Hobbs State Park Still Struggling After Memorial Day Tornadoes
Hobbs State Park in Northwest Arkansas continues to face the aftermath of the devastating Memorial Day weekend tornadoes. The largest state park in Arkansas, known for its beautiful trails, is now grappling with significant damage and a challenging recovery process.
Approximately eight weeks ago, three tornadoes touched down in Northwest Arkansas, causing a strip of destruction up to 300 yards wide, one of the largest in the state’s history. This swath of destruction notably included Hobbs State Park, which has been severely affected.
The havoc wreaked on the park is substantial. Over 2,200 trees were toppled across the 54-mile trail system, including the popular Monument Trail System that spans 18 miles. The devastation is so extensive that it will take at least a year to clear the trails, with the park relying on both professional contractors and volunteers to expedite the process.
Volunteers have been eager to assist, but the danger posed by fallen and semi-fallen trees, known as “widow makers,” restricts their roles. Without a U.S. Forestry Certification, volunteers like Mikie are limited to supporting tasks like moving cut trees, known as “swamping.”
The park plans to start the cleanup by engaging professional contractors to clear the most critical trails, including the Karst Trail, which is Mikie’s favorite. As the recovery continues, the efforts of both contractors and dedicated volunteers will be crucial in revitalizing the beloved park.
