Horseshoe Bend (Dierks Lake)

Summary

Horseshoe Bend Park offers a unique paddling experience with Class II to Class IV rapids and 12 Class A campsites along the riverfront. It's scenic wooded areas, combined with nearby attractions such as Crater of Diamonds State Park and Hot Springs National Park, make it an ideal destination for outdoor activities. Furthermore, it's proximity to the Choctaw Nation in Brokenbow provides many additional activities.

Overview

Horseshoe Bend Park, located along the Saline River just south of Dierks Dam, is home to a paddlers dream course. This aquatic whitewater park, built along three quarters of a mile of pristine river funneled over native river stone, offers four or more challenging drops. The course is designed with paddlers in mind and is an excellent training location. The water park was home to the Olympic trials in the late 90’s and is dependent on spillway releases from Dierks Lake dam. When water conditions are right the course simulates Class II to Class IV rapids, all within a safe location that is easily accessible for paddlers to practice new techniques. For those looking to stay and play a while, 12 class A campsites are available along the riverfront

Recreation

Camping

Day use

Playground

Shelter

Paddling 

Facilities

12 Campsites (Overnight)

1 Pavillion (Day Use)

2 Restrooms 1 Shower Facility

Playground

Natural Features

Dierks Lake is in the Ouachitas region of Arkansas and sits on the Saline River. Horseshoe bend sets at the base of a 300 foot verticle cliff offering scenic views along the steep wooded areas

Nearby Attractions

A day trip to Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, just 30 miles from the park, is a popular activity. The diamond mine is the only one of its kind in the country, where visitors get to keep any diamonds and semi-precious stones they unearth, regardless of value.

Hot Springs National Park known for its naturally headed springs ust an hours drive away offers a multiple bathouses, resturants, and activies.

Choctaw nation located just an hour away at Brokenbow offers world class gaming casino as well a variet of natural features and resturants