From Battlefields to Bayous: An August Day Trip South
August 30, 2025
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With temperatures finally cooling a bit and the first blush of fall color showing in the hills, Theresa and I decided August 27 was a perfect day to head west and explore some of Arkansas’ most scenic spots. We left home in Alexander at 7:30 a.m. and made our first stop at Petit Jean State Park, about 68 miles (1 hour 15 minutes) away. At the visitor center, we grabbed maps and tips, then drove to Cedar Falls Overlook where a soft mist still hung in the canyon although the falls were pretty dry. A stop at the Palisades Overlook gave us sweeping views of the Arkansas River Valley and a hint of autumn in the hardwood leaves beginning to turn.
From there, we climbed even higher into the Ouachitas, traveling 62 miles (1 hour 25 minutes) to Mount Magazine State Park, Arkansas’ highest point. We visited the summit, then drove over to Cameron Bluff Overlook where we shot photos of the rugged cliffs.
Lunch was at the Skycrest Restaurant in Mount Magazine Lodge, where the food was just as memorable as the view. Theresa ordered a classic BLT with homemade potato chips, while I had a piled-high Reuben sandwich with potato salad. Out the dining room windows, we looked across the mountain landscape and even spotted a woodchuck feeding just outside the glass—a little entertainment with our meal. As we headed down the road after lunch, we also stopped to photograph a herd of white-tailed deer on the roadside.
After leaving the mountain, we dropped down into Paris, Arkansas, a short 19 miles (30 minutes) away. The small-town square features a quirky replica of the Eiffel Tower and the adjacent Love Lock Fence. The latter was created to celebrate love. Purchase a lock in Paris or bring one with you, add your name and the name of your significant other written or engraved on your lock, place the lock on the fence, throw your key in the Eiffel Tower fountain and forever seal your love in Paris! It’s a fun photo op and a reminder of how even little towns can make their mark with unique attractions.
From Paris, we continued 27 miles (40 minutes) east to Mount Nebo State Park, another gem of the Arkansas River Valley. The winding drive up the mountain rewarded us with spectacular overlooks, and we paused at the visitor center and Sunset Point to soak in the views. Even in the afternoon light, the horizon stretched endlessly, and the breeze made it one of the day’s most peaceful stops.
Our next stop was Lake Dardanelle State Park, one of Keith’s favorites because almost everything there features fishing. The aquariums inside the visitor center contain dozens of live specimens, everything from catfish to largemouth bass, and the fishing tournament weigh-in center nearby is tailor-made for the many fishing competitions that bring anglers from all over the country to Lake Dardanelle. The weather was beautiful and unseasonably cool, so lots of folks were fishing along the walkway beside the water.
Our final fun stop before heading home was in Russellville, 12 miles (20 minutes) from Mount Nebo, where we cooled down with something cold and refreshing—Watermelon/Mango Whip at Amy’s Ice House.
From there, it was 130 miles (2 hours 30 minutes) back home to Alexander, where we pulled into the driveway at 7:00 p.m. The day added up to 333 miles of travel, with plenty of scenic views, great food and small-town charm along the way.
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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