Lakeside Loop

One of Arkansas' premier hiking destinations may be the prettiest place you've never heard of.

Hidden away in a forested valley minutes from downtown Eureka Springs is Black Bass Lake, a small reservoir built in the late 1800s to supply the city with drinking water and fire protection. A 2-mile trail circles this lovely lake that few people visit.

Visit Black Bass Lake

Directions: Follow U.S. 62 to the west of downtown Eureka Springs. Turn on Oil Springs Road. There is a sign here that points to Black Bass Lake. Follow the gravel road downhill for one-half mile to the parking area and trailhead.

Information: For information about the Hill ‘N Dale Hikers, visit www.bvhikingclub.com.

Source: Staff Report

Even the locals aren't widely familiar with it, said Bruce Levine, director of the city's parks and recreation commission.

"People in the know who like to hike go to Black Bass Lake," Levine said. "We occasionally hear from people who've hiked there and they say good things about it."

Hill 'N Dale Hikers, based in Bella Vista, sang the praises of the lake and trail during a trip there on Sept. 17. The trek was the first time for many in our group of 15 to visit Black Bass Lake. George Riggin of Bella Vista knew the trail well and led an easy and scenic hike around the little lake.

Art In Stone

Visitors see some of Eureka Springs' history the moment they arrive at the trailhead. The dam, made of hand-cut limestone, can be seen from the small parking area and information kiosk. It's obvious the dam has seen better days. Rock is peeling away, and visitors are asked not to explore near the dam or spillway for their own safety.

A stop at the information kiosk reveals that Black Bass Lake was built in 1893-1894 as a water supply and to improve fire protection. Small springs pour into the valley behind the dam to fill Black Bass Lake.

Cost of the dam back then was $75,000. Nowadays, Eureka Springs gets its water from Beaver Lake, like most Northwest Arkansas cities. Black Bass Lake is a city park. There's a picnic table at the trailhead and one along the trail in a meadow by the water.

The kiosk tells hikers that, in the 1800s, the city's "bucket brigade" fire department lacked a dependable water source. The lake took care of this need.

We followed Riggin up a gravel lane that leads to another small parking area. From here it's possible to launch a canoe or kayak after a short walk to the water. Passing the launch site, hikers come to a rock outcrop where the forest opens to reveal a nice view of the lake. From this rock, the trail continues through a meadow with a picnic table, and into woods that were lush and moist on this muggy morning in late summer.

The first half of the hike is flat and at water level. Field guides for wildflowers, trees and birds are handy on this hike. We admired all kinds of wildflowers we couldn't identify. Where's a botanist when you need one?

Easy Hiking

Riggin led us along the path to the other side of the lake. We crossed a foot bridge and began a gradual climb that took us higher and higher above the water. It's an easy ascent that barely registers on the wheezer scale. No huffing and puffing among our group.

"Most of the trail is flat. You don't have to be in the best of shape to hike it," Riggin said before our hike began. "This is a great place to hike in all seasons. It's like a kaleidoscope. Every time you come it's a little different."

The second half of this lovely walk features nice views of the lake from on high. Crags and long bluff lines are everywhere in the shade of hardwood forest. Black Bass Lake is one of those treks that offers lots of bang for your hiking buck. There's scenery at every step.

Riggin first read about Black Bass Lake in a Eureka Springs visitors guide. Hiker Dora Brach of Lowell initially visited years ago when her family rented a house near the lake to have a wedding.

"It's easy to drive right by the entrance because it's on a sharp curve in the highway," Riggin noted. Now, signs mark the entrance to the lake and park. It's easier to find.

We left the main route to explore the Oil Springs spur trail. It veers from the lake, but guides hikers through some of the prettiest forest and rock formations to be found. The spur ends at the gravel road to the lake. We hiked back on the road, downhill, to the trailhead and our cars.

One question remained: Why is it called Black Bass Lake? I asked Levine.

"I would guess because it was probably a good fishing lake," he said. "Some say it still is."

The quaint lake is a great place to pack some hiking shoes and a picnic lunch, and maybe a canoe and a fishing pole.

Outdoors on 10/09/2014

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