Mount Nebo State Park, Mena, AR

Arkansas is a state with plenty of mountain beauty, with its warm summers and forested lands. In Mena, Arkansas one can find the Mount Nebo State Park. This park encompasses the 1,350 feet of Mount Nebo which rises over the Arkansas River Valley. In 1933 a portion of the mountain was given to the state for park land. The native stones and logs in the area were used to construct the trails, bridges, and pavilions. There were even a few cabins built with the felled logs.

Today the park has 34 campsites with 24 class B sites and 10 hike to tent sites. At the hike to tent sites there are no dumping stations. The cabins which are available for rent provide fully equipped rooms with kitchens. There are fourteen cabins total within the park. Mount Nebo State Park includes 14 miles of hiking trails with many open for mountain biking. In fact there is a 4 1/2 mile trail, Bench Trail, for mountain biking enthusiasts. The trail takes bikers up the side of Mount Nebo reaching 1850 feet. Riders will move through hardwood and pine forests, as well as the historic springs and Fern Lake. Bikes are available for rent for those who may not have theirs or have one at all.

In the 30's rock work was done by the Civilian Conservation Corps. This work is still available on the Bench Trail, so riders will not want to miss it. There are campsites along the trail for bikers or they can return to the campground for facilities. Mount Nebo is one of two state parks in the state for hang gliding. There are specific spots for hang gliders to launch from, and it is important to learn these areas before heading out. The park also asks that hang gliders make themselves and their plans known in case something goes awry.

Additional park facilities include a pool, picnic areas, playgrounds, tennis courts, and enclosed pavilions. There is also a ball field within the park. Visitors are able to go to a small visitor center and store. The center has exhibits about the park, little items for camping and the bikes. There are interpretive programs for visitors who want to learn more about the park and its biodiversity. Tours can be taken by grabbing information from the visitor center before beginning a trail.

To find the park visitors need to take a ride seven miles west of Dardenelle on Arkansas highway 155. This will bring individuals to the Mount Nebo State Park. The roadway to the park has a number of hairpin curves, thus a vehicle over 24 feet will not make the drive. The park is towards the top of Mount Nebo so a vehicle with some power and four- wheel is suitable.

The park requires campsite reservations. They also have fees and rates for those who wish to visit. The fees go to the upkeep of the park and its facilities, including the campsites. Hours of operation are 8am to 5pm Monday through Saturday, and Sunday 1pm to 5pm. In summer the hours can be a little longer.