Blue Mountain Lake, reservoir in Arkansas
Blue Mountain Lake is a large reservoir on the Petit Jean River in Arkansas that spans parts of Logan County and Yell County. It is surrounded by five recreation areas managed by the Army Corps of Engineers, equipped with boat ramps, picnic tables, and facilities for camping and day visits.
The dam was planned in 1940 to control flooding and construction began shortly after. Following a pause during World War II, the project was completed in 1947, creating an earthen dam over 100 feet high and roughly half a mile long.
The lake takes its name from Blue Mountain, a rocky outcrop near Mount Magazine. The area was once farmland where small communities developed, and visitors can still sense this layered history in the landscape around the water.
The lake is accessible across five distinct recreation areas, each offering different facilities and parking options suited to your activities. The areas include handicap-accessible paths and sections, making it easy for everyone to enjoy the water and surroundings.
Over 300 bird species have been spotted around the lake and nearby wetlands, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. The forests and wetlands are actively managed to maintain wildlife habitats and support the diversity of animals in the area.
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