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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

A Jump Off This Epic Natural Diving Board In Arkansas Will Make Your Summer Complete

Dam Site Recreation Area in Heber Springs offers an epic natural diving board for cliff jumping at Greers Ferry Lake, making it a thrilling summer adventure in Arkansas.

Published Apr 26, 2023

Written by 

Melanie Johnson

If you’re ready for the ultimate Summer activity in the Natural State, then head to the Dam Site Recreation Area in Heber Springs. Here you’ll find an epic natural diving board that is perfect for cliff jumping in Arkansas. It’s the ultimate Summer adventure for the water enthusiast in you. Grab the entire family and get ready for the most fun you’ll have in Arkansas this year.

Cliff jumping might be thrilling for some, but we understand that it ain’t for everyone. But if you’re an adrenaline junkie and love the rush of the adventure, then this is for you.

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Dam Site Marina/Google

This Summer, head to the Dam Site Park at Greers Ferry Lake, where you’ll find the best natural diving board in Arkansas to jump and take a splash.

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ere. cado/Google

Constructed in 1962, Greers Ferry Lake is a 40,000-acre lake that was formed from the damming of the Little Red River.

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mike boling/Google

And it’s one of the most breathtaking lakes in the country that features a plethora of water activities.

They include swimming, boating, fishing, water skiing, kayaking, and more. The lake attracts thousands of visitors each year, who love to take advantage of the beautiful sandy beaches as well as the nearby marina.

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cary ballard/Google

But what makes this lake special is that it’s home to the Dam Site Park, where you can go cliff jumping for the most epic Summer adventure.

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Beth White/Google

Tucked along the banks of the lake, Dam Site Park is a campground that’s the ultimate getaway for the water enthusiast in you. And the natural diving board is arguably one of the best in the state.

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Caro Ru/Google

It’s great for the expert cliff jumper who loves to perform flips, tricks, as well as adrenaline rushing maneuvers.

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ere. cado/Google

Beginners can also enjoy the natural diving board, but do proceed with caution because there are some dangers involved with cliff jumping. The warning signs are there for a reason.

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Annette V/Google

While cliff jumping can be fun for some, it might not be your thing. So, instead, perch on top of the cliff and watch the gorgeous sunset over the lake. It will be the best seat in the house.

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Brandy Baty/Google

Have you ever been cliff jumping in Arkansas at Dam Site Park? If so, tell us in the comments about your experience.

And if you would like to know more about Greers Ferry Lake, check out this previous article about one of the best sandy beaches in Arkansas.

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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

The Stunning Top-Secret Swimming Hole In Arkansas Nobody’s Ever Heard Of

Published Aug 9, 2024

Written by 

Melanie Johnson

If you live in Arkansas, we bet you've heard of or been to Falls Creek Falls, Walnut Creek, Gunner Pool, or Kings River Falls. After all, they're some of the best swimming holes in the state. But unless you live near Paris, I can guess that you’ve never heard of Big Shoal Creek or Shoal Creek as locals call it. This pretty nature spot in Arkansas is one of her best kept secrets. But now that the cat is out of the bag, we want to share this hidden gem swimming hole with you.

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Tucked inside the tiny town of Paris, you'll find a secret spot that not many folks know about. Big Shoal Creek is a small oasis filled with cascading waterfalls as well as pretty swimming holes, and it's perfect for a quick summer day trip in the Ozarks.

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Travis Howk/AllTrails

The hike to get to this hidden gem is literally 0.1 miles, so it's only a short walk from the parking area on Spring Lake Rd. Or if you have an ORV, you can easily drive right up to it.

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Stephanie Jardine/Google

If you've driven on Spring Lake Rd in Paris, you might have seen Big Shoal Creek as you travel across the bridge. And if you've never stopped, be sure to do so next time you're in the area. You won't be disappointed.

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Ronnie Hendrix/Google

What I like most about this nature spot is that there are rocky areas along the creek...

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Russell McLaughlin/AllTrails

...so, if you have kids, there are plenty of places for them to play and wade in the water.

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Samantha Wilson/Google

Plus, there is a pretty little cascading waterfall. At only about 5-feet tall, what Big Shoal Falls lacks in height, it makes up for in beauty. Bring your camera as you will want to snap some pics here.

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Rodger Reber/Google

Depending on when you visit, you could have this secret swimming hole to yourself, so you'll want to take full advantage of it.

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It's best to visit after a good rainfall, but even if the creek isn't flowing, you can still find a few spots to get your feet wet.

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Russell McLaughlin/AllTrails

After your visit, chances are, this swimming hole might become your new go-to oasis.

So, did you know about this secret nature spot in Arkansas? Have you been to it? Let us know in the comments below. While in the area, how about you grab a bite to eat at this scenic Arkansas restaurant that's high above the clouds.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/arkansas/restaurant-above-the-clouds-ar/

Also, if you need a place to stay after your day of fun, we found this affordable hotel in Paris that's a perfect place to rest.

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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

This Natural Water Park In Arkansas Is A Summer Dream Come True

Published Aug 2, 2024

Written by 

Melanie Johnson

Truth be told, it’s not hard to find a natural water park in Arkansas. After all, with over 2,000 lakes and thousands of unnamed swimming holes, any of them can become a natural playground. Take, for instance, the Ouachita River Whitewater Park in Malvern that we are featuring today. With raging rapids, picnic tables, walking trails, and more, this epic Arkansas aquatic park is jam-packed with adventure. A day trip here will literally make your summer dreams come true. Plus, it’s dog-friendly, too. Come and check it out with us.

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At over 500 miles long, the Ouachita River is a natural playground that stretches from Arkansas to Louisiana.

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Thomas Cluff/Google

Along the river in Arkansas, you'll find class I rapids, so kayakers have made this their summer playground for many years,

Located in Malvern, just 20 miles southeast of Hot Springs, the Ouachita River Whitewater Park is a great spot to access the scenic river.

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Mark Corder/Google

Here you can spend the day lazily floating on the water...

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P.J. Martin/Google

...or for a more adrenaline pact day, you can kayak along the rapids.

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Christopher Alter/Google

The park is fun for all ages and for all skill levels. So as long as you love the water, this outdoor playground will make your summer dreams come alive.

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Don't leave the pup at home, they love the river too. They enjoy cruising the river on a canoe or boat.

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P.J. Martin/Google

If you prefer not to cool off in the water, there is more to do here. You can find a quiet spot to sit and enjoy the scenery...

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Alejandra Gutierrez/Google

...or you can stroll on the paved trails that meander through the park.

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Christopher Alter/Google

Be sure to pack a picnic as there is a pavilion with picnic tables. Plus, there are more picnic tables scattered throughout the park.

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Ouachita River Whitewater Park/Facebook

You can easily spend the day cooling off on the Ouachita River at this natural outdoor playground in Arkansas.

Are you ready to take your summer to the next level at this natural water park in Arkansas? If so, visit the Ouachita River Whitewater Park Facebook page to learn more about the outdoor playground.

If you're searching for more adventure this summer, how about you try this Stand Up Paddleboard tour on Beaver Lake. We believe you'll love it especially if you enjoy spending time on the water.

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