Tucked away in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains in north central Arkansas is Woolly Hollow, one of Arkansas' most picturesque state parks. Driving along the entrance road
overlooking the blue waters of Lake Bennett, you’ll be impressed by the quiet beauty of this scenic spot and realize you’ve discovered a special place. Designated as a state
park 1973, Woolly Hollow is a peaceful setting for camping, fishing, swimming and
hiking. Canoes, pedal boats, fishing boats and motors are
for rent. A launch ramp is available, but you'll need to bring bait and fishing supplies with you. A snack bar and bathhouse with hot showers are located near the swim beach. Facilities include 32 campsites (20 Class A including Premium sites; 12 Class B w/o hookups), a picnic area, standard
pavilion, and gift shop.
The park features the "Woolly Cabin," a one-room log structure erected on the Woolly family homestead in 1882 by Martin Alfred Woolly, son of William Riley Woolly, the head of a
family of early pioneers who came to Arkansas in 1851. Martin Woolly took up land in this "Hollow" in 1859. And so, this area’s name became Woolly Hollow. Originally located less
than a mile southwest of the park, the Woolly’s cabin was moved to its present site and restored in 1975. Often, park interpretive programs are held at the cabin.
Of a more recent historical note, clear and cool 40-acre Lake Bennett, in the heart of this 400-acre park, was named for Dr. Hugh H. Bennett, first director of the U. S. Soil
Conservation Service. Constructed in 1935 by the CCC and WPA, Lake Bennett was the first SCS watershed project in the United States built for the purpose of making scientific
studies of the effects of water run-off, silt, and erosion control from a specific watershed.
Bring the kids and spend some time in this often-overlooked jewel of a park! One steep section (with stairs) makes the hike a little strenuous. This was our very first cache, and
we hope you enjoy it! Cache can be approached by going straight up the mountain (and, yes, you will be tempted), but the trail is a much more enjoyable route. Take the
Huckleberry Trail that starts near the camping area and follow the it around the lake for a nice 3-4 mile hike. The cache will be near the end of the hike, rewarding you for your effort. Please re-hide the cache at least as well as you found it.
Help us practice some CITO (Cache In, Trash Out) on this trail by taking a small bag with you and pick up any trash you find along the way. Also, if you have time, stop by the park office and visit with the staff. Let them know how much you enjoyed your visit to the park and that you appreciate the Arkansas State Parks system's participation in geocaching!! As with all our caches, if you have problems, feel free to email us!
Original contents:
Log book and pencil, Beanie bear, Mr. Potato Head, Paddle ball, a phone/address book that came from Japan, a tape measure, and a book.
NOTE: This cache has a Arkansas State Parks Permit #3
Verified by Tennessee Geocacher, Geocaching.com admin.
