Exploring Arkansas

On a small lake near Heber Springs there’s an interesting phenomenon that takes place every year. More than a hundred Trumpeter Swans migrate to Magness Lake from their habitat in the northern most sections of the country. The tour section of Hurricane River Cave near Harrison is also explored –(previously on EA the “wild cave” section was featured).

Hiking is the theme of this episode - first on the Buffalo National River TraiLake Unique sandstone columns, resembling huge pedestals are explored at the Pedestal Rocks Scenic Area near Pelsor, as well as Richland Falls and Twin Falls at the Richland Creek Wilderness Area in the Ozark

With a name like "Glory Hole", you know it's got to be awesome ! It's one of many secluded and spectacular waterfalls in the Ozarks. The Wolf Pen Gap ATV Complex in the Ouachita National Forest south of Mena is one of the more popular of its kind, attracting 10,000 users annually from a four state area. The Lake Ouachita Vista Trail near Mount Ida, when completed will contain some 40 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails along the shores of Lake Ouachita.

The cave and crevice area are explored at Devil's Den State Park-the largest such area in the country. We'll then hop aboard old No. 844 - the last steam locomotive delivered to Union Pacific Railroad in 1944. 21st Century treasure hunting known as geocaching is also explored.

We'll explore the depths of Lake Ouachita through a program offered by the Arkansas Game and Fish CommissioNorth Then, it's off on a trek to the highest point in the state atop Mount Magazine in west Arkansas. The episode concludes with riding, roping and "punching doggies" at a dude ranch near Mountain Home.

Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, Elephant Sanctuary, Copperhead Cave Lions and tigers and bears! Plus elephants! Two popular animal sanctuaries in the Natural State are explored-near Eureka Springs and near Guy. Then it's off to an underground adventure in a wild cave in the Buffalo National River region.

The Homestead Act of 1862 gave many families a chance to acquire land and begin a new life in the Ozarks. The Collier family from Kentucky settled near the Buffalo National River, as many did. The restored homestead gives those of us in the 21st century a look at the way life once was in this part of the country. Exploring a Native American bluff shelter at Buffalo Point is also on tap, as well as trout fly fishing on the Spring River near Hardy.