Harriman Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Harriman State Park is a beautiful park located in the state of Arkansas.


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Summary

It covers an area of 1,200 acres and offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Some of the top reasons to visit the park include its stunning natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and numerous recreational opportunities.

One of the main attractions in Harriman State Park is its extensive network of hiking trails. These trails wind through the park's forests, along its streams, and up its hillsides, offering visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of the area up close. Other popular activities in the park include fishing, boating, camping, and picnicking.

Some of the specific points of interest to see in Harriman State Park include the park's three lakes (Lake Catherine, Lake Catherine Falls, and Lake Catherine Dam), the park's many scenic overlooks, and its historic CCC-built buildings and structures. Visitors can also take guided tours of the park's many natural and cultural attractions, and learn more about the area's rich history and ecology.

Interesting facts about Harriman State Park include its designation as a National Historic Landmark, its role in the development of the Civilian Conservation Corps, and the fact that it is home to one of the largest populations of black bears in the state. The park is also known for its diverse range of plant and animal life, including rare species such as the Ozark Big-Eared Bat and the Eastern Box Turtle.

The best time of year to visit Harriman State Park depends on your specific interests and preferences. For those looking to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and boating, the spring and summer months are ideal. Fall is also a popular time to visit, as the park's forests turn vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange. Winter, while colder, can also be a great time to visit, as the park's snowy landscapes offer a unique and beautiful experience for visitors.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
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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