LAKE ARROWHEAD STATE PARK

For many years, this pretty lake, near Wichita Falls, TX, has offered an annual fishing tournament, an 18-hole disc golf course, an equestrian campground and a fully populated prairie dog town.

I last visited Lake Arrowhead in June, 2013. At that time, the crappie, catfish and white bass were plentiful. Many anglers were fishing from the pier which is lighted the year wound. Many brought their own gear but some were using fishing poles and tackle furnished by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Youngsters could learn how to fish through the angler education programs.

The golf course, strategically situated in the mesquite plains of the park, offered challenges to the novice and advanced disc golfer. A championship tournament was sponsored annually.

Horseback enthusiasts could saddle up for a mounted exploration of the Texas Rolling Plains on 5.5 miles of equestrian trails. A special equestrian campground featured campsites, picnic tables, fire rings and a corral with covered stalls and hitching posts. Onion Creek Trail offered true Texas experiences such as prickly pear and armadillos.

Lake Arrowhead State Park is one of the few places where you can see an active prairie dog town. Towns of these lively "barking dogs" of the prairies and plains covered much of West Texas and the Panhandle before the l900s. You can find a viewing spot and watch as the prairie dogs pop in and out of their mounds., Scientists have found that prairie dogs use at least 12 distinctive calls to communicate with each other . You'll be able to locate the sentry that calls out danger alerts if you get too close. You may see one of the little "dogs" do a "jump-up", launching straight into the air and making a "wee-oh" sound. Hours of entertainment can be spent watching these smart, resourceful animals.

Today after two years of devastating drought, Lake Arrowhead is quiet and almost deserted. It is a mud puddle, and the prairie dogs have a hard time finding water. But in the fullness of time, as the world turns and the rains come, this park will again beckon to people who want to get outdoors and enjoy a relaxing day in nature.