Chuck’s Blog – “Exploring Arkansas From Above: Autumn”
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Autumn is the second season which will be presented in our program – “Exploring Arkansas From Above” premiering Monday, Nov. 29, at 7 p.m.
Our aerial, cinematic perspective of Mother Nature’s colorful palette will include familiar landscapes, popular landmarks, iconic places, along with scenic byways and waterways.
The Pig Trail National Scenic Byway in Northwest Arkansas is the 19-or-so-mile stretch of Highway 23 that’s within the Ozark National Forest. This highway comes alive with fall color and makes for quite the memorable drive up to Fayetteville to take in a Razorback game – thus the name – “Pig Trail.”
Once in Fayetteville, also be sure to experience the iconic symbol of higher education in Arkansas: Ole Main on the University of Arkansas campus. Every time in autumn when I see this building with all the surrounding colors, it’s just difficult to put into words the feeling I get thinking about all those who graduated from this university and where they are now in their lives.
While you’re up in that neck of the woods, a nice little side trip would be to War Eagle Mill, east of Rogers. It’s especially great during the annual War Eagle Fall Arts & Crafts Fair held in mid-October. There’s been a working grist mill at this site since 1832. After three were destroyed, the current mill was reconstructed in 1973.
Rattlesnake Ridge Natural Area – west of Little Rock – makes for quite an exhilarating hike during autumn. The views from atop this ridge are breathtaking to say the least. It gives nearby city dwellers a rugged, outdoor adventure without having to drive for hours. Rattlesnake Ridge is named that because it’s the eastern-most habitat of the Western Diamond Back Rattlesnake. But no worries! If you make the hike during the colder months of the year, your chances of encountering one are quite slim.
Another “must mountain” to visit in autumn is Mount Magazine – the highest peak in the state – located east of Booneville in the Ozark National Forest. I’ll have more on Mount Magazine in my next upcoming blog about the winter season with “Exploring Arkansas From Above.”
If you’d like to enjoy some kayaking and take in the fall colors, Lake Winona in the Ouachita National Forest – about 30 miles or so west of Little Rock – is the ideal spot. I say ideal, because it’s one of those secluded, lesser-known lakes and, if you go during the week, you probably will have the entire lake all to yourself.
Don’t forget to join us for the premiere of “Exploring Arkansas From Above” Nov. 29 at 7 p.m. on Arkansas PBS! Plus, don’t miss a chance to join us for a sneak preview Thursday, Nov. 4, at the Kenda Drive-In in Marshall, Arkansas. I’ll be there with the rest of the Arkansas PBS crew, and we’ll have prizes and lots of fun! Gates open at 6 p.m., and the show itself will get started after sunset at 7:30 p.m. Come sit under the stars as we explore Arkansas from above!
Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021
“Exploring Arkansas From Above” Preview Screening
107 Westwood Drive, Marshall, AR
Gates open at 6 p.m.; screening begins at 7:30 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 29, 2021
“Exploring Arkansas From Above,” 7 p.m.
