Pinnacle Springs

Leaving Pinnacle Springs Campground you will see remnants of the past--mostly rockwork that can withstand the passage of time. There are old road beds and grave- stones and impoundments scattered along the banks of Cadron Creek. At one time people lived and played here in a town known as Pinnacle Springs.

The rise and fall of Pinnacle Springs was precipitous. Overnight it grew into one of the most modern cities in Arkansas and just as fast was nothing. Little remains to indicate that there every was such a town. Where once was a thriving community now lies a wilderness where wild animals (and paddlers) live and play.

Discovery In 1880 a cow herder named Jeff Collier stumbled upon the springs while searching for water to quinch his thirst one hot summer day. As he rode up the creek he ran upon a stream of water flowing from a crevice in a bluff. He dismounted his horse and drank his fill of the cool refreshing water. There was a strange taste to this water, and he knew this was not just a normal spring. An analysis of the water later showed it to be a rare combination of minerals and gases. News of this finding quickly traveled and before long many came to taste this new water. The water was found to have "unusual curative and invigorating properties" that could restore one's health. The spring water was soon being carried to sick people many miles away. Exploration of the area revealed more than thirteen springs of diferrrent waters within a one-mile radius and "many monuments of nature's handiwork. As the area was also found to be "free of mosquitoes and malarial influences" many who came to drink from the spring began to talk about settling around the beautiful springs to start a town. Within a few years Pinnacle Springs would become one of the most popular health resorts in Arkansas.

"The waters of these springs bring over you a drowsy stupor that ends in gentle, peaceful slumber from which you awake refreshed and feeling as sweet and looking as pretty as a baby" Silver Gray, 1883

Pinnacle Springs is the palm for boundless contiguity of shade and quietude.

The Decline After 1890 the town began to slide into a depression and was the attraction for "immoral people" for miles around. It is said that "the decent people had to leave on this account". But the primary reason Pinnacle Springs failed is that the springs could not offer the "curative properties" for malaria and the other dieseases of the time. A fire swept through the town not soon thereafter and what did not burn was torn down and hauled to nearby settlements where they were used to build new houses. Within twenty years the town was empty and the wilderness was soon reclaiming the hillsides where houses and streets once laid. Today there is little that remains to indicate that Pinnacle Springs ever existed. Many of the springs can still be found but their impoundments have long been destroyed by floods and weather. The two foot walk leading from the Pinnacle Springs to the park is still evident. And if you look closely you can still see the names and dates carved by newly married couples who came to this resort town over a hundred years ago to spend their honeymoon. Others were carved by elderly people who enjoyed sitting in the sun hoping that the water would restore them back to their much wanted health. Cadron Creek Outfitters is taking an active role in locating and protecting the remaining artifacts of Pinnacle Springs.

Pinnacle Springs is very seldom disturbed today and lies hidden in a real wilderness. Cadron Creek Outfitters offers a guided tour of this famous resort ghost town. This is a somewhat strenuous adventure and requires good paddling, hiking, and scrambling skills. The Pinnacle Springs Guided Tour is available only with prior arrangements--please ask for more information.

An adventure awaits....

CADRON CREEK OUTFITTERS 54 Cargile Lane Greenbrier, Arkansas 72058 (501) 679-5050 www.cadroncreekoutfitters.com