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Pea Ridge National Military ParkUnion gunners fire at nearby Missouri State Guard troops at the begining of the first day of battle
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Pea Ridge National Military Park
Outdoor Activities
 

Pea Ridge offers those who love the outdoors plenty of opportunities to experience nature.  From hiking, walking, running, biking to horseback riding, there are miles of trails.

The park's hiking trail is seven miles long and goes through both natural and historic areas of the park.  If you are not interested in hiking the entire trail there are several shorter loop trails, accessible from tour stop 7 (the Elkhorn Tavern).

Many people enjoy walking and running along the tour road.  We welcome this, but always keep an eye out for moving vehicles.

The horse trailhead is located southwest of tour stop 1.  The trailhead has spots for 10-15 trailers and access to the horse trail is down the dirt road through the trees.  There are now two loops to the horse trail.  The shorter five mile trail and longer nine mile trail split at Ford Road.  The five mile trail follows Ford Road while the nine mile trail goes to the more remote northern section of the park.  Horses are no longer allowed to go to the Elkhorn Tavern or down to the Tanyard. 

Bicycles are allowed only on the tour road and must ride with the flow of traffic and obey all traffic laws.

The white tail deer, turkeys, raccoons, and other wild animals live here and are protected.  Please do not feed, touch or harass the wildlife in anyway.

Snakes are abundant at Pea Ridge.  Pigmy Rattlesnakes, Cottonmouths, and Timber Rattlesnakes are found in the park as well as several types of non-venomous snakes. Please leave them alone and leave the area they are in.

 

General Franz Sigel commands cannons at Pea Ridge  

Did You Know?
Almost half of the enlisted troops and many of the officers in the Union Army of the Southwest at the Battle of Pea Ridge spoke German as their first language.

Last Updated: October 08, 2008 at 17:02 EST