Mt. Nebo

I've admired Aaron and Joanna's photos

and family/couple adventures to Mt. Nebo on their blog,

but had assumed it was too far distant

to be practical to visit as a day-trip.

Clearly, Arkansas geography is not my strong suit ;D

No, those aren't green tornado clouds... just the view through the windshield!

And how glad I was to be wrong!

This state park was developed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corp,

which means beautiful rustic buildings :D

Mt. Nebo is a lot like a mesa out west - steep sides, and flat-ish on top -

which means gorgeous views!

It also means that most of the hikes start at the top,

drop down, and then go back up.

We followed a path familiar to the Choates,

to see a waterfall,

with more water in it than they're used to seeing there.

What a breathtakingly gorgeous day!

The only thing that could top

the weather and the amazing fall colors,

was the warm company of my friends :D

Arkansas is beautiful in a completely different way than my home.

Our trail led to the falls... and behind them!

Arkansas... I'm lichen it ;D

Below the top of Mt. Nebo, a "bench" circles the mountain.

Due to the geography/geology of the rock layers,

there are (were?) many natural springs along the bench.

Yes, yes, it really was that gorgeous.

After descending to "the bench" via the waterfall,

we circled north to Fern Lake and headed back uphill.

The beauty and views were totally worth it!

The Choates had timed our adventures just right to get back up to the top

(and the van) just in time for a sunset picnic.

What you CAN'T see is the significant temperature drop!

Or the delicious Whole Hog barbecue dinner!

(For the record, of their seven sauces,

I'm a huge fan of number five!)

Around the perimeter of the rim you'll find cabins and houses for rent.

Love love love these rustic ones, built by the CCC.

*Happy Sigh*

You know I want to go back, and stay in one of these!

Just time for a quick potty-break before driving back to Conway...

and the girls were warming their cold hands under the heat vent!

And goodnight!