Randolph County between the Ozark Foothills and the Delta Lowlands

Randolph County lies on the border between the foothills of the Ozarks and the Delta lowlands. The county’s five navigable rivers include the Black River, Current River, Eleven Point River, Fourche River, and Spring River. Fishing and canoeing are considered excellent recreational activities in the county; permits and regulations may apply.

Rivers and Nature

One of the area’s most striking natural features is Hall's Creek Canyon Natural Area. The 33-acre area was added to Arkansas’s Natural Areas system. It encompasses a narrow, deeply incised canyon with rock walls; the local elevation difference is about 260 feet. The area is also botanically notable: it is the only known site in Arkansas for the rare wall-rue (Asplenium ruta-muraria). The canyon’s form and the fern’s presence give the area both a distinctive landscape and special botanical significance.

Those who want to watch eagles can plan a visit to Lake Ashbaugh between November and February. Numerous eagles can usually be seen at or on the lake during this time, but sightings are not guaranteed. This seasonal window is a useful guide for planning a trip, but it is not a promise of a sighting.

On the Water and Along Historic Trails

Davidsonville Historic State Park offers fishing on the Black River and at a fishing lake. Jon boats can be rented at the visitor center; check availability before you travel. The visitor center’s exhibit gallery also features a full-size, fully outfitted flatboat that visitors can explore. The Historic Townsite Trail in Davidsonville passes twelve interpretive panels covering the history and culture of the historic site. The park brings together waterside recreation, an exhibit, and the history of the townsite.

The Quilt Trail in the Pocahontas National Historic District connects local history with locally made textile art: about 60 quilts can be seen on buildings in downtown. You can follow the trail on foot or by car to explore the historic district. Unlike a trail with interpretive panels, this one uses buildings in the district as display sites.

Black River Overlook Park focuses on the history of the Black River and its port. On the upper level, six historical markers cover their significance, including their connection to the Civil War. The park also has the paved Civil War River Walk Memorial Trail, a route with six historical markers. The upper-level markers and the trail thus highlight different aspects within the same park.

History and Routes in the County

The Maynard Pioneer Museum centers on a log cabin that was rebuilt log by log on the museum grounds. Unlike the markers and routes, the focus here is on a single building and its reconstruction. Maynard Pioneer Days is an annual three-day festival. Check event dates before your trip.

The Civil War Heritage Trail runs through Randolph County from the Arkansas-Missouri state line via Highway 115 and Highway 63, continuing on Highway 166 to Davidsonville Historic State Park and then to Black Rock in Lawrence County. In addition, three of Arkansas’s four major historic trails begin in Randolph County. Randolph County is crossed by the Civil War Heritage Trail and is also the starting point for three of Arkansas’s four major historic trails.

Discover more destinations: Pocahontas, Craighead, Mississippi County, Washington, Crawford, Cross County, Lonoke County, Jefferson County.

For the main travel overview: Arkansas.