Description:

The Hot Springs region provides great parks and lakes for exploring, hiking, and water activities. One of the jewels is Lake Catherine State Park, located about 15 miles from the city. This state park has it all: camping, kayaking, horseback riding, fishing boats, beach, and our favorite hiking trails. The park rangers offer cool classes and guided tours, from bald eagle watching in the winter to snake identification in the summer! Special classes for children in the summer connect kids back to nature.  Recently, a flat and paved walking trail has been added for those not wanting to tackle the hills.

This state park is located along Lake Catherine, and although smaller than the closer-in Lake Hamilton, the lake is less busy with boat traffic. Fishing boats, pontoons, and kayaks may be rented from the marina at reasonable prices.

As local residents, our favorite part of the park is the hiking trails. As part of the Ouachita Mountains, these trails provide some great-yet-doable uphill climbs and treat hikers to a lovely waterfall after descending.  Along the hike, we often see wildlife especially deer, wild turkeys, and chipmunks.