Most popular trails for groups: 

Oak Savannah Trail
An oak savannah is a community of scattered, spread-out oak trees above a layer of prairie grasses and forbs. The savannah is a transition ecosystem between the tallgrass prairie and woodland environments, so it is an important habitat for many woodland and prairie animals, plant and insect species. Fire plays a major role in maintaining the ecosystem. Discuss the importance of this type of environment, habitat areas, animals and plants (native and invasive).

• Begin at trail head near Wells Lake which starts off as Beaver Creek Trail
• Walk through the shaded pine plantation
• Meander up a small ridge
• Cross through the oak savannah
• Wrap up back at Wells Lake  

Field and Forest Trail

The trail features open fields, left over from previous days when a part of this area was farmland. This contrasts with the young oak hickory forest that contains typically slow-growing species adapted for the dryer lands. The theme of this hike is to look at the habitats of the Field and Forest Trail and the changes within its diverse regions.

• Begin at trailhead in parking lot
• Walk through remnants of farm fields and into young oak hickory forests
• Walk along the edge of a wetland area
• Return to the trailhead at Wells Lake  

Wells Lake Trail

A lake, open fields, dense brushy growth, forest, shallow pond and wetland make up the trail. What animals live in each area?  How do they find food, water and shelter in each area? This area was also once part of Fort Chaffee.

• Begin at trailhead at Wells Lake (all paved/boardwalks for wheelchair access)
• See fishing pier on the south side, smaller fishing platforms on the north and west sides
• Note that spillway shows lake is man-made
• View small shallow pond
• See wetland/vernal pond
• Notice forest succession
• Take bridge back to trailhead

Beaver Creek Trail
This is the shortest trail with the easiest access and is often the choice for the youngest participants. Hikers will see early succession forest growth and then skirt the edge of a braided stream. Look for signs of beaver and wetland plants. Pass through an older section of forest (notice the rattan vines) and compare to the earlier succession growth. These different areas of plant growth and moisture content provide different habitats to many animals.

• Begin at main trailhead near Wells Lake (all paved/boardwalks for wheelchair access)
• Cross the bridge and turn left
• See wetland to the left and forest to the right
• Pass by seating area and small bridge
• Walk through forest
• Return to trailhead