Fall Foilage Road Trip to Story, Lake of the Ouachita State Park, and Hot Springs, Arkansas

  

Photo taken at Hot Springs National Park

     Driving to Arkansas was beautiful on my two day car trip  

                          

I made an overnight trip to Story and stayed the night at the Highway 27 Fishing Village. The cabins are clean, comfortable and surrounded by beautiful scenery. It was perfect timing to enjoy the Arkansas Fall foliage. On the drive to Arkansas, the fall foliage was breathtaking. I listened to podcasts and my recent audiobook while I drove through the mountains on my 2 hour and 45 minute drive to Story, Arkansas. I stopped at Rich Mountain Store in Mena, Oklahoma; Big T's Hillbilly Cook Shack in Oden, Arkansas; The Yellow Store in Pencil Bluff, Arkansas; and Lum and Abner Jot'em Down Store in Pine Ridge, Arkansas (wasn't open - but read about the cool history on line).

Arkansas is a beautiful state. I am planning on visiting Arkansas often during 2022. My plans include finishing my Section hike of the Ouachita Trail and visiting all the Arkansas State Parks.

I will keep you posted.

The Yellow Store in Pencil Bluff.  I had a Grilled Chicken Salad and a nice visit with the cook.

              

Big T's Hillybilly Cook Shack in Oden.  I have never have Mayhaw Jelly.  Can't wait to try this unique find. 

Rich Mountain Store is always a fun stop. 

It was a foggy drive up Rich Mountain to Queen Wilhimena for a quick visit.  I had planned to hike Lovers' Leap Trail, but didn't due to the fog.

Lum and Abner was an American network radio comedy program created by Chester Lauck and Norris Goff that was aired from 1931 to 1954. Modeled on life in the small town of Waters, Arkansas, near where Lauck and Goff grew up, the show proved immensely popular. In 1936, Waters changed its name to Pine Ridge after the show's fictional town.The store was closed, but I hope to get to visit again when it is opened.  

Photo taken off the porch of the cabin at Highway 27 Fishing Village

The Blue Bell Cafe in Story Arkansas is a pleasant step back in time. The old-fashion feel coupled with a great host and owner, Lori, makes this a heartwarming stop.  Lori is a sweetheart and a wealth of local knowledge.  Lori will shuttle hikers for a nominal fee and loves to help hikers any way she can.

The Ouachita Trail Guide by Tim Ernst, OT topo maps and advise from the OT Group Facebook page help piece together my slackpacking trips.  It can get challenging to decide on but access points to the trail for a person not familiar with the area. 

Drove through gorgeous Lake Ouachita State Park and got my state park stamp.  Since I finish visiting all the Oklahoma State Park, I now plan on visiting all the Arkansas State parks. 

I took a 4 mile stroll through Hot Springs.  I also got my Hot Springs National Park stamp.  It was a fun day.

This was my choice for lunch in Hot Springs.  It was unique and delcious.