Lake Frierson State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Frierson State Park |
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Lake Frierson, September 2010
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 Lake Frierson State Park
Location in Arkansas
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| Location | Paragould, Greene, Crowley's Ridge, Arkansas, United States |
| Area | 114 acres (46 ha) |
| Established | 1975 |
| Named for | Lake Frierson, itself named after Charles Frierson |
| Visitors | 150,000 annually |
| Governing body | Park: Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism Lake: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission |
| Website | Lake Frierson State Park |
Lake Frierson State Park is a cool place in eastern Arkansas, located in Greene County. It's a special state park that covers about 114-acre (46 ha) of land. The park is found on a unique landform called Crowley's Ridge.
At the heart of the park is a large lake, which is actually a 335 acres (136 ha) reservoir. This reservoir was built by the Soil Conservation Service. Lake Frierson State Park officially became part of the state park system in 1975. It's a great spot for outdoor fun like fishing, hiking, camping, and kayaking. There's also a visitor center to help you plan your adventures.
The park is also home to a really interesting mix of trees and plants. You can find forests similar to those in the Appalachian Mountains here. There are also oak-hickory forests, which are common in the Ozarks. On the northern slopes of Crowley's Ridge, you might even spot some rare trees for Arkansas, like the cucumber tree, northern red oak, and tulip tree.
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Park History: How it Began
In the 1970s, a group called the Soil Conservation Service built ten dams. This group is now known as the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). They built these dams along the western edge of Crowley's Ridge in northeast Arkansas. Crowley's Ridge is a special natural landform. It rises about 150–250 feet (46–76 m) above the flat land around it, which is part of the Arkansas Delta.
A lawyer from Jonesboro named Charles Frierson played a big part in getting the land for the state park. Thanks to his efforts, the site officially became a state park. This happened when the Arkansas General Assembly approved the money for it in 1975. At first, Lake Frierson was only a day-use park, meaning people could visit during the day. But over time, it grew into a full-service park with a visitor center and places for camping.
Fun Things to Do at Lake Frierson
Lake Frierson State Park offers many ways to enjoy the outdoors.
Camping and Picnics
If you love camping, there are several campsites available. You can find four Class C campsites and three Class D campsites on the east side of the lake. These are perfect for spending a night or two under the stars.
The park also has many picnic areas. These spots are spread out, so you can find a nice place to eat your lunch. There's also a special pavilion that you can rent. It's air-conditioned and heated, and it can hold up to 80 people. This makes it great for group events or family gatherings.
Fishing and Boating
Lake Frierson is a fantastic spot for fishing. The lake is full of timber (trees underwater), which fish love. You can try to catch bream, catfish, crappie, and bass.
If you want to get out on the water, you can rent boats. The park offers non-motorized fishing boats and pedal boats. These are fun ways to explore the lake. You can also buy bait, fishing supplies, camping gear, and even gifts at the visitor center.
Hiking Trails
For those who enjoy walking, there's a circular trail called the Dogwood Lane Trail. It's about 1⁄2-mile (0.80 km) long. This trail is a self-guided interpretive trail. This means there are signs along the way that teach you about the plants and animals you see. It's a great way to learn about nature while getting some exercise.
Nearby Parks
If you're looking for even more outdoor fun, Crowley's Ridge State Park is just 10 miles (16 km) south of Lake Frierson. You can reach it by taking Arkansas Highway 141. This park also offers more camping and recreational activities.
