Road trippin'! need suggestions please

[wgonfan]

Bored with the same ole same ole and trips to Dallas; My girlfriend and I are considering mixing it up with a scenic road trip this weekend. We are in Texarkana and want to head to north Arkansas or south Missouri. We are considering either a water (lake or river) destination, caverns or a mountain top stop - something to beat the heat. Trying to do this on the cheap so free entertainment and cheap lodging (tent camping is an option) a big plus. I was thinking about something like the Johnson Shut-ins state park in Missouri, but that may be a bit far.

Anyhow, anyone have any suggestions?

[Roger]

Got Blanchard Springs Caverns near Fifty Six, Ar with tent camping and the North Fork of the Sylamore Creek for cooling off.

Still some lower sections of the Buffalo that are floatable (we did Woolum to Bakers Ford last week with some dragging of a loaded tandem).

If you like to fish, Crooked Creek near Yellville offers some good small mouth bass action.

[Adam Willard]

If your in Texarkana I would have to say the Cossatot!!! http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/cossatotriver/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
It's a beautiful river that is rain dependent. In the hot summer months you can grab a mask, snorkel and have a great time. Plus they have a vistor center, hiking trails and tent camping.(no showers, no electric) The falls are also great, big deep pools to swim in. If you go, please no glass, and leave no trace.

[johnnybiggun]

I agree Cossatot is great for swimming, snorkeling and hiking this time of year....Shady Lake is in that same area and loads of fun.... If your headed north from there Queen Wilhelmina State Park in Mena , camping & hiking.... Mt. Magazine Lodge... Janet Huckabee Nature Center in Fort Smith.... Devils Den in the Fayetteville.... Off the top of my head....You can find maps and info on all these on the net.....

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shady-Lak ... 9538703413" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.queenwilhelmina.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/cossatotriver/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.mountmagazinestatepark.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.rivervalleynaturecenter.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Sandy_1231]

We spent time on the Buffalo National River, 4th of July weekend & had a fantastic time. It is a very beautiful historical place with hiking trails, waterfalls, caves & much more. This is north AR around Jasper, Ponca & Boxley, AR. Must check out the trail to Hemmed in Hollow. You will cross the river & creeks several times. The swimming is really great (secluded ). Check out the Ozark Cafe in Jasper for a really good meal. Have fun & stay cool!

Check out the link below:

http://www.buffaloriver.org/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[wgonfan]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. somethings come up and she wont be able to go so it looks like I'm solo this weekend. I'll keep these in the back pocket for the next open weekend (not many of those) Now I just need to find someones float trip to intrude on! Ha!