For a lovely blend of nature and history, head to the Black River Trail in the Davidsonville Historic State Park. This trail has a peaceful cemetery to explore. Let’s explore this well-documented piece of history and see what awaits along the trail.

Davidsonville Historic State Park has more than just the ghosts of buildings on its grounds.
Facebook/Arkansas State Tourism
This two-story dogtrot structure may be the most recognized piece of history at this state park but it's certainly not the only thing worth seeing. Davidsonville was Arkansas' first planned community and held many of the "firsts" of the state such as the post office, brick courthouse, and land office. Much the town's short-lived 1815-1830 history is well preserved, including its cemeteries.

Address: 8047 Highway 166 South, Pocahontas, AR 72455
Every trail leads to interesting archaeological treasures, but we're particularly fond of the Black River Trail.
Google/Angie Haley
The trail leads through a good majority of the northwestern area of the park with plenty of historical tidbits along the way. The hike is rated as moderate but is considered family-friendly for smaller Arkansans. The trail is about 1.5-miles long and loops into Trapper Lake Trail for an even longer journey. Do take caution that because of its proximity to the water the trail may be flooded after persistent rains.
Black River Trail leads you through gorgeous forests with a riverside view, but that's not the best part of this hike.
Flickr/Dave Thomas
You and your family will definitely enjoy crossing the multiple footbridges and spotting wildlife along the trail. Black River Trail perfectly balances its natural features with its history findings.

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This trail also takes you to an unexpectedly beautiful cemetery!
Flickr/Dave Thomas
The Phillips/Reeves Cemetery is actually two cemeteries in one and is the oldest of the cemeteries at the state park. You won't find restless spirits here but you will discover some fascinating history in a positively peaceful setting.
The cemetery was prominently used during the peak of Davidsonville's short-lived history.
Flickr/Dave Thomas
The Arkansas Archaeology Survey was able to confirm 35 total headstones in the cemetery during their survey conducted in 2007. Many unmarked graves were discovered as well. The Reeves and Phillips family cemetery holds Civil War veterans, their wives, and other early settlers from Davidsonville.
This short cemetery stroll is just one of the interesting finds in this historic state park.
Facebook/The State Parks of Arkansas
Spend the day walking the trails or stay the night at the park's campground. For more information about the Black River Trail, head right here. Or, visit this page to learn more about the entire park and its campsites.

Have you walked along this trail and explored the cemetery? Share your experience with us in the comments below!

Davidsonville isn’t the only place where you can discover pieces of the past.

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