Hobbs State Park and bird expert Joe Neal will again offer two educational boat trips on Beaver Lake, with focus on migrating Common Loons.  Other waterfowl species typically seen, include Horned Grebes, several duck species, two gull species, Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons, and other water birds.  (These trips are separate from the regular Hobbs Bald Eagle cruises scheduled from November through February.)

In addition to Joe Neal, author of “Birds in Northwest Arkansas”, other knowledgeable guides from Northwest Arkansas Audubon Society accompany each 2-hour trip to help identify birds and answer questions.  The cruise will be aboard Hobbs State Park’s covered pontoon boat that is ideal for the loon outings. 

Departure initiates from Rocky Branch Marina.  It will be restful, slow travel for about 8 – 10 miles in one of the lake’s most open and picturesque areas.  If you are an experienced birder or just want to explore a large body of water with lots of bird life, get on board and bring your camera or binoculars.  This is the fourth year for the Loon tours.  NWA Audubon requests participants be respectful of covid safety precautions. 

There is no bathroom on board the boat and no winter toilets available at the Marina or the Rocky Branch day use area.  Options:  There is a restroom at the Shaddox Hollow Trailhead on 303 on the way to Rocky Branch Marina. 

Reservations and prepayment necessary.  Call 479-789-5000 to reserve your spots. 

Minimum age requirement: 16 yrs. 

When:  Saturday November 5^th or Saturday November 12

Time:  10 am to noon (Boat leaves promptly at 10 am)

Where:  Rocky Branch Marina

Cost:  $15.00/person + tax 

About Hobbs State Park – Conservation Area

Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area heads the list as the largest of Arkansas’s 52 state parks with a 12,054-acre tract of Ozark landscape along the southern shore of Beaver Reservoir.  It is a significant component of the northwest Arkansas ecosystem with carefully managed human impact.

Highlights of this day-use park include a diverse, 54-mile trail system constructed for hiking, running, ADA, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails.  The Park offers 11 primitive campsites, six available to mountain bikers, the first of their kind in northwest Arkansas.  Hobbs is the only state park in Arkansas to allow regulated hunting.  The visitor center includes exhibits about the park’s natural resources, limestone landscape, and history.  Interpretive programs and workshops are offered throughout the year.

About Arkansas State Parks

Arkansas State Parks is a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism. Arkansas state parks and museums cover 54,400 acres of forest, wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation facilities, and unique historic and cultural resources. The system includes 1,100 buildings (including 183 historic structures), six National Historic Landmarks, a National Natural Landmark, 16 sites on the National Register of Historic Places, and War Memorial Stadium.

The state parks have 1,800 campsites, 1,050 picnic sites, 208 cabins, five lodges, and 415 miles of trails. Eight million visitors annually come from all regions of the country. Park staffs provide over 42,000 education programs, activities, and special events to more than 700,000 participants each year.

Established in 1923, Arkansas State Parks preserve special places for future generations, provide quality recreation and education opportunities, enhance the state’s economy through tourism, and provide leadership in resource conservation. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and visit ArkansasStateParks.com and ArkansasStateParks.com/media to learn more about everything we have to offer.