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Iron Springs Roadside Park: A CCC Legacy

Discover a historic roadside oasis in the Ouachita National Forest, perfect for picnics, swimming, and exploring nature trails.

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Iron Springs Roadside Park, located north of Jessieville, Arkansas, along scenic Highway 7, offers a glimpse into the past with its Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built structures from the 1930s. This charming park features picnic shelters, a historic dam creating a small swimming hole, and access to hiking trails within the Ouachita National Forest. It's a perfect spot for a relaxing break and a touch of history.

A brief summary to Iron Springs Roadside Park

  • Jessieville, Arkansas, 71949, US
  • Monday 6 am-10 pm
  • Tuesday 6 am-10 pm
  • Wednesday 6 am-10 pm
  • Thursday 6 am-10 pm
  • Friday 6 am-10 pm
  • Saturday 6 am-10 pm
  • Sunday 6 am-10 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the spring or fall for the most pleasant weather for hiking and picnicking.
  • Bring swimwear and towels to enjoy a refreshing dip in the swimming hole created by the historic CCC dam.
  • Explore the Hunt's Loop Trail for scenic views of the Ouachita National Forest; wear appropriate footwear for hiking.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Iron Springs Roadside Park is located on Arkansas Highway 7, approximately 4.5 miles north of Jessieville. From Jessieville, head north on Highway 7. The park will be on your left, with clear signage indicating the entrance. There is no fee to enter the park or use the parking facilities.

  • Walking

    If you are staying in lodging along Highway 7 north of Jessieville, you can walk to Iron Springs Roadside Park. Be aware that Highway 7 can have moderate traffic, so exercise caution and walk on the shoulder where available. From Jessieville, it is approximately a 4.5-mile walk north on Highway 7.

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Discover more about Iron Springs Roadside Park

Iron Springs Roadside Park, nestled in the Ouachita National Forest along Arkansas Highway 7, provides a serene escape with a touch of history. Established as a roadside picnic area, its origins trace back to the 1930s when the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) constructed many of its enduring features. The park's centerpiece is a low fieldstone dam built in 1933 by the CCC on the Middle Fork Saline River. This dam creates a modest swimming hole, inviting visitors to cool off during warmer months. Three picnic shelters offer shaded spots for relaxation and enjoying the natural surroundings. Two of these shelters, built by the CCC, showcase the rustic architectural style of the era. One shelter is a 24 by 14 feet structure with open log construction and a gable roof. The other is more square-shaped with a pyramidal roof and balustrades on the north and south sides. Beyond picnicking and swimming, Iron Springs serves as a trailhead for the 4.3-mile Hunt's Loop Trail, which winds through the Ouachita National Forest. This trail offers scenic vistas from Short Mountain and connects to the Ouachita National Recreation Trail. The park is open from 6 AM to 10 PM. It's a popular destination for those traveling along Highway 7, offering a blend of natural beauty and historical significance.

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