Grounds and Trails
Bring your binoculars, camera or sketch pad – you might catch a glimpse of a white-tailed deer, a mink or some of the 100 species of birds that have been spotted at Fred Berry Conservation Education Center on Crooked Creek.
Exploration is easy along more than 3 miles of hiking trails. Bird and butterfly checklists are available at the education center. As you enjoy the trails, remember to watch for signs of the animals that live there.
Woodland Edge Trail - 1-mile loop (0.6 mile of this trail is wheelchair accessible). Enjoy the sights and sounds along this self-interpretive watchable wildlife trail. It begins at the parking lot on the west side of Kelley’s Slab. Head downstream through a riparian-buffer restoration area and wind along the edge of an open field. Features of this trail include views of Crooked Creek, woodland streams, a wildlife garden that showcases native plants, and steps leading down to the bank of the creek.
Creek Bottom Trail - 2.5 mile loop. This trail leads upstream from the parking lot on the west side of Kelley’s Slab. Stroll along Crooked Creek, a blue-ribbon smallmouth bass stream. Catch-and-release fishing is allowed, so pack fishing gear and a license. Watch for easy access to the creek bank at the halfway point. Turtles bask in the sun and great blue herons patiently stalk sunfish. From here, either return by the same route or take the old farm road back through the field to the starting point.
Keep your eyes and ears open for eastern wild turkey, northern bobwhite quail and other examples of Ozarks wildlife.
Coming Soon: Bluff Trail will offer views of the creek below as well as grassy upland areas where native savannah habitat restoration efforts are underway.
- Trails are open daily, sunrise to sunset.
- No pets, bicycles, ATVs, firearms, and litter are not allowed.
- No hunting.
- No smoking beyond trailheads.
- Fishing is allowed, catch and release only. A valid Arkansas fishing license is required.