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Devil's Den delights during fall
Dusty Wright, Staff Writer-The Arka Tech

If you or a loved one are thinking of taking a cheap day trip to one of the great places Arkansas and the surrounding areas has to offer, you may not have to look any further than Devil's Den State Park. Nestled in the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas, Devil's Den has something for everyone looking to have a fun day in the fall weather before winter approaches.

By far, Devil's Den is known for its great array of caves, and it delivers. Uniquely being a state park with both sandstone and limestone caves, most of these caves are also associated with a unique sandstone crevice area, the largest such area in the United States. The longest of these caves is Devil's Den cave, which you can visit on your own but flashlights are a must. Another smaller cave is Farmer's Cave, a gated limestone cave that is only accessible through a permit that is available at the visitor's center.

If you feel like cooling off a bit, the Ice Box cave may be just the thing you need. One of the larger caves at the park, the Ice Box is almost always at least 10 degrees cooler inside as the temperature outside. With a little bit of climbing, crawling, and squeezing through tight cracks, you may actually venture through the challenges the cave has to offers and reach the back of the cave without having to turn back.      With a little bit of exploring, these and many other caves can be found just walking around the park. the many trails that are scattered throughout the park, which is a full day in itself.

If you don't feel like caving, or even if you do and want to do a little bit of both, there is nothing quite like taking a great hike through nature, and Devil's Den provides some great trails. If its an easy trail you want, there is none easier than the CCC Interpretive Trail, spanning only ¼ mile and taking on average about half an hour. Another easy trail is the Lake Trail, which is about ½ mile and should on average take about half an hour to hike as well.

If you're an avid hiker and want to try some extremely strenuous trails, Devil's Den has its fair share of those as well, with the longest being Butterfield Hiking Trail. It spans roughly 15 miles and will take on average around 12 hours or an overnight trip. As long as it may seem, however, the difficulty of the terrain is about average. If you're looking for the hardest trails Devil's Den has to offer, look no further than the Vista Creek trail. The length is 8 miles, taking on average about 4 hours, but during those 4 hours you are guaranteed to expect some extreme hiking. Vista Creek trail follows up to the top of Holt Ridge mountain, and offers two overlooks on the top, the Blackburn Valley and the Holt Ridge Overlook.

If you find yourself wanting to stay a little longer, or decide to come back on a vacation, Devil's Den offers some great cabins for reasonable prices. A one bedroom with spa tub will cost you $115.00 a night, while the most expensive, the three bedrooms 1.5 bath with spa tub, will cost about $180.00 a night. Included in these rooms are such commodities as a sofa, satellite television, pots, pans, BBQ grill, and a fireplace.      For a cheap day trip or vacation, it's hard to beat Devil's Den State Park. With so much to see and do along with the luxurious cabins that are offered, it really is one of the best places to go on a budget.

Haw Creek Falls is an amazing autumn adventureCaitlin Cordell, Features Editor-The Arka Tech     The road twists and turns and the autumn leaves flash yellow and red in the midday sun. Soon there is an old one lane bridge, a few twisting miles further is Haw Creek Falls Campground.

Once you enter the campground the sunlight slips away behind a thick forest background. Camping is not the real draw of Haw Creek Falls, the name sake is.

Haw Creek Falls is a small natural waterfall that cuts through the slate bluffs of the northern River Valley. Even though the weather is turning cooler, Haw Creek Falls is a beautiful place to go to spend a weekend camping or an afternoon relaxing.

Nine camping spots circle the gravel road that leads into the campground. Each campsite includes a fire pit, picnic table and lantern hanging post. Most of the campsites can accommodate either a tent or a camp trailer.

It is advised by the Forest Service that if you do bring a trailer that you be very careful entering and exiting the campground because it is a one lane road leading in and out of the campground.

Haw Creek Falls is a slightly rugged campground with no showers and only vault toilets, otherwise known as outhouses. There is no drinking water available so you will have to bring in your own.

Brining a picnic is a must at this isolated campground. In the shade of the tall pines a simple lunch of sandwiches makes for a fabulous way to unwind.

Another fun activity at Haw Creek Falls is to wade in the creek that feeds the falls. Even in the fall there are minnows swimming and crawdads skittering in the water. Some spots of the creek are deep enough for swimming as well.

With the temperatures dropping, it might be better just to bring a camera during a day trip and leave the bathing suit at home. The foliage is beautiful now and the water were Haw Creek Falls pools is a beautiful shade of teal.  The falls sit in an open area with great natural light for pictures.

Fishing is also popular at the campground. Since hunting season is in full swing, many hunters are using the campground for a base camp too.

The Ozark Highlands Trail is accessible nearby for hiking. Most of the camping spots also have easy access to the forest if you’re feeling up to a more adventurous hike of the designated trail.

Haw Creek Falls Campground is located in the Ozark National Forest near Pelsor, a bump in the road by most "town" standards. Pelsor offers a petite post office and a historic store that has been in business since before the Great Depression. The store offers campers basic food and condiment choices, along with some toys for kids and kids at heart.

A fee is charged to use the campground for either day use or camping overnight. There is a self-service pay station at the entrance. Current rates are posted there.

To get to Haw Creek Falls from Russellville, take Arkansas 7 through Dover to Pelsor, then take a left on Highway 123, follow Highway 123 for 12 miles until you reach the campground.      For more information on Haw Creek Falls Campground call the Bayou Ranger District at 479-284-3150.

  

Ballot issues way heavily on minds of voters
Becca Wallis, Reporter-The Arka Tech    

With Election Day only five days away, the chaos of politics can be overwhelming. Aside from presidential candidates, there are several issues on the 2008 general election ballot one must consider. This Nov. 4 not only marks a historical presidential race but possibilities new to Arkansas. With a load of questions on the ballot it can become confusing and tiring to complete. To ease the frustration, several issues that you should expect to encounter are outlined below.

Proposed Constitutional Amendment 1 to remove obsolete language from the Arkansas constitution and to allow alteration of poll worker qualifications.

Proposed Constitutional Amendment 2 to provide for annual legislative sessions.

Referred Question 1 to authorize the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission to issue up to $300 million in general obligation bonds over 10 years to finance and refinance water-related projects.

Proposed Constitutional Amendment 3 authorizing the General Assembly to establish, operate and regulate state lotteries to fund scholarships and grants for Arkansas citizens enrolled in certified two-year and four-year colleges and universities in Arkansas.

Proposed Initiative Act 1 providing that an individual who is cohabiting outside of a valid marriage may not adopt or be a foster parent of a child less than 18 years old.

Details of the issues and of candidates can be found at <http://www.votenaturally.org>.            

Two issues in particular seem to be more controversial than others.  According to the 10th annual Arkansas poll, 65 percent support the lottery amendment with 35 percent opposed and 3 percent either refusing to answer or undecided.

The adoption and foster care act showed 38 percent in support and 55 percent opposed with 7 percent undecided or not answering. One opponent of the act is Arkansas Families First. Debbie Willhite, its lead consultant, said, “Nobody in Arkansas wants to do something harmful to children, but this proposal clearly limits the homes available to Arkansas children in need.”

Some say the problem with Proposed Initiative Act 1 is that it won’t prevent gay people from adopting or become foster parents; it will prevent unmarried couples, regardless of sexual orientation. Single people, including gay singles, will still be eligible. Unmarried couples would also be prevented from adopting the orphaned children of family members, even if it’s the family’s wish.

Proposed Constitutional Amendment 3 to approve a state lottery has the potential to “raise hundreds of millions for scholarships,” according to Lt. Gov. Bill Halter, who organized the petition effort.  Arkansas voters in 1996 and 2000 defeated lottery proposals tied to casino gambling initiatives. In 2006, voters approved a constitutional amendment authorizing bingo games and raffles for charity.

“Arkansas voters know the difference between going to Missouri to buy a lottery ticket and going to Tunica and walking through a casino door,” said Halter at a news conference. “Our amendment does not change the prohibition of casino gambling in the state of Arkansas.”