Walk Along Dinosaur Tracks On This Short And Easy Hiking Trail In Arkansas
By Melanie Johnson|Published May 12, 2023
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Melanie Johnson
Author
I am a nature lover and self-proclaimed foodie wrapped in one package. In my previous life, I was an Accountant, but numbers were boring and writing is the only thing that fuels my soul. So, I write because it's my freedom...it brings me joy. When I'm not writing dope articles for OnlyInYourState, I am writing and editing articles for my online blog on Medium.com. Or, when I get the chance, I am off on a trip with my family chasing waterfalls, or simply exploring the great outdoors. My mantra is to always find the best part of every day and bask in it.
I think it’s pretty amazing that dinosaurs once roamed the terrain of Arkansas. The Acrocanthosaurus, Sauropod, as well as the ornithomimosaur, have been linked to the state. Not to mention that one of the largest dinosaur trackways was discovered near the small town of Nashville in the southwest region of the state. The town once had a festival celebrating the significance of the find. Today, the trackway has been destroyed but some molds of the footprints were created and distributed to various museums. And there is one spot in Nashville, where you can witness one of these famous dinosaur tracks in Arkansas.
Tucked inside the small town of Nashville is the Nashville City Park, and it is there you’ll find one of the last remaining dinosaur footprints that was found in a nearby quarry.
The print is believed to belong to a sauropod, a species of long-necked, long-tailed dinosaur that roamed the land over 100 million years ago.
Some species of sauropods have been known to tower above 100 feet. Can you imagine a prehistoric creature of that magnitude trekking across Arkansas? Well, based on the tracks found, they did.
And though the Nashville Sauropod Trackway could not be saved, some of the footprints were preserved as well as molded and distributed to various museums in Arkansas.
The dinosaur print is just a small attraction inside the park that also features several pavilions, hiking trails, 3 playgrounds, disc golf, multiple sport complexes, and more.
In addition, there are also 8 campsites surrounded by pine trees which can accommodate RVs, making this city park a great spot for a peaceful, family-friendly weekend getaway.
Of course, you won’t see any real-life dinosaurs inside the park. But it’s very possible that you could be camping, playing, or hiking in a spot where live dinosaurs once roamed. And in my opinion, that’s pretty darn cool!
So, did you know about the field of dinosaur tracks in Arkansas? Or have you been to Nashville City Park to see the dinosaur footprint? Tell us in the comments below.
Fun fact: The first Dillard’s was founded in Nashville in 1938. Be sure to read our previous article about this upscale department store founded in Arkansas.
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