Casteel Road

Trail Overview

This off-road trail is ideal for adventurers seeking dispersed camping opportunities, featuring a tight, winding route that remains accessible even as it branches into numerous side trails best explored by compact vehicles or side-by-sides. The trail follows along a scenic ridge and offers a predominantly smooth drive, though travelers should expect rocky and bumpy sections. The route terminates abruptly at three locked gates and a somber, isolated cemetery encircled by large fallen trees, offering visitors an intriguing yet melancholy glimpse into local history, evident in the gravestones marking lives lost at very young ages or even at birth.

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Difficulty

The trail is maintained, but with a few rocky and bumpy sections, making it easy for novice drivers.

History

The Casteel family has a rich and longstanding history in Arkansas, particularly in St. Francis County, dating back to the early 19th century. Early Settlement and Land Acquisition John Henry Casteel Sr., born around 1760 in Greene County, Tennessee, relocated to Arkansas circa 1828. He settled near what is now Forrest City in St. Francis County, approximately 20 miles west of the Mississippi River. In 1830, he purchased an 80-acre tract of land, followed by an additional 160-acre tract before he died in 1840. The administration of his estate included the partitioning of these lands and six enslaved individuals among his heirs, indicating his status as a significant landowner in the region. Family Legacy and Community Involvement John Henry Casteel Sr.'s lineage continued to influence the area. His son, John Henry Casteel Jr. (1786-1872), and grandson, J. Ezra Casteel (1818-1860), maintained the family's presence in St. Francis County. J. Ezra's son, Alonzo Casteel (1853-1926), was born in the county and later resided in neighboring Lee County, reflecting the family's expansion within the region. The Casteels were active in their communities. For instance, Calloway Casteel and his wife were noted as longstanding members of the Methodist Church in Forrest City, each having been affiliated for over sixty years. Cemeteries and Preservation EffortsThe Casteel Cemetery, located on the border of St. Francis and Lee Counties, serves as a testament to the family's historical roots in Arkansas. Although the cemetery has faced challenges such as overgrowth and neglect, efforts have been made to preserve it, including the placement of tombstones in the 1960s based on family recollections.

Technical Rating

Casteel Road can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV
• SxS (60")
• ATV (50")
• Dirt Bike