21 State Parks in 2021 – Part 4- Withrow Springs State Park

Withrow Springs State Park is a small, hidden gem which has three hiking trails, a playground and picnic area, and a unique and rare flower. This is our #4 park in the 21 State Parks in 2021 Challenge.

#4 Withrow Springs State Park

Located in Huntsville, AR, just off the War Eagle Creek, this park is popular for floating and fishing. 

The park features 29 Class AAA and 10 walk-in campsites, tennis courts, swimming pool, baseball and softball fields, a picnic area, pavilion, and a small gift shop. 

Hiking Trails

The War Eagle Creek Trail

We suggest doing this one first to conserve energy (it is steep) and the entrance is hard to see from a car.  We missed it twice while driving and once by walking.  The sign is not very visible from the road because it sits off the road a little bit.  Park along the road in the lot near the Dogwood Trail.  If you walk along the road, not up towards the pavilion, you will see the trail head on the opposite side of the road. 

The trail has a pretty overlook and will take you down to the creek below.

The Forest Trail

This trail is relatively flat.  It has lots of pretty flowers, trees, and moss.  We saw tons of pretty Dogwoods.  Mom enjoyed this trail the most because of the beauty.  We only made it part way due to time, but this trail will lead you to the softball/baseball field if you keep going. 

The Dogwood Nature Trail

This trail is a .75-mile loop trail and is named for the many Dogwood trees that bloom here in the Spring.

However, Mom and I both agreed that we saw more pretty Dogwood trees on the Forest trail which I will talk about later.

This trail has several natural springs and creeks to cross that make it a pretty one to see.  We do suggest going left at the fork because it is easier to climb out on the other side.  The left side was much easier going down because it is steeper. 

Rare Flower

While on the Dogwood Nature Trail we spotted the Ozark Trillium.  This is a unique and rare flower that is found in this area.  It is a wildflower that is part of the lily family.  This is one of the unique things this park is known for. 

The Picnic Area/Playground

Morgan’s favorite area was the playground.  There are plenty of picnic tables in this area so you can sit and enjoy a meal or snack while the kids play close by.  Within walking distance of the playground are the Springs and winding streams through the park.  It really is a beautiful park.

Final Thoughts

How can we have lived this close to this gem and never known it was here? Withrow Springs is one of those areas that I’m sure mainly locals travel to, but we are so glad this challenge brought us here.  It was a beautiful Spring day, and it was just an hour drive from where we live.  This trip did not take a ton of prep or packing, but it was still an amazing day. 

I’m sure it will be a great area for campers or day trippers like us this summer. 

Who knows where we will end up next for Park #5 in the 21 Arkansas State parks in 2021 Challenge ?  Remember… Life’s Short… Take the Trip!