Cedar Glades Park

All posts tagged Cedar Glades Park

The longest journey is the one I…

Posted by Lee Hiller on August 26, 2017
Posted in: Cedar Glades Park. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

Nature Photography Lines and Light Trees and Trails

The longest journey is the one I have yet to finish. ~ Lee Hiller

Love to ALL!
Lee

Cedar Glades Park Black Trail Spring

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Blogging U #photo101 – Solitude on a Solo Hike in Black and White

Posted by Lee Hiller on June 12, 2015
Posted in: Cedar Glades Park, Hot Springs National Park, Wordpress.com Photo101. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . 4 Comments

I have begun to embrace the transformative possibilities of black and white photography.  It embodies the beauty of solitude found within a solo hike. Stepping into the unknown of a path appearing to stretching endlessly before me.  The approach to each bend in the trail where Nature waits patiently to reveal herself.  Whispering of leaves blending with the creaking sway of pines reaching skyward, it is there I hear the Universe with my Soul.

Alone with the Forest Sentinels
whispering
leading
pleading
pulling
into the serenity of solitude.

Solitude among the Forest Sentinels - Cedar Glades Park, Arkansas

Solitude among the Forest Sentinels – Cedar Glades Park, Arkansas

Solitude among the Forest Sentinels - Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

Solitude among the Forest Sentinels – Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

Solitude among the Forest Sentinels - Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

Solitude among the Forest Sentinels – Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

Solitude among the Forest Sentinels - Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

Solitude among the Forest Sentinels – Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

 

I am taking a photography journey via WordPress.com’s  Blogging U Photo 101 course.  Between now and my birthday (July 04th) the project will involve expanding my photography sight and insight.  As for the daily project deadline the art of photography and life rarely go as planned.

Life and Death on the Trail in Cedar Glades

Posted by Lee Hiller on July 20, 2014
Posted in: Cedar Glades Park. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

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Last weekend early morning in Cedar Glades Park I photographed a bit of Nature on the side of the trail that I did not realized was an empty Box Turtle shell.  The sun was still low and I could not see everything clearly.  Later on the hike we discovered a male Box Turtle in the middle of the trail.  My husband Rick picked him up and to move him off the mixed use (mountain bikes and hikers) trail.  A team of three cyclists had buzzed past us earlier and now after seeing I had photographed an empty shell I know my husband likely saved a life that day.

Love to ALL!

Lee

Trails, Campsites, Wildflowers and Wildlife in Cedar Glades Park

Posted by Lee Hiller on April 20, 2012
Posted in: Cedar Glades Park. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . 1 Comment

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Cedar Glades Park in Arkansas offers a variety of activities and is a perfect destination for kids of all ages.  If you enter from Wildcat Road the park is highly groomed for hiking, biking, rock climbing, Frisbee golf and more. (Wildcat Road Entrance Turbulent Skies and Butterflies in Cedar Glades Park Arkansas & First Hike in Cedar Glades Park Arkansas)  Entering from Cedar Glades Road you find a less groomed Nature escape with playground, wheelchair accessible trail, hiking/biking trails, creeks, steams, ponds and a hike in camping sites.  Both areas are joined by the 1.2 mile green trail loop with ample parking and rest rooms at each entrance.

My husband and I entered the park yesterday from the Cedar Glades Road entrance.  We discovered the North Trail loop that linked us to our destination (the black trail) is wheelchair accessible.  The beautiful trail is totally immersed in the Forest and provides mobility challenged visitors a lovely Nature experience.  A perfect outing location for adults with smaller children in strollers as well.

The Black Trail Loop is the longest trail in the park and the most difficult for hikers, runners and cyclists.  Depending on fitness level visitors can do the entire trail or use the red trail crooked bridge cut through to reduce the distance from 4.64 miles to 2 miles. This trail that has many water features, wildflowers, mixed and Pine Forest, plus it is great workout too.  Speaking of water features, don’t miss my video below.  The featured swimmer will give you an incentive to improve your pond swimming skills.

Another great feature of this park is the hike in camp site.  This would perfect for campers who want to get away from RVs, trailers etc. and prefer a wooded steam setting without having to hike for several hours to reach their destination. This would make a great mini family vacation idea too.  There is also an emergency shelter (wooden gazebo) in case of an unexpected storm.  A lovely stream and open tent pitching among the Trees makes it a great weekend get-a-away or travel stop over. Best of all it is Free!

Love to ALL!
Lee

Cedar Glades Park Arkansas Trail Map

First Hike in Cedar Glades Park Arkansas

Posted by Lee Hiller on March 26, 2012
Posted in: Hot Springs National Park. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . 2 Comments

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The first thing I need to mention about this hike, the trails are mixed use.  Hikers and mountain bikes share the same narrow trails. For this reason my husband and I hiked the blue trail clockwise even though the markers are displayed counter clockwise.  We decided it was safer to see the cyclists coming so we could get out of their way. Although it was a Sunday morning we only encountered only 2 riders during our 3.84 mile hike. Both cyclist were come at a good clip so it is wise to be prepared to step off the tail. This said I feel fellow hikers should have this information before heading out. (see printable map below for list of trails)

This is not a full on mountain hike, it is instead a peasant hill and dale terrain.  I would highly recommend hiking boots as the blue trail is narrow, rocky with continuous exposed roots.   The free flowing streams have both man-made and rock bridges for all weather condition crossings.  Also be aware there are no benches for those wishing to sit and rest along the trail.

The Trees were alive with song during our hike, but we did not catch sight of any birds.  I believe the mountain bike usage may have made them wary of coming close to the trail edges.  Butterflies, Lizards and Hummingbird Moths were abundant throughout our hike.  As the weather heats up areas around springs should become a great place to spot turtles, snakes and frogs as well. Next time we will go a bit earlier in the morning as the trails numerous natural springs likely attract larger wildlife as well.  In late April or early May when all the Trees are in full leaf it should be like hiking in a mini rain forest.

Please note this is a multipurpose park and some areas will be noisier than others.  This said once we were on the back side of the blue trail we heard only sounds of Nature.  For a family seeking a variety of activities there is a rock wall, Frisbee golf, hiking, biking even a hike-in campsite.  Clean modern bathrooms are available at both entrances/trail heads.  This is a great road trip stopping point for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages or a fun FREE use day trip.

Love to All!
Lee

Cedar Glades Park Arkansas Trail Map