Tucked away in Ben Lomond, there’s a place I never would’ve found if I hadn’t been randomly scrolling a map one day—Cahoots Springs. The name alone caught my attention. It sounded quirky and a little mysterious… but there was one problem: I couldn’t find a single photo of it online.
Naturally, that made me want to go even more.
So one Saturday, I talked my husband into taking a little adventure with me. The entire drive, he kept saying, “You’re not going to be impressed.” He’d fished along the river in that area before and insisted there wasn’t much to see.
Well… he was right—and completely wrong at the same time.
First Impressions
Let’s start with the honest part.
The actual spring? It’s a simple pipe with water flowing out of it. The small, primitive camping area nearby isn’t anything to write home about either.
But that’s not why you go.
The Drive That Steals the Show
The real magic begins the moment you turn onto the old concrete road—once part of historic U.S. Route 71, now known as Ashley Camp Road.
From there, everything changes.
You’re suddenly driving through what feels like another world. Towering cypress trees stretch overhead, forming a tunnel of green. Vines drape down like something out of a fairytale. On both sides of the road, wetlands spread out, filled with lush vegetation, colorful wildflowers, and the quiet movement of wildlife.
And then—my favorite part—the bridges.
The Mossy Bridges
Scattered along the road are several old concrete bridges, each one covered in soft, lime-green moss. When the weather is cooler, the moss is thick, vibrant, and almost glowing. It gives the whole place an enchanted, storybook feel.
As temperatures rise, the moss starts to dry and fade on some of the bridges. It’s interesting—there’s a trade-off. In colder months, the moss is at its peak but the trees are bare. When everything turns green and full, some of that bright moss disappears.
Right now, a few of the middle bridges still hold onto that beautiful green, making it the perfect in-between time to visit.
A Touch of History
At the end of the road, near what remains of the original bridge crossing the Little River, you’ll find a historical marker that tells the story of this once-busy route.
It’s a quiet reminder that this road used to carry travelers long before it became the peaceful hidden escape it is today.
And the spring itself? It’s a natural artesian spring that has provided water to travelers and campers for generations—a simple but meaningful piece of the area’s history.
And the spring itself? It’s a natural artesian spring that
has provided water to travelers and campers for generations—a simple but
meaningful piece of the area’s history.
A Picture-Perfect Spot
One thing that really surprised me—this place is made for photos.
Between the moss-covered bridges, the dreamy green canopy, and the reflections in the wetlands, it feels like a natural backdrop you couldn’t recreate if you tried. It’s the perfect setting for family photos, kids’ portraits, or even prom pictures. There’s something about the light filtering through the trees and the quiet, tucked-away feel that makes every photo look a little more magical.
If you’re someone who loves capturing moments, you could easily spend an hour here just walking, stopping, and snapping photos at every bridge.
Why It’s Worth the Trip
Cahoots Springs isn’t about a big, flashy destination. It’s about the experience getting there.
It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down, roll the windows down, and take it all in.
If you’re looking for something different—something that feels a little off the beaten path—this is it. It almost feels like you’ve left Arkansas entirely and stumbled into another world.
It’s also a great spot to bring kids. Between the wetlands, wildlife, history, and the artesian spring, there’s plenty to spark curiosity and conversation.
Final Thoughts
My husband may not have been impressed with the river
view—but even he had to admit…
That drive?
Absolutely worth it.
Easy to Get To (But Feels a World Away)
One of the best things about Cahoots Springs is how tucked away it feels—yet it’s surprisingly close to several towns in southwest Arkansas.
- From Millwood Lake – about a 15–20 minute drive, making it an easy little detour if you’re already out enjoying the lake
- From Ashdown – roughly 20 minutes away
- From Texarkana – about 45 minutes, perfect for a quick afternoon adventure
- From Hope – around 40 minutes
- From Nashville – just about 25 minutes down the road
It’s close enough for a spontaneous day trip, but once you turn onto that old road, it feels like you’ve completely stepped off the map and into another world.
Here’s to the roads less traveled,
Sherri
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