Lake Catherine State Park Is a Perfect Place to Relax

This past weekend I took a little trip to one of my favorite places in Arkansas -- Lake Catherine State Park near Hot Springs, Ark. It's the perfect getaway for some rest and relaxation.

There are a lot of state parks in Arkansas but there is something special about this place. First, the lake is not overcrowded like so many others. Second, the area is so serene, peaceful and beautiful and surrounded by rolling hills from the Ouachita Mountains. If you love nature and the great outdoors this is the place for you. It has several nearby trails including a just-completed new concrete trail that winds through a wooded creek area near the entrance to the park. Guided horseback riding is also available during the summer months.

Lake Catherine also has a camping area, picnic and playground area and several rustic cabins spread around the lake. I stayed in one of the smaller cabins but they had everything I needed including a kitchenette, outdoor patio and grill with a great view of the lake.

One of the trails I went on was the Falls Branch Trail and it's a two-mile hike that took about two hours to complete. But it was well worth the hike because of the Falls Branch waterfall that was really flowing well after some recent heavy rain.

Here's a video I shot when I finally reached the falls.

Here's are a few photos I hope you enjoy.

From Texarkana travel East on I-30 then take Exit 97 in Malvern, then turn north on Highway 171 and travel approximately 12 miles to Lake Catherine State Park. I'm sure you'll have just as a great a time as I did.