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We’ve entered a new chapter in our lives. With Theresa now retired, we made a pact: one day a week, we’ll hit the road and explore a different corner of Arkansas. Our goal? To complete the Arkansas State Parks Passport and take in as much of the Arkansas Farm Trail as we can along the way. No interstate. No chain businesses. Just real downhome Arkansas, one backroad at a time.
Day Trip #1 – River Views, Mountain Peaks and Fried Pies
📅 Date: July 17, 2025
Route: Alexander > Little Rock > Two Rivers Park > Maumelle Park > Pinnacle Mountain State Park > Lake Maumelle > Ouachita National Forest > Lake Sylvia > Olde Crow General Store > Salt Box Farm > Alexander
🕘 Time: 9 AM – 3 PM
Total mileage: 112.7
Stop 1: Two Rivers Park and Murray Park
We kicked off the day with a drive through 1,000-acre Two Rivers Park just west of Little Rock (6900 Two Rivers Road) at the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Maumelle rivers. We were hoping to spot some of the many white-tailed deer we usually see there, but on this sunny morning, with the temperature already above 80 degrees, they were no doubt lounging in the shade somewhere out of sight. There were lots of people out, though, including parents and their kids walking, biking and enjoying the playground. The Community Garden was bustling with activity as those growing produce there were preparing for the Saturday Farmers Market where they’ll sell fruit and vegetables grown right there.
Next, we pointed our Taos toward Murray Park (5900 Rebsamen Park Road), just a short distance up the road. This is a great place to catch early morning views of the Arkansas River. With school out, lots of folks were camping there, and a few fishermen were already working the banks. Lots of squirrels and orioles to see, clean restrooms and close to town.
Stop 2: Pinnacle Mountain State Park: A Must-See New Visitor Center
Just up the road is Pinnacle Mountain State Park. The visitor center there (9600 AR-300, Roland) opened in November 2023 is impressive—modern, welcoming and packed with exhibits inside and out. We didn’t do any serious hiking at the park this time, but with the variety of trails available, it’s easy to see why this is a favorite destination for folks who love getting outdoors. Don’t skip the Overlook Trail if you’ve got a few extra minutes. The view there is breathtaking.
Stop 3: Lake Maumelle & Vista Park: Photo Op Heaven
Following Highway 10 west, we passed 8,900-acre Lake Maumelle, pulling off at Vista Park for some scenic shots. This spot offers wide-open views of the lake with the Ouachita Mountains rising behind. If you’re into photography or just like a good view with your picnic, this is the stop. In fall and winter, you won’t find a better spot for seeing waterbirds like loons, diving ducks and grebes, so you might want to bring binoculars and a spotting scope.
Stop 4: Lake Sylvia Recreation Area: Into the Ouachitas
Continuing west on Highways 10 and 9 toward Perryville, we came to the turnoff for Lake Sylvia Recreation Area in the Ouachita National Forest (810 AR-324, Perryville). A favorite of generations of Arkansans, this secluded 18-acre lake provides a peaceful setting for a picnic, swimming, fishing, camping, hiking and other outdoor activities. Several families were staying cool in the water while the kids took turns jumping from the diving platform.
Stop 5: Lunch in Crows: The Olde Crow General Store
When we left the lake, we backtracked a few miles and headed south on Highway 9, winding our way to the little community of Crows, where we found a hidden gem: the Olde Crow General Store (17202 AR-5, Benton). We were hungry for some lunch now, and this family-owned sandwich shop didn’t disappoint. Their craft sandwiches are to die for, including specialties like The Grilled Sargeant (four slices of American cheese, bacon and tomato grilled to perfection on white artisan bread) and The Rubicon (shaved pastrami, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and a craft Rubicon sauce served toasted on marbled rye bread). They sell a variety of locally made honey products, jellies, jams and pickled eggs, and we loaded a sack with fried pies to take home, including peanut butter, strawberry cheesecake and two sugar-free varieites with peaches and apples. This little lunch stop is the kind you hope never gets “discovered” by the masses.
Stop 6: Salt Box Farm: Produce Straight from the Field
From Crows, we traveled east on Highway 5 toward Benton, where we made a final stop at Salt Box Farm, located at 2152 Johnson Lane. Operated by Wade and Shelley Marshall, this small family farm business opens on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, starting with breakfast foods like biscuits and gravy, savory rolls, sourdough bread and some incredible cinnamon rolls. We stocked up on their bounty of summer produce, taking home a heavy bag full of ripe tomatoes, yellow squash and crispy cucumbers, all grown on the property around the big beautiful barn that formstheir headquarters.
After that, it was a straight shot home via Interstate 30, wrapping up our loop at 3 PM sharp—tired, happy and already planning our next day trip.
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The Route Recap
• Start in Alexander
• Follow Interstates 30 and 430 to Highway 10 West in Little Rock. Follow signs for Two Rivers Park and Murray Park
• Continue to Pinnacle Mountain State Park and the new visitor center right off Pinnacle Valley Road.
• Continue on Highway 10 west past Lake Maumelle, stopping at Vista Park
• Continue on 10 and Highway 9 to AR 324, which leads to Lake Sylvia
• Backtrack to Highway 9 south, then to Crows
• Lunch at Olde Crow General Store
• Go to Benton via Highway 5 east, then take I-30 to AR 229 just west of Benton. Turn off 229 onto W. Jackman Trail, then follow GPS to Salt Box Farm on Johnson Lane
• Back home to Alexander via I-30
Total drive time: approximately 2.5 hours
Total miles: 112
Total smiles: Too many to count
Why We’re Doing This
We’re not just trying to check boxes in a passport. We’re reclaiming the joy of the open road. No rush. No pressure. Just one good day a week together, discovering the Arkansas most folks miss when they’re in a hurry.
If you’re retired, semi-retired, or just need a reason to get out of the house, this is a good place to start. And if you stop at the Olde Crow General Store, be sure to get some fried pies. You’ll thank us later.
Keith “Catfish” Sutton of Alexander, Arkansas, is one of the country’s best-known outdoor
journalists. His stories and photographs about fishing, hunting, wildlife and conservation have
been read by millions in hundreds of books, magazines, newspapers and websites. He and his
wife Theresa own C&C Outdoor Productions Inc., an Arkansas-based writing, photography,
lecturing and editorial service.
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