Grand Gulf State Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Grand Gulf State Park is a unique geological formation located in Thayer, Arkansas.
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Summary
The park is known for its spectacular limestone canyon, which is sometimes referred to as the "Little Grand Canyon." The canyon is nearly a mile long and up to 125 feet deep, and was formed by the collapse of an underground cavern.
One of the main reasons to visit Grand Gulf State Park is for the hiking and nature viewing opportunities. There are several hiking trails that wind through the park, offering stunning views of the canyon and the surrounding forest. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, turkey, and the occasional black bear.
In addition to the canyon, there are several other points of interest within the park, including a natural bridge, a sinkhole, and several caves. The park also has a campground and picnic area, making it a great spot for a day trip or overnight stay.
Interesting facts about the area include the fact that the canyon was once used as a hideout by the infamous outlaw Jesse James. Additionally, the area was used as a filming location for the movie "Gone with the Wind."
The best time of year to visit Grand Gulf State Park is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the leaves are changing. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters can be cold and snowy, so it's best to plan accordingly.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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