MacKenzie Dayne Hall

Autumnin Arkansas: 7 activities to try this fall

STAFF WRITER: MACKENZIE HALL

 As the nights get cooler and the days get shorter, we bid goodbye to summer and say hello to fall. This season is marked with autumn leaves, sweatshirts, crackling fires and pumpkin spice, and as the season turns the colors into orange and red, it becomes the perfect time to embrace the beauty of the Natural State. Here’s how to welcome the new season with seven activities that follow COVID guidelines.

1. Take a scenic drive with your suitemates.

As the fall foliage starts to appear, take a day trip and make the trek up Highway 7 through the Ouachita Forest to Russellville. Enjoy the two and a half hour drive that cuts through Hot Springs and admire the vibrant colors of fall.

2. Take a hike at Lake Catherine State Park.

 Lake Catherine in Hot Springs has four hiking trails with beautiful views. For a short and quick hike, the Falls Branch Trail is a two mile round trip with views of rolling waterfalls. For a longer hike, take the four and a half mile Dam Mountain Trail with towering pines and rolling cascades. For an after-hike snack, head to downtown Hot Springs for a warm, homemade cinnamon roll at Will’s Cinnamon Shop.

3. Visit a pumpkin patch.

Drive up to Motley’s Pumpkin Patch in Little Rock for an assortment of pumpkins, mums and gourds. While you’re there, enjoy homemade fudge and watch the pig races.

4. Ride a bike on Feaster Trail.

Rent a mountain bike and helmet from the Rec Center for $3 and peddle down Feaster Trail. The trail starts by Cliff Harris Stadium and goes for two and a half miles. For a post-ride treat, stop by Samantha’s Sweets for a Fall Spirit Latte.

5. Go camping at Degray Lake.

Pitch a tent at Degray Lake State Park for the weekend. The Rec Center offers tents and other camping equipment rentals, and the state park has lots of amenities including trails, horseback riding and a golf course. Cozy up by a campfire and roast a s’more.

6. Attend Taste of the Fair in Little Rock.

This year the Arkansas State Fair was cancelled because of the pandemic. To continue its tradition, the fair is offering a three day event where attendees can eat their favorite fair food. From Oct. 23 to Oct. 25, the Arkansas State Fair Complex will host nine food vendors. You can look forward to corn dogs, deep-fried oreos, funnel cakes, iced tea and kettle corn.

7. Visit Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro.

Crater of Diamonds is one of the few places that the public can dig for diamonds and keep them. For $10, you can shovel through the 37-acre field for rocks, gemstones and minerals. Come prepared with your own shovel, or search for rocks on top of the ground. Tickets can be purchased online at www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/crater-diamonds-state-park.

So, go enjoy this new season. Get out in nature, try something different and celebrate the beauty of Arkansas. Wear your masks, wash your hands and social distance. But remember to have fun, too!