Points of Interest:
- See unique remnant forest and woodland natural communities of Crowley’s Ridge.
- Look for trees and shrubs more common to the southeast U.S. such as American holly, American beech, and Hercules’ club.
Natural Features Description:
This area lies on Crowley’s Ridge, a long ridge that rises 100-250 feet above the surrounding Mississippi Lowlands. This ridge is an erosional remnant that has had the Mississippi River historically flow on both sides of it in the past that reduced it to its present size. The ridge is formed of bedrock at its core that is overlain with gravels and sands. A cap of wind-deposited loess soils occurs in places. The forests and woodlands here are more similar to those found in nearby Arkansas and western Tennessee than the Ozark woods to the west.
This natural area is within Holly Ridge Conservation Area. From the intersection of Highways 25 and 60 near Dexter travel east on Highway 60 for 2.5 miles. Turn left (north) onto County Road 531 and go 0.6 mile and turn left (west) onto County Road 570. Travel west on County Road 570 for about a half mile and then turn right (north) onto County Road 527. Travel north on County Road 527 to the railroad tracks. Just after crossing the tracks, turn right (east) onto County Road 517A. Head east on County Road 517A and in less than half a mile turn left (north) onto County Road 533A. Head north on County Road 533A to the parking lot (lot G). From the parking lot follow the multi-use trail east and then north for a third of a mile. The natural area will be on the right (east) side of the trail. A map and compass are recommended to explore the area. Hunting is permitted.
United States