Lakeside recreation area featuring forested shorelines, mountain scenery, a full-service marina, cabins, campgrounds, hiking trails, and access to outdoor water activities.
General Information
Visitor Center: Daily 8:00am to 5:00pm
Closed New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day
Camping, cabin rentals, boat rentals, horseback rides, and special activities have separate fees
How to Get There
From Hot Springs (12 mi): Take US-270 E from Hot Springs, turn onto Catherine Park Road, and continue south to the entrance and visitor facilities overlooking the lake.
Overview
Lake Catherine State Park is a 2,180-acre (880 ha) public recreation area located on the south shore of Lake Catherine, eight miles (13 km) southeast of Hot Springs, Arkansas. The park was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Three stone-and-wood cabins, a former concessions building, and a bridge constructed in the Corps' rustic architecture style are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Park amenities include a visitors center, cabins and campsites, marina with boat rentals, horseback riding stable, picnicking and swimming areas, and ten miles of hiking trails.
Things to Do
Explore Lake Catherine
Lake Catherine State Park is centered around the scenic waters of Lake Catherine, offering excellent opportunities for boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and swimming. The lake's wooded shoreline and mountain setting make it a popular destination for both recreation and relaxation.
Visit the Waterfall and Natural Areas
The park is known for its picturesque waterfall, accessible by hiking trail, as well as its scenic coves, forests, and wildlife habitats. Visitors can enjoy photography, birdwatching, and nature observation throughout the park's diverse landscape.
Enjoy Cabin Stays and Nature Programs
Lake Catherine State Park offers lakeside cabins, camping facilities, and educational programs led by park interpreters. Visitors can learn about local wildlife, ecology, and the natural history of the Ouachita Mountain region while enjoying a variety of family-friendly activities.
Top Trails
Falls Branch Trail
Length: Approximately 2.0 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Approximately 250 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
This popular trail leads to the park's scenic waterfall, passing through forested terrain and along picturesque streams. The waterfall is especially impressive after periods of rainfall and is one of the park's most photographed features.
Horseshoe Mountain Trail
Length: Approximately 3.5 miles loop
Elevation Gain: Approximately 500 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
This trail climbs through wooded hillsides and provides elevated views of Lake Catherine and the surrounding Ouachita Mountains, making it a rewarding hike for visitors seeking scenic overlooks and a quieter outdoor experience.
Sources: Arkansas State Parks official Lake Catherine State Park information, including lake recreation, waterfall access, cabin accommodations, nature programs, hiking trails, and visitor amenities. https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/lake-catherine-state-park Additional trail and recreation information verified through Arkansas State Parks activities and visitor guides. https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/lake-catherine-state-park/activities
This article uses material from the Wikipedia article "Lake Catherine State Park", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0
