“Take A Hike” is a weekly series that examines diversity in the outdoors. In each installment, we’ll highlight one of the Natural State’s 52 state parks and talk to BIPOC Arkansans about what they enjoy about spending time in nature.
"I always have been interested in the outdoors. Then when I moved to Arkansas, my love for the outdoors grew more."
Name: Mario Duran
Hometown: Mexico City
Currently Lives In: Springdale, AR
Occupation: Marshalltown Tools
Favorite Outdoor Space: The Ozarks
What’s one outdoor place you want to explore, but haven’t yet?
La Patagonia Argentina
What do you enjoy about the outdoors?
Peace/tranquility and natural noises like running water on creeks, animals, smells, the colors, summer, fall and winter.
Do you have a favorite outdoor activity?
Ultra trail races, hiking trails
Who first introduced you to hiking?
I always have been interested in the outdoors. Then when I moved to Arkansas, my love for the outdoors grew more and we have the most beautiful places to explore all around us — the Ozarks, the Ouachitas.
ABOUT THE PARK
Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area is Arkansas’s largest state park, spanning a 12,054-acre tract of Ozark landscape along the southern shore of Beaver Lake. It’s an asset to the ecosystem and water with minimum human impact, according to Arkansas State Parks.
Highlights of this day-use park include a diverse, 52-mile trail system with hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding trails and 5 primitive campsites. It’s the only state park in Arkansas to allow regulated hunting. The visitor center includes exhibits about the park’s natural resources, limestone landscape and history. Interpretive programs and workshops are offered throughout the year.