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Mount Magazine Cabins: Stay at The Highest Point in Arkansas

What is there to do in Mount Magazine State Park?

At 2,753 feet in elevation, Mount Magazine is the highest point in Arkansas. Visitors can enjoy recreational activities including hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, rock climbing, and hang gliding. Additional amenities include a restaurant and pool at the lodge.

Mount Magazine State Park is in Paris, Arkansas which is two hours south of our home in Fayetteville, Arkansas. We recently booked a cabin for a weekend stay. We pulled up to the cabin and my first impression was that it was big and gorgeous and completely exceeded my expectations.

The cabin we rented had two bedrooms and two bathrooms along with a wraparound deck where we could take in the amazing views of the Petit Jean River Valley.

Stay at Cabins at Mount Magazine State Park

One of our favorite things about the cabin was the private hot tub. We enjoyed relaxing under the stars each night. Additional outdoor amenities include a charcoal grille and picnic table.

What is there to do at Mount Magazine State Park?

Vaulted wood ceilings, a stone fireplace, and leather couches created a cozy atmosphere inside the cabin. There was a full kitchen where we could make our own meals.

mount magazine lodge

The cabins are spaced far enough a part that I felt we had enough privacy, but they are also close enough to the lodge that it is easy (and beautiful) to walk there. The lodge has sixty guest rooms and fabulous amenities including an indoor swimming pool and a gift shop.

mount magazine lodge restaurant

We enjoyed breakfast and dinner at Skycrest Restaurant at the lodge. The food was good, and the views were unbelievable.

You can make reservations for the cabins, lodge, or campsites at Mount Magazine on the state park’s website.

Overall, I was blown away by Mount Magazine’s views and accommodations. It was such an easy, relaxing trip.

Family Camping Trip to Eminence, Missouri

Echo Bluff State Park

I have to thank my brother for the inspiration to go to Echo Bluff State Park in Eminence, Missouri. This park is filled with amazing amenities and gorgeous scenery. Our extended family met there for a fun afternoon of playing on the playground, wading in the crystal-clear river, and admiring the beautiful lodge. Unfortunately, the camping spots were booked on our weekend, so we weren’t able to spend the evening.

Splashing in Sinking Creek near Echo Bluff State Park

Alley Spring

Our backup plan was camping at Alley Spring. This turned out to be a wonderful place for us. We enjoyed a secluded camping spot within walking distance to a swimming area that the kids loved.

“The rolling, forested landscape around Alley Spring is where two of America’s most beautiful spring-fed rivers combine to make up the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. As the first national park area to protect a wild river system, visitors are able to enjoy various water activities as well as hiking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing.” – recreation.gov

This campground has flush toilets and shower facilities available April 15 through October 15. Reservations can be made through recreation.gov.

Alley Spring Grist Mill Historic Site

After a night of smore making around the campfire, we packed up camp and went on one last family adventure. We hiked around Alley Spring Grist Mill Historic Site. The short loop was stunning.

You can learn more about the historical mill here.

I remember camping with aunts, uncles, and cousins growing up and I hope my girls will look back on this camping trip with equally happy memories. I highly recommend a camping trip to Eminence, Missouri. We can’t wait to go back!

Hiking Arkansas: Lake Trail at Devil’s Den State Park

devil’s den state park

Devil’s Den State Park is in West Fork, Arkansas which is a 35-minute drive from our home in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Devil’s Den State Park’s visitor center, picnic areas, and cabins are open all year. Overnight accommodations include full-service cabins, camper cabins, as well as a variety of camp sites. Visitors can check availability online. Devil’s Den State Park also features unique hiking trails that showcase the caves, bluffs, mountain views, and historic architecture within the state park. (Devil’s Den Map)

lake trail

We wanted to take our puppy on our hike, so we picked a trail that was easy. The Lake Trail in Devil’s Den State Park was the perfect choice. It is a one-mile hike (out and back) on flat terrain.

Lake Trail at Devils Den State Park Arkansas — Armadillo

Lake Trail at Devil's Den State Park in Arkansas

Lake Trail in Devil's Den State Park, Arkansas — Crossing over bridges and views of Lee Creek made this hike a fun experience.

Lake Trail. CCC Dam. Devil's Den State Park — CCC Dam

The trail ultimately leads to Area E Campground. We turned around at this point and returned the way we came.

3 great trails at devil’s Den state park

This is our third hike in Devil’s Den State Park. Lake Trail was the easiest and shortest hike we’ve done. I also highly recommend Devil’s Den Self-Guided trail which is 1.5 miles and rated as moderate.

We also enjoyed the Yellow Rock trail which features impressive views.

If you have an opportunity to visit Devil’s Den State Park, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed with all the natural beauty and amenities this park has to offer.

Ute Trail from Alpine Visitor Center in Rocky Mountain National Park

Last week I was feeling sentimental and decided to print pictures from our summer adventures. I was surprised when a package of 143 prints came in the mail. I need to buy a new photo album to fit them all in! I think that is a good problem to have. The summer of 2020 has been challenging, so I am thankful we’ve been able to capture 143 fun moments.

This hike along the Ute Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park contains several of these exceptional summer memories.

Rocky Mountain National Park Ute Trail near Alpine Visitor Center — Hiking on the Ute Trail

Our family entered in Rocky Mountain National Park from the east side of the park near Estes Park during our reserved timed entry window. We drove up Old Fall River Road to the Alpine Visitor Center then parked and walked around to take in the landscape from the viewing deck.

My cousin and his high school age sons came in from the west side of the park near Grand Lake. We were thrilled to meet them for a morning hike.

elk in rocky mountain national park off of trail ridge road — Elk on the mountain side

The trail begins right across from the visitor center (11,796 ft of elevation). Trail Ridge Road can get terribly busy, so we held our kids’ hands while crossing.

This section of the Ute Trail leads down to Poudre Lake and Milner Pass. The hike to Poudre Lake is four miles each way. If you have two cars, you can park one at the Alpine Visitor Center and the other by Poudre Lake to avoid the return trip back up.

wildflowers and mountain views along ute trail in rocky mountain national park. colorado hikes — Mountain Views from the Ute Trail

Instead of juggling cars, we decided to cut the hike short. We followed the trail for approximately one and a half miles until we reached a couple of tarns off the path. We returned the way we came. The return trip was uphill, but it felt doable even with young kids.

I loved every second of this hike. It was fun catching up with my cousin and his kids, the views were unbelievable, the weather was perfect, the wildlife was exciting, and the flowers were beautiful. We even got a rare family photo of all four of us mostly looking at the camera.