Dancing Rabbit Trail
Hiking area
0.2 mi
4.5 (2)
2092 AR-168, Paragould, AR 72450
LakeAR
Crowleys Ridge State Park
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan Crowley's Ridge swimming at Lake Ponder, separate from Walcott Lake. Check seasonal beach operation, fees, park directions and reviewed gallery context.
Swimming restriction
Swim only in the open designated area and follow staff instructions. Park opening is not beach opening.
Official sources checked:
Water type
Lake
Access
Designated area only
Fee
The park lists ordinary swimming at $4 for ages 2-5 and $5 for ages 6 and up. Inflatable aqua-park admission is separate; confirm current prices before travel.
Best season
Confirm the next beach season and daily schedule with the park. Year-round recreation and lodging have different operating periods
Nearby towns
Jonesboro, Paragould, Walnut Ridge, Walcott
Water body
Lake Ponder Designated Swimming Area; Walcott Lake Is Separate
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Jonesboro, Paragould, Walnut Ridge, Walcott
Access location not verified
36.04744, -90.66539
Recorded coordinates have not been source-checked. Confirm the entrance and legal access before using directions.
A closer look
Photos of Crowleys Ridge State Park
Photos show past visits, not current water levels or swimming conditions. Select a photo to view it larger.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Lake Ponder is the swimming destination
The park's information brochure distinguishes Lake Ponder's beach from Walcott Lake's fishing facilities. Follow swimming-area signs, not a generic lakeside pin.
Confirm seasonal operation
The current park page lists a normal Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day beach season. That 2026 season has ended. Two sections give different opening times, so call 870-573-6751 before planning the next swim. Year-round lodging does not mean the beach is operating.
Swimming and aqua-park fees differ
Ordinary admission is listed at $4 for ages 2-5 and $5 for ages 6 and up. Inflatable aqua-park activities cost extra. Confirm future prices rather than treating a cabin or campsite booking as a swimming ticket.
Use photos as context
The reviewed gallery distinguishes the marked swimming area from a woodland footbridge, campsite and monument. Those other views are not alternative water entrances. Follow staff directions during beach operation and do not infer current conditions or lifeguard coverage from a photograph.
Getting There
Use 2092 Hwy. 168 North, Paragould, AR 72450 and current park signs for the designated Lake Ponder swimming area. Do not substitute the Walcott Lake fishing access. The legacy coordinate is not a verified beach entrance.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Normal beach operation is Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. The normal 2026 season has ended. The official page gives both 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. opening times; call for future dates and hours.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Swim only in the open designated area and follow staff instructions. Park opening is not beach opening. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Crowley's Ridge State Park Visitor Center
Visitor center
0.2 mi
4.7 (156)
2092 State Hwy 168 N, Paragould, AR 72450
Restroom
Crowley's Ridge State Park
State park
0.3 mi
4.7 (450)
2092 AR-168 North, Paragould, AR 72450
Barbecue grillBasketball courtPicnic tablesPublic restroom
Relax at Rolling Hills Campground
Campground
7.3 mi
5 (1)
6902 AR-351, Jonesboro, AR 72401
Wi-Fi
Reynolds Park
Park
7.7 mi
4.5 (931)
3307 Reynolds Park Rd, Paragould, AR 72450
Barbecue grillBasketball courtPicnic tablesPublic restroom
Parking Lot Beside Phillips Lot
Free parking lot
8.1 mi
3.7 (3)
401-699 Carroll Rd, Paragould, AR 72450
8 Mile Creek Trail
Hiking area
9.9 mi
4.4 (18)
3G83+C5, Paragould, AR 72450
Arkansas Welcome Center at Corning
Visitor center
30.8 mi
4.7 (1493)
6717 US-67, Corning, AR 72422
Restroom
Live Conditions Nearby
Checking nearby USGS water conditions…
Frequently Asked Questions About Crowleys Ridge State Park
Which lake has the swimming beach?
Lake Ponder. Walcott Lake is a separate fishing destination.
Is the beach open year-round?
No. Normal operation is seasonal; call the park to confirm future swimming dates and hours.
Is inflatable aqua-park admission included?
The park lists separate prices. Confirm the ticket needed for your planned activity.
Do the gallery photos mark every entrance?
No. Several are park-context views, not swimming entrances, and the legacy map pin remains unverified.
Highlights
Lake Ponder designated swimming beach
Separate Walcott fishing lake
Seasonal beach operation
Reviewed photos with park-context captions
Unique Features
CCC-era park structures and woodland recreation
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Use the designated area only when open
- The park lists lifeguards during beach operations; a photo is not proof of today's staffing
- Follow staff directions and supervise children directly
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
The park honors the legacy of Benjamin Crowley and the Civilian Conservation Corps, celebrating the resilience and history of the region.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
The gallery includes the marked swim area and other park settings. A historical cascade view shows a Restricted Area Do Not Enter sign, not a swimming entrance. Footbridge, campsite and monument photos do not locate alternative swimming entrances. Follow current posted boundaries and staff directions.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Stay on permitted routes, follow posted rules and remove litter.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Confirm the next beach season and daily schedule with the park. Year-round recreation and lodging have different operating periods.
Difficulty Level
Developed park access does not establish an accessible water entry. Ask staff about the route you need.
Fee
The park lists ordinary swimming at $4 for ages 2-5 and $5 for ages 6 and up. Inflatable aqua-park admission is separate; confirm current prices before travel.
Facilities
Ask the park about seasonal services and accessible water entry. Year-round lodging does not establish beach operation.
Activities
Seasonal designated-area swimming, hiking and picnicking; fishing at the separately identified lake
Phone
870-573-6751
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
Camping and cabin reservations are separate from beach admission. Confirm site availability and check-in requirements with the park.
Loading weather data…
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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