To contact the park: 479-789-2380
Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area (HSP-CA) is in its initial development phase. Arkansas's largest state park in land area, Hobbs covers 12,045 acres along the southern shores of 28,370-acre Beaver Lake. Twenty-two of the park’s 60 miles of border stretch along the shores of Beaver Lake. This large tract of Ozark landscape consists of plateaus, ridges, valleys and streams featuring an upland forest of pine, oak and hickory. Many water features including disappearing streams, springs and seeps have carved the many hollows in this fragile limestone landscape, as well as created cave-related features including numerous sinkholes.
HSP-CA is jointly managed by Arkansas State Parks, the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. The park is located 10 miles east of Rogers on Ark. 12, which bisects the park property.
Currently available to the public are four hiking trails including a 1/2-mile, barrier-free historical trail and 16-mile multi-use trail; an all-weather public firing range; regulated seasonal hunting; undeveloped access to Beaver Lake; and interpretive programs. HSP-CA is Arkansas's only state park where hunting is allowed.
The park's Pigeon Roost Trail is an eight and one-half mile loop in a figure eight formation giving the hiker options of four mile loops or the entire route. This moderately difficult trail is excellent for beginners, scouts and families looking for adventure and scenery without having to travel a great distance. Campsites are marked with signs and each has a tent pad and fire ring. The trailhead and its associated parking area are located on Hwy. 12. The trail passes several sinkholes and some portions follow ridges overlooking Beaver Lake. Some of the primitive campsites on the trail offer views of the lake, especially in winter when leaves are off the trees in the surrounding Ozark oak/hickory/pine forest. Wild turkey, whitetail deer and other wildlife are commonly seen along the trail.
The one and one-half mile Shaddox Hollow Trail can be accessed from its trailhead parking lot located on Ark. 303, approximately one mile from the intersection on the north side of Ark. 12. The first half mile of this loop trail follows a ridgeline, providing an easy hike. A scenic vista provides an overlook of Beaver Lake. The trail then descends into Shaddox Hollow. The descent is rather steep in places. The trail winds along the creek through strands of hardwoods and native Ozark vegetation. Some interesting limestone bluffs are found along this section. After progressing up the creek, the trail begins the climb back to the trailhead. This climb can be strenuous in places.
The park’s Historic Van Winkle Trail is a one-half-mile trail that leads hikers through a tunnel under State Highway 12 to the site of the historic Van Winkle lumber mill and home in Van Winkle Hollow on the West Fork of Little Clifty Creek. Here hikers can see the remnants of a sawmill and an antebellum garden owned by Peter Van Winkle during the 19th century. Beginning in the 1840s and continuing throughout his life, Van Winkle acquired approximately 17,000 acres of land throughout Washington, Benton, Madison and Carroll counties by filing for land patents and purchasing foreclosed land. The tunnel and associated walkways were designed to provide barrier-free access to the historic site. Wayside interpretive panels along the trail provide hikers with information about this historic area. The parking lot at the trailhead will serve as the access point for the trail. The lot is large enough to accommodate two school buses or recreational vehicles, and 18 automobiles. Public restrooms are located adjacent to the parking area.
The park's 16-mile, multi-use Hidden Diversity Trail is designed for use by hikers, bikers and horseback riders. No motorized vehicles are allowed. The trail follows ridge tops and rims with lots of curves and a few hills that drop 200 to 300 feet in elevation. The entire trail is surrounded by woods that are mainly comprised of oak and hickory.
When weather conditions warrant, the trail is subject to closure to mountain bike and equestrian use. . In addition, all or a portion of the park’s trail system may be closed occasionally for permitted hunting seasons or maintenance repair. Contact the park to check on the current trail status before traveling to Hobbs to participate in these activities.
NOTE: The shooting range is closed every Monday throughout the year for maintenance and repair.
For details and to verify the current status of these facilities before traveling to the park, contact the park office at: (479) 789-2380.
A new visitor/education center is scheduled to open in fall 2008. The 17,000-square-foot center will feature an exhibit gallery, wildlife viewing area, and two classrooms. Future plans for the center call for a "mock" cave environment that visitors can view after descending by elevator to the building’s lower level.
Future development and expanded visitor programs at the HSP-CA will include cabins, pavilions, picnic areas, additional hiking trails, and archery and orienteering courses.
An active group of volunteers have formed a friends group to support HSP-CA. Click on the "Friends of Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area" link to discover how you can get involved.
For more information about other outdoor sports and extreme adventure opportunities in Arkansas's state parks, go to: http://www.adventurestateparks.com/