on top of a federal dam, has always represented to me, overcoming the impossible. Opened 5 years after the 9/11 attacks, the country was still reeling from a sense of intrusion, attacks on our soil, federal facilities deemed as future possible targets were still shut down to casual public use, and security was tight…” (more)
5 – Buffalo National River Announces Canoe & Kayak Rental with Transportation Services Concession Business Opportunity Application Process Open
“The 11 concessionaires that are receiving preferred offeror status include Buffalo Outdoor Center, Buffalo River Canoes, Lost Valley Canoe & Lodging, Rio Buffalo Outfitter, Riverview Motel, Buffalo Camping & Canoeing, Crockett’s Canoe Rental, Silver Hill Float Service, Buffalo River Float Service, Dirst Canoe Rental, Wild Bill’s Outfitter. Contact information is available for all 12 current concessionaires on the…” (more)
4 – 7 Favorite Day Hiking Trails in Arkansas
“Another tough 1 Question, 1 Answer survey where we asked you to name your favorite day hike in The Natural State. This time we found out about your 7 Favorite Day Hiking Trails in Arkansas. We put you to the test because it’s on our minds as the Fall quickly approaches bringing some of the best hiking weather of the year. The top seven picks all came from areas near the Buffalo River or from Arkansas State Parks, go figure. Find out more about hiking…” (more)
3 – 6 Arkansas Winter Destinations
“We asked our readers where they wanted to be when Winter finally hit. Arkansas Winters can vary from snow and ice extremes to highs in the 60’s. Either way, Arkansas offers its own Winter beauty with big views, cool, quiet hollows, and cold evenings perfect for enjoying a nice campfire or cabin fireplace. There were 6 destinations you chose as the best in Arkansas and they range from cabins with fireplaces to cold-weather backpacking and mountain biking. Here are your top..” (more)
2 – WOKA Whitewater Park Near Siloam Springs Announces Opening Weekend
“The eagerly awaited WOKA Whitewater Park, short for Waters of Oklahoma and Arkansas, is all set to make a splash with its official opening weekend, September 15-17. Aptly named the “Welcome to WOKA” weekend, this event promises an exhilarating experience for outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels.
WOKA Whitewater Park, located on a picturesque 30-acre site, is a joint endeavor of the Grand River Dam Authority and the City of Siloam Springs, generously supported by the Walton Family Foundation. This state-of-the-art facility is destined to become the crown jewel of outdoor adventure in the region, boasting a 1,200-foot-long channel featuring eight exciting drop features, designed to challenge and…” (more)
1 – Rebranding the Buffalo National River
“The Buffalo River in Arkansas underwent a remarkable transformation to become the Buffalo National River, a designation that helped protect its pristine natural beauty and historical significance. The journey began in the mid-20th century when residents and conservationists recognized the need to safeguard this unique and unspoiled river ecosystem from potential damming and commercial development. Their grassroots efforts led to the creation of the Ozark Society in 1962, a pivotal organization that played a significant role in advocating for the preservation of the Buffalo River.
Through years of dedicated activism and support from various stakeholders, including Congressman John Paul Hammerschmidt, the Buffalo River was officially designated as the first national river in the United States on March 1, 1972. This landmark achievement resulted in the river’s inclusion under the protection of the National Park Service, ensuring that it would forever remain free-flowing and undeveloped for future generations to enjoy. The Buffalo National River now stands as…” (more)
We hope you’ve had a wonderful Holiday Season and look forward to bringing you the Arkansas Outdoor News in 2024.
