In Clark County, DeGray Lake combines a distinctive landscape with many ways to explore water and nature. The lake is one of Arkansas’s five so-called “Diamond Lakes” and is described as a 13,800-acre gem. Its connection to the Caddo River is direct: the river feeds the lake. Around DeGray Lake are 18 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds and recreation areas; amenities may vary from one area to another.
River, Lake and Trails
Canoeing and tubing are at the heart of the experience on the Caddo River. Caddo Valley provides access to the river, which connects with the Ouachita River. DeGray Lake Resort State Park is located on the lake in Clark County. These offer different starting points for a trip where the waterways themselves are part of the discovery.
The Islets Cove Paddle Trail offers a distinct perspective on the landscape: the three-mile loop runs through quiet coves and along wooded shores. The diverse flora and fauna provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. If you prefer two wheels, the Iron Mountain Trail is located south of DeGray Lake. It includes more than 24 miles of well-maintained, relatively flat bike trails. The lengths of the two routes offer a clear point of reference: a three-mile paddle loop on the one hand, and an extensive network of bike trails on the other.
Prairie, Forest and Wildflowers
Terre Noire Natural Area is one of the highest-quality remaining blackland prairie and forest complexes in Arkansas. A particularly good time for nature viewing stretches from early spring through fall: during this time, visitors can see numerous wildflowers there. Together with the wooded shores along the Islets Cove Paddle Trail, Terre Noire showcases another side of the nature experiences in Clark County. If you are interested in plants and landscapes, this offers a contrast between seasonal blooms and the diversity along a paddle route.
History and Everyday Life in Arkadelphia
Historic Bozeman Cemetery is considered one of the most scenic places to visit in Clark County. Some of the county’s early settlers are buried there. The Clark County Historical Association regularly holds tours of the cemetery, sharing background on the early settlers, their lives and their time in Clark County. Check the tour schedule before your trip.
In Arkadelphia, the Clark County Historical Museum is housed in a historic train station that was also used by AMTRAK. The exhibits cover a wide range of topics: Caddo artifacts, the Civil War, World War I and World War II, and rural life. Education, transportation and communication are also included. The museum’s scope ranges from early cultures to changes in everyday life and the ways people connected with one another.
You can find further historical milestones in Hollywood: the first Methodist church organized and built in Clark County was established there in 1812. The present-day Hollywood Methodist Church building was dedicated on June 21, 1925, and remained in use until it was purchased by the Clark County Historical Association in August 2020. The Clark County Courthouse also has a documented place in history: it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 1, 1978. The Battle of the Ravine series tells another aspect of local history; it began in 1895. The first game was held on Thanksgiving and ended with an 8–0 victory for Ouachita.
For a seasonal glimpse of Arkadelphia, the Clark County Farmer's Market offers fresh produce, local honey and handmade goods. The market operates seasonally on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to noon; check the hours again before you arrive.
Discover more destinations: Arkadelphia, Caddo Valley, Carroll County, Little River, Franklin County, Desha County, Jefferson County, Boone County.
For the broader travel overview: Arkansas.
