Chickadee Trail is an easy walk that offers a half-mile trek through a southwest Arkansas pine forest and along a sampling of DeGray Lake's shoreline. Even if you don't like hiking, it's worth the walk for the wildlife and nature you'll see, which include a variety of birds, deer, armadillos, flying squirrels, and opossums. Walk the trail in the Springtime to see a variety of wildflowers and dogwood trees mixed in with the pines. As the trail winds by the shoreline, be sure to look for ducks, geese, owls, and bald eagles. Don't be surprised to see "hikers" carrying a fishing pole and tackle box. Shoreline fishing is popular along this trail.
Since the trail begins near the Park Administration office, parking there is easily available and a sensible option for this loop trail. The trailhead is behind the office, near the tennis court.
With a generally low and consistent elevation, this trail is simple to navigate for most people. There is a small hill, but other than that, it's easy going. Dogs are welcomed, but must be kept on a leash.
If you're planning a day trip to DeGray or planning to camp for several days, check out the free schedule of events, some of which take place on Chickadee Trail. Since the trail is easy, the State Park often hosts special events and hikes that children will enjoy.
Chickadee Trail is an easy, family-friendly half-mile loop that even novice hikers can enjoy. The pine tree shade is available year-round but in the Spring, dogwood trees become more obvious as they dot the trail with their white blooms. Against the dark green pine foliage, these seasonal blooms really do stand out.
The trail sign pictures these dogwood blooms, as well as the bird that is the trail's namesake. The trail is smooth, but not paved. It is a mix of dirt and rock. This trail is not ADA compliant. There is one hill that might challenge some hikers. In addition to leading hikers through the forest, Chickadee Trail also clips the lake's shoreline briefly. Watch for herons, ducks, ospreys, and more. If you like bird watching, take binoculars. You will also find people fishing from the banks of the trail.
As you make your way around the look, you'll notice raised dirt terraces near the path. These were once used to contour land around crops that were planted there when the land was privately owned. As far as wildlife goes, squirrels and deer are the most common animals you will see along the Chickadee Trail. Keep an eye out for snakes during the warmer months!
Discussion of building a dam on the Caddo River dates back to the early 1900s, when Harvey Couch, founder of Arkansas Power & Light electric company, considered the site for hydroelectric generation. DeGray Lake was created conceptually when Congress authorized a dam of the Caddo River with approval of the River and Harbors Act in 1950.
Construction on the project did not begin for another decade because the Korean War prohibited funds for domestic infrastructure projects at the time. Work on the tunnel to divert the Caddo River began in early 1964 and wrapped up in the summer of 1966. Upon completion of the tunnel, the reservoir area was evacuated. The $64 million project was dedicated on May 20, 1972.
While the primary focus of the dam was hydroelectric power, the lake created by it has proven to be a boost to tourism for this section of southwest Arkansas. The Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism collaborates with the Army Corps of Engineers to offer recreational facilities at DeGray. The Corps provides a number of campsites and boat ramps. The state created a lodge and resort area, now known as DeGray Lake Resort State Park.
One of the interesting aspects of Chickadee Trail specifically is that contours of the land around the trail indicate that the area was once used for farming. Raised terraces once diverted the water away from crops.
