Logoly State Park

Situated on 345 acres of forested coastal plain in southwest Arkansas, Logoly State Park is one of Arkansas' most recent and unique additions to the State Park system. This unusual area has attracted interest from visitors for over a hundred years.

History
A major reason for this longstanding interest has been the purported medicinal waters that well up from the forest floor in eleven natural springs. By the turn of the century, people were traveling from far and near to drink and bathe in this mineralized water. During this time, there were two hotels built near the springs and the area became a popular place for evangelists to hold week-long camp meetings. By late 1940, the families owning the property, the Longinos, Goodes, and Lyles, originated the name Logoly by combining the first two letters of their names. At this time, the area was leased by Boy Scouts of America and became known as Camp Logoly to thousands of scouts until 1967. In 1974, the Nature Conservancy purchased the land and had it designated a Natural Area in order to preserve its unique environmental qualities. Later that year, the site was acquired by the state park system and plans were made for Arkansas' first environmental education park.

Facilities
A visit to Logoly should begin at the Visitor Center, which houses exhibits featuring the history and natural environment of the park, a teaching/audiovisual room for slide and movie presentations, restrooms, and park offices. An outdoor amphitheater near the Visitor Center offers a special setting for programs and events. Day users can enjoy a family outing in the tree-shaded picnic area surrounding the Visitor Center, a game of volleyball at the park's recreation area, or a day in the tall forests on the park's well-marked trails. Observation stands and photo blinds have been constructed along the trails to aid nature observers and bird watchers.

Camping - Six group camping sites (tents only) and modern bathhouse plus a covered pavilion (fee charged) offer a unique outdoor experience. Reservation preference is given to groups having activities scheduled at the park. Other groups may reserve the camp and pavilion, if it is available, 7 days before the use date. If not reserved by groups, individual camping and pavilion use are on a first-come, one-day permit basis only.

NOTE: Users of the group campsites and/or pavilion must register at the Visitor Center before use. The pavilion must be reserved before being used (deposit required).

Trails at Logoly

Please observe the following:
(1) Hike only on designated trails to prevent erosion.
(2) Keep horses, bikes, and motorized vehicles off trails.
(3) Take water on warm days.
(4) Leave wildlife, trees and plants undisturbed for the enjoyment of others.
(5) While hiking the trails, please pick up a piece of litter and do a valuable service in keeping the trails clean.

Crane's Fly Trail - Starting at the Visitor Center allow 30 minutes to 1 hour for the hike. This trail features a boardwalk over the park pond, with rolling hills and woodland stream habitat representative of the Gulf Coastal Plain of south Arkansas.

Spring Branch Trail - Starting across the road from the pavilion, this trail connects with the Crane's Fly Trail and the Salt Springs Trail. The trail, marked in blue, provides a 2-mile, 1-plus-hour walk ending at the Visitor Center.

Salt Springs Trail - This trail connects the Crane's Fly Trail and the Spring Branch Trail allowing hikers access to the Magnesia Springs area.

Why an Environmental Education Park?
As a nation, we have been slow to recognize that technology cannot replace our dependence upon the natural resources of planet Earth. Unfortunately, our slow recognition of this fact has left us facing the 21st century with some sobering questions. How will we solve the energy crisis? How will we safely dispose of industrial waste and pollution? How will 4.5 billion people survive in a world where over half the population goes to bed hungry each night? Efforts to answer these and similar questions have led to some basic conclusions. One of these is that our quality of life is directly related to the quality of our environment. Another realization has been that solving environmental problems will require all of us, as individuals, to gain a deeper understanding and respect for this complex mechanism we call nature. For this reason, Logoly State Park has been designed to not only provide an enjoyable place for family outings, but to provide a center for learning and sharing knowledge about the natural world.

How do we Teach Environmental Education?
Of all our natural resources, there is perhaps none more important than our nation's youth. For this reason, a large portion of Logoly's programming is presented to schools, scouts, and other youth groups. In addition, a wide variety of programs and demonstrations are provided that appeal to young and old alike. Subject matter ranges from global ecology to live demonstrations of native plants and animals. Where possible, programming is adjusted to meet the needs and interests of each group. In every case, a major goal is to increase the visitor's awareness of his relationship to the natural world. An important aspect of the programming is the use of the beautiful springs, streams, and hillsides as "living" classrooms in fulfilling the park's theme.

How can I get Involved?
Why not make plans now to visit Logoly State Park. If you would like to arrange a program or demonstration for a group, we encourage you to contact the park early so the event can be scheduled. Remember, Logoly State Park is more than another nice place to visit. It is a concept that can, and hopefully will, make your world a better place to live.

Location
The park is located six miles north of Magnolia on Logoly Road (County Road 47) just off U.S. Highway 79 near the McNeil highway junction.

For further information on park programs, hours, fees or reservations, contact:

Logoly State Park
P.O. Box 245
McNeil, AR 71752
Telephone: (501) 695-3561

For further information on Arkansas' other fine state parks, contact:

Arkansas State Parks
One Capitol Mall, 4A-900
Little Rock, AR 72201
Telephone: (501) 682-1191

All park services are provided on a nondiscriminatory basis. Arkansas State Parks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.