Mystic Caverns - ‘Once–In–A-Lifetime' Ozark Caving Adventure
For a truly unique experience while in the Harrison area, visit Mystic Caverns , the only show cave in Arkansas that offers guided tours in two spectacular caves at one location! The two separate and distinct caves were discovered 100 years apart, yet their entrances lie only 400 feet away from each other.
The location is as peaceful and laid-back as you can get. Only 5 miles north of the Buffalo National River and 8 miles south of Harrison on Arkansas' first Scenic Byway, Scenic Highway 7, Mystic Caverns is set on 30 majestic, wooded acres.
The history of the area beckons as you explore Scenic 7. Less than 2 miles from the caverns is the site where in 1838 marble was quarried for placement at the 30 foot level of the Washington Monument representing Arkansas. And across from that you see historic Marble Falls, cascading gracefully, and you imagine the once bustling city with a water-powered grist mill at the base of the falls.
From the moment you turn up the driveway of Mystic Caverns and enter the park like grounds, you know you're in for a treat. Well thought out landscaping greets you with blossoming dogwoods and redbuds in the spring, glorious maple trees in the fall, and fragrant magnolia in the heat of the summer.
Finally, you are ready to explore Mystic Caverns. Unlike other tourist attractions, this family owned and operated business takes the time to introduce you to the caves and their beautiful calcite formations, teach about historical uses of the caves, and view fossil remains of creatures from the past.
Tours have been given in the upper level cavern, Mystic since the 1920's. Over 300 feet in length from end to end, Mystic is a grand old cave and splendidly decorated, with more formation per square foot than any other show cave in Arkansas. Regal columns, delicate draperies, popcorn, smooth flowstone, and electrified helictites draw the eye at every turn. It's truly amazing to see such beauty underground that has been preserved over time. Mystic holds many secrets and stories about the first settlers and lives. Some of the most entertaining stories happened at the height of prohibition!
Crystal Dome Cavern is a complete contrast and represents the ideal for cave lovers. Its pristine condition when discovered in 1967 was a phenomenal find and the entrance was gated immediately. What you see now are the same undisturbed formations and beauty that was first seen almost 40 years ago. Highlights of Crystal Dome are the 8-story high dome, the sparkling Crystal Bell and the river passage.
Always a comfortable 59 degrees, Mystic Caverns is the ideal place to visit anytime of year.
Gift Shop
The gift shop, which doubles as a ticket office, is a work of art in itself, built by the Dogpatch Theme Park in the late 1960's from native limestone and aged rough sawn timbers. A varied and impressive selection of mineral specimens and rocks are available for purchase, as well as other items to remember your trip by. The highlight is a handsome display of Arkansas minerals. The 181 piece Arkansas mineral collection is perhaps the largest collection of Arkansas minerals currently on display anywhere.
If you think our mountains are beautiful on the surface, you will be awed by the beauty below! Mystic Caverns – Scenic 7 Highway – 8 miles south of Harrison, Arkansas and 5 miles north of the Buffalo National River, America's First National River.
1-888-743-1739 www.mysticcaverns.com
Wade Fishing
By: Glenn W. Wheeler
Have an afternoon or morning this summer you want to kill? How about grabbing a lightweight spinning rod, a few small baits and heading to a local stream? Wade fishing our Ozark streams is a great way not only to catch fish, but also to spend time just seeing nature at its best.
One great thing about wade fishing is you don't need tons of expensive gear. An ultra-light or light action spinning rod and reel spooled with 6 pound test line usually works best. Then a pair of shorts, some old shoes to wade in and a fishing vest if you have one.
Keep your lure selection simple too. A few small grubs in natural colors, a few small crank baits such as Rebel Craws, or minnow imitations, soft plastic imitation crawdads, and some plastic worms usually round out a basic tackle kit. If you have room for more, add a few top water lures for some great fun and a few jigs with either soft plastic or pork trailers for fishing around rocks and other structure.
Wade fishing opportunities abound near Harrison. World renowned Crooked Creek runs right through town and some wade fishing can be found above and below Lake Harrison. Or you can drive about a half hour to the east on Highway 62-412 to Yellville. Once in Yellville turn right at the brown sign indicating access to Kelly's Slab. This short stretch of Crooked Creek is owned and managed by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. It is a catch and release only area, but offers some great smallmouth action. If you choose to fish Crooked Creek, be aware of where private property is and respect the boundaries.
Just south of Harrison via several different roads are numerous access points to the Buffalo National River. Just about any access point will afford you plenty of chances to wade up or downstream for some great fishing and equally great scenery.
Be aware of fishing regulations and don't try to wade if the water is high or muddy. For more on fishing regulations, visit www.agfc.com . For more information on fishing, lodging and dining in the Harrison area, visit www.HarrisonArkansas.org .
Hit the Trail Kids
By: Glenn W. Wheeler
The kids are getting out of school for the summer and will be itching for something cool to do. Mom and Dad don't want them spending the summer on the couch watching TV and playing video games, but outside getting some exercise and staying healthy. Is there a solution that everyone will like? Of course there is, hit the trail!
We're very fortunate in our part of the state to have miles and miles of hiking trails to utilize and enjoy. Some of course, are a little more hard core and meant for experienced hikers, but the area also abounds with trails designed to be enjoyed by everyone.
A couple of years ago Pam Ernst and her daughter Amber, with a little help from Tim Ernst, set out to find the best of the best of these trails. What they ended up with was a wonderful book entitled “Arkansas Dayhikes for Kids and Families – 89 Easy Trails in “The Natural State”. The Ernst Clan traveled all over the state checking out trail after trail to see which ones made the cut of “Kid-Tested and Granny-Approved”. The book also includes maps and complete walking instructions, plus tips from Amber and even some wood lore from “The Wise Old Owl.”
Several trails within a short drive of Harrison made the grade. All of these can be driven to and a few are even stroller accessible. Here is a short list from the book worth checking out:
Ponds Trail: 0.4 Miles. This is trail that is stroller and handicapped accessible for the first 0.1 miles to “The South Pond”. From there it the trail continues to “The North Pond” and loops back to the parking area. There is also a great picnic area here with a fire pit and a gorgeous view of the Buffalo National River below. The ponds are clear and scenic with a viewing deck at the south pond and a good chance of seeing some wild critters if the kids are quiet enough.
To reach this spot, take Highway 7 South from Harrison, toward Jasper. Approximately 2.3 miles after crossing the Buffalo National River at Pruitt, you will see a brown sign on your right indicating the access road to “Erbie”. Turn right here onto the gravel road and go about 2 miles to the Cedar Grove Picnic Area. Park there, the trail is across the road.
Koen Interpretive Trail: 0.5 Miles. This one is on the same gravel road as the Ponds Trail above. After turning off of Highway 7 onto the Erbie Road, you will only travel less than a half-mile until you see the sign for the trail. Turn right and the parking area is just ahead on the left. There are picnic tables here as well.
The great thing about this trail is that it is easy to hike and has over 34 species of trees and other plants identified. Pam Ernst says this is a great trail for young kids and “perfect for a first outing into the woods.” Be sure and pick up a trail guide at the beginning, it will tell what all the identified plants are.
Collier Homestead/Riverview Trail: 0.9 Miles. This great little trail is located near Tyler Bend on the Buffalo National River. It will take you to a well-maintained historical homestead and down to the top of a bluff that offers a breathtaking view of the river. There is a viewing platform on the bluff top, complete with a safety rail, so the kids should be fine here, if they are careful and stay behind the rail.
From Harrison, take US Highway 65 South (toward Little Rock). Go through the town of St. Joe and across the bridge spanning the Buffalo River. After crossing the river, go to the top of the hill and turn right at the brown “Tyler Bend” sign. Follow that road 1.2 miles to the trailhead parking area. After your hike, be sure and visit the Tyler Bend visitor's center. They have some great displays and a movie about the Buffalo River that is worth a watch.
These are just a few of the many trails within a short distance of Harrison, so pick one or two and get out and hit the trail. To find out more about the book “Arkansas Dayhikes for Kids and Families”, or to order your signed copy, visit www.cloudland.net. For more information on hiking and other outdoor activities in the Harrison area visit www.harrisonarkansas.org.