September 13, 2020
This was our first camping trip at Withrow Springs State Park. We left on a Sunday for what was initially 4 nights (we added another night after we arrived). Withrow Springs is located off highway 23 north of Huntsville, Arkansas on highway 23 Spur. The campground is relatively small with 30 class AAA campsites. War Eagle creek is located along the opposite side of highway 23 from the park. The most direct route from Russellville is to drive highway 23 (The Pig Trail) or alternately highway 21 through Boxley Valley. Due to the elevation changes and nature of highways 23 and 21 we chose to take I-40 to I-49 up to Fayetteville. It was the long way around, but more gradual grade made for an easier pull with our trailer.
We had campsite #29 at the far north end of the park. Campsite #29 was a back-in site so level that we didn't have to level the trailer side-to-side. We had an additional guest parking spot next to the main drive. The only thing that we didn't like was the total absence of an AT&T cell signal (not really a bad thing when you are looking to get away). A short drive to the entrance of the park or a hike up the Forest Trail got us a good cell signal.
Monday, Donna and I went for a hike on the upper portion of the War Eagle Creek Trail. The lower portion of the trail starting at highway 23 bridge was closed due to flooding and erosion. We started from the pavilion area on highway 23 and hiked down to the War Eagle Creek overlook then back up the hill the way we came.
Later in the after I took a hike up the Forest Trail. This trail starts directly across from the campground. Apparently, this trail was created on the park's water supply pipeline right of way. It made for a nice trail up and over the hill to the west. Wooden benches located along the trail made for convenient rest stops.
Tuesday was "road trip" day. We left the park and headed north on highway 23 through Eureka Springs. We would have liked to stop at Eureka for for lunch, but the Covid-19 mask compliance along Spring street looked sketchy at best. We drove north to Beaver Lake Dam Site Campground, then back through Eureka. We were going to go the Little Golden Gate Bridge at Beaver Arkansas, but it was closed. It had been flooded earlier in the year and was closed Mondays through Fridays during the day for Maintenance. We did stop at Thorncrown Chapel. Everywhere we went for the week took us on highway 23 through road construction and provided a little comedy. Although not as cool as the weatherman had predicted a week earlier, it was cool enough at night for a campfire and the obligatory campfire photo.
Wednesday afternoon John and Lynda came up for the night. I made Dutch oven baby back ribs for dinner. They we pretty tasty!
Thursday we went back to the group pavilion parking area and hiked the Dogwood Nature Trail.
