The Mississippi Delta is flat, rural, and full of mosquitoes. We’re talking pterodactyls, here. Farming rules the land and there’s pretty much nothing to do. So, you kind of have to make your own. But like a raised scar on the delta, Crowley’s Ridge rises above.
Known to the locals as just “the ridge,” it is 550 feet tall, 12 miles at it’s widest point, and 150 miles long. The ridge was made some 50 million years ago as water, ice and wind all came together to form this unique geological anomaly. Actually, the ridge was an island long ago in what once was an ancient sea. We’re probably boring you, but the ridge is home to some unique vegetation that you rarely see in this section of the country.
So, what’s to do? Well, aren’t we glad you asked. Our go to is Crowley’s Ridge State Park. It’s niiiicccceeeee. Complete with cabins and campsites, picnic areas, hiking trails, a fishing pond and swimming area, it’s sure to be fun for the whole family. Did we mention they rent kayaks and pedal boats? For more info check out their website: https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/crowleys-ridge-state-park
While you’re in the area, don’t forget about Village Creek State Park. It’s the flagship state park of the delta. It offers fishing, hiking, and at last glance, horseback riding. Take a girl (or family, or whatever you’re in to) horseback riding. Rent a cabin. Make a weekend of it. Also, it’s got a top notch golf course… They can give you all of the details here: https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/village-creek-state-park
If nothing else, you’ll surely enjoy the southern hospitality. As in most cases, with southern hospitality, you’re likely to find some great southern food not too far behind. You better believe there’s some killer BBQ in the area. Jones BBQ in Marianna is always our pick. If you’re looking for 5 star you won’t find it here. What you will find is good people and excellent food. Their Facebook Page will give you more info: https://www.facebook.com/JonesBarBQDiner/
Very importantly, any time you’re in the delta area, you want pop into DeVall’s Bluff and snag some Craig’s BBQ sauce. We HIGHLY recommend you take some home. It’s a damn good sauce and Phil swears the secret ingredient is celery seed…
HEY – You might as well check out the Native American mounds at Parkin while you’re close. It’s an archaeological site and pretty cool if you’re nerdy like us. It’s just east of the ridge.
If you have any extra time to spare, hop on over to Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center in Jonesboro. It’s a great place to take in the history of the ridge. Family friendly, too.
For one of the less traveled areas in the state, Crowley’s Ridge definitely hosts some top notch hidden gems. If you ask us, any place with history, nature, water, and great food is sure to be an adventure.
Get out and explore!
Y’all have at it!
The Arkansas To Do Team -Phil and Jess
