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Arkansas
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Arkansas State Parks

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Arkansas
Ozark Mountains Region
Old Davidsonville State Park
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OLD DAVIDSONVILLE STATE PARK
OLD DAVIDSONVILLE STATE PARK
7953 Hwy. 166 South
Pocahontas, Arkansas   72455

Phone: 870-892-4708
Email: park email button icon
This park preserves the site of historic Davidsonville. Established in 1815, the town included the Arkansas Territory's first post office, courthouse and land office. Bypassed by the Southwest Trail, an overland route from St. Louis to the border of Mexico, the town faded by the 1830s. Today, park exhibits and interpretive tours provide information about this important frontier town.

History of the Area
Davidsonville, established in 1815, was one of Arkansas' earliest settlements. It had a courthouse and post office by 1820. The town declined after the Black River rerouted away from it around 1830.

In the late-1950s, archaeological investigations began at Davidsonville's site to uncover its history. In response to these findings, Arkansas State Parks purchased land for preservation purposes in 1967.

The park now covers over four hundred acres with amenities like campsites and hiking trails added since acquisition. Archaeological digs continue today revealing more about early American frontier life.

Camping
Facilities include 49 campsites (1 Standard A, 23 Standard B and 25 Tent sites), picnic areas, two standard pavilions (screened), playgrounds, four hiking trails including a self-guided walking trail though the old town site.

Fishing
Fishing is a major activity here today. The park borders the Black River (boat launch ramp) and a 12-acre fishing lake (no launch ramp) offering a barrier-free fishing pier, fishing boats (trolling motors only), pedal boats and canoes. Anglers may also choose from the nearby Spring and Eleven Point rivers.


Location
Old Davidsonville State Park is located near Pocahontas, Jonesboro

Trails
BLACK RIVER TRAIL: Length: 1 mile : Time: 1 hour : Difficulty: Moderate

Description: Take a stroll along the banks of the Black River and walk into history with a look at the Philips/Reeves Cemetery. The trailhead, found in the histories town site, runs along the high bank of the Black River through the surrounding forest. It crosses a spillway stream near the river and continues up the wooded hillside, past the gate of the Phillips/Reeves Cemetery, to the dam on the south side of Trapper Lake.

Location: From Pocahontas, travel two miles west on U.S. 62, then go nine miles south on Hwy 166. Or, from Black Rock, take U.S. 63 to Hwy. 361, then go six miles north.

HISTORIC TOWNSITE TRAIL : Length: 3/4 mile : Time: 2 hours : Difficulty: Easy

Description: Travel back in time to visit the site of the Arkansas Territory's first post office, courthouse and federal land office. Twelve wayside exhibits tell about the history and culture of historic Davidsonville.

Location: 2 miles west of Pocahontas on U.S. 62, then 9 miles south on Hwy. 166; or from U.S. 63 at Black Rock go 6 miles north on Hwy. 361

SCOTT CEMETARY TRAIL : Length: 1/2 mile : Time: 30 minutes : Difficulty: Easy

Description: Enter a small gate in time that focuses on memories of times past. The Scott family owned and operated the ferry that crossed the Black River until 1927. The cemetery probably dates back to the time of Davidsonville. Headstones bearing unusual inscriptions recall Arkansas's early settlers. Other features include a profusion of wildflowers, flowering dogwoods, and large majestic oaks.

Location: From Pocahontas, travel two miles west on U.S. 62, then go nine miles south on Hwy 166. Or, from Black Rock, take U.S. 63 to Hwy. 361, then go six miles north.

TRAPPER LAKe : Print Map: Map PDF Length: 3/4 - 1 mile Time: 45 minutes Difficulty: Moderate

Description: Trapper Lake Trail meanders around the 12-acre lake built in 1980 for fishing and wildlife viewing. From the Visitors Center, the trail leads down the hill, across Day-use 1 and across the bridge that spans the lake's feeder stream. The trail then takes the hikers varying distances from the lake's shoreline.

Location: From Pocahontas, travel two miles west on U.S. 62, then go nine miles south on Hwy 166. Or, from Black Rock, take U.S. 63 to Hwy. 361, then go six miles north.


Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
November 4 Truly enjoyable stay
park review stars; one to five Stayed one night while passing thru. Friendly staff and exceptionally clean park. Plenty of room between sites. Highly recommend even if a bit out of the way. Stayed in 36 ft motor home. RB, Salem, Oregon
February 18 Very nice family park by Anna Nichols
park review stars; one to five Very quiet most of the time. It is a place you can bring your children and spend all day walking the trails, picknicking,fishing and observing the wild life. We used to visit often when my children were small and had many a great adventure It also provides a nice play area and a area to play basketball.
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Directions
From Pocahontas, travel two miles west on U.S. 62, then go nine miles south on Ark. 166. Or from Black Rock, take U.S. 63 to Ark. 361, then go six miles north.

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Arkansas
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Arkansas State Parks

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