So here is the point in which I try to engage the reader to put down the television remote, unplug the vacuum, and unplug from daily life to read about traveling and the atmosphere in which I encounter through my day to day adventures. On one particularly stressful week amongst talk of lifestyle changes I spent a few hours of my time to decompress in one of many of our parks in the region in which I live.

Conway is known for its walking trails and the local joke is that "most of our taxes are building biking and walking paths". The City of Colleges has numerous trails in which you can encounter your coworkers, neighbors, and friends. However, when I am looking to detune myself I tend to stray away from others to enjoy the natural beauty of things. In my experience there is nothing worse than running into the people whom you intend to escape from.

I digress however into a spot that isn't popular.... isn't filled with bicycles.... and most importantly is a trail in which you feel alone. Later in the day I felt that need for a sense of escape away from the day to day monotony of ringing phones and long days in which social engagement can be somewhat draining.

The trail in which I am describing is located in Cadron Settlement Park. It is not amongst the most popular due to its image in 2009. I chose to move to the City of Colleges in the summer of 08 and the park was considered the local joke for sex busts in the area. In fact, several papers published busts of people frequenting the area for other activities. However, several other parks such as the Toad Suck Lock and Dam and the Tucker Creek trail had mixed issues also. But due to the Cadron being several miles outside of town and being in an isolated area it received a lot of bad publicity.

The situation of the bad publicity has taken a great deal of time to wear off and for some long term people whom have lived here it still raises jokes and rumors. However, with darkness a light emerges. The silver lining to the jokes, newspaper articles, and busts is that it remains very unfrequented by locals and is a spot for people whom are passing through the area.

The trail itself is located on a early 1800's settlement which includes a block house. Sometimes during the year a small festival is held to convey a sense of history to those seeking it. The trail is suitable for most any skill level however, it is not paved and isn't handicapped accessible like most of the trails in the heart of Conway. There are several spots in which to park with various picnic areas and views of the Arkansas River. However, if you plan a family gathering here it is advisable if you pack essentially everything you need. The act of forgetting to bring ketchup or mustard for hot dogs will result in a 15 minute trip across town and a venture through the Walmart parking lot with a severe risk of injury.

I tend to drive my vehicle to the top and follow the curves in the trail to the various spots. One spot in particular has a rock whom trail riders, hikers, and visitors have decorated. One year it was painted like the American flag and other years it was painted in a 70's theme. The rock tends to give the best sense of view of the river. Through rumor, it was told to me that the entire area was fenced that borders the river due to a drowning.

In conclusion, the park has been given a new image after 2009 and through all my hikes I have never felt threatened, propositioned, or disturbed. It is a family friendly area that is great for the younger and middle generation. However, the trail is cumbersome at times with hazards of ground roots, and turns on natural grown rather the pavement that is seen in more modern trails.