STAFF REPORT
If you're looking for a quiet place to relax or maybe a place to fish, kayak or hike a few trails, Lake Wedington Recreation Area located between Fayetteville and Siloam Springs is just the place to go.
Directions
From Fayetteville, travel west on Highway 16 (Wedington Road) for 13 miles, to the Lake Wedington entry road. The road is negotiable for RVs of all sizes.
From Siloam Springs, travel east on Highway 16 for 13 miles.
Lake Wedington is a 102-acre lake located on Arkansas Highway 16. It is 13 miles west of Fayetteville and 13 miles east of Siloam Springs. From Farmington, the drive is only 12 miles or about 23 minutes.
The area, a part of the Ozark National Forest run by the U.S. Forest Service, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Local men with the Works Progress Administration began building the lake and planting trees in the 1930s. The Forest Service acquired the land in 1954 and restored the buildings.
Lake Wedington beckons visitors of many types, those who come to relax and fish all day, those who come to speed along on bike paths or cruise on a boat, and those who want to stay in a cabin as a lakeside home-away-from-home. The recreation area offers convenient access from all over Northwest Arkansas.
The facility provides several rental cabins, campsites and picnic sites alongside the lake. Each offers access to a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities, including kayaking, canoeing or fishing. The area can be accessed by vehicle and a parking space should be available. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
Lake Wedington Recreation Area contains six historic cabins, a pavilion, volleyball courts and horseshoes. It also offers a lodge, group pavilion, group camp area, bathhouse, flush toilets, boat launch ramp (maximum of 10 hp motors allowed), 18 campsites (no utilities), 19 picnic sites and a swimming area and fishing pier that are both wheelchair accessible.
The area is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day and charges $5 per car as a daily fee to come in and enjoy the amenities.
A lodge is available to rent and is reserved many weekends for weddings.
Lake Wedington has several trails to hike, perfect for the fall season. Lakeshore Hiking Trail, which goes around the lake, is about 4 miles long. The North Twin hiking and mountain biking trail is 7 miles up and 7 miles back.
Lake Wedington area has an abundance of natural features. Guests who rent one of the cabins will get the opportunity to stay in a historic structure, while still enjoying the luxuries of a cozy bed and a coffee maker. The cabins do not have television sets, microwaves or Internet, providing a rustic, peaceful experience. Cabins will sleep up to five people and each has a fireplace, furnished kitchen, as well as a fire ring, picnic tables and charcoal grill outside.
A variety of wildlife, trees, ferns and wildflowers surround the 102-acre Lake Wedington. Fall leaves put on quite a show, often attracting photographers. Wildlife in the area includes rabbits, deer and wild turkeys, as well as an array of migratory waterfowl. In winter, eagles may be sighted.
It's time to relax. Bring your blanket, hammock or chairs and enjoy a nice fall day in the Ozark National Forest.
SOURCE: U.S. FOREST SERVICE
General News on 10/18/2017