Where to Buy Trail Magic Trail magic is a term used among outdoor enthusiasts, particularly hikers, to describe unexpected acts of kindness or generosity that help to boost morale and provide support along long-distance trails. This can range from leaving supplies such as water, snacks, or even fresh socks at a trailhead, to offering rides or providing lodging for weary hikers. While many instances of trail magic occur spontaneously and are a pleasant surprise, some hikers may wonder if there are specific places where they can buy or find trail magic. The beauty of trail magic is that it is often a genuine and unscripted act of kindness, where individuals or groups choose to support hikers simply out of their own goodwill. It is not something that can be easily purchased or planned for. However, there are certain locations along long-distance trails that are well-known for their trail magic offerings, and hikers may choose to visit these areas in hopes of experiencing some trail magic.

Thrills 'n' spills in the hills

Park goers slide headfirst down the Rapid Falls Raceway at Magic Springs & Crystal Falls in Hot Springs. The raceway is new this year.

LITTLE ROCK — For central Arkansans in need of a roller coaster fix, Magic Springs & Crystal Falls in Hot Springs is the closest place to quench the thirst for thrills. The amusement park, also home to a water park and an amphitheater, reopened to new ownership in 2000 and has been adding attractions each year since.

While the park has made big strides, roller coaster aficionados should lower their expectations.

With just three "high thrill" roller coasters and a vertical drop ride, the park is no daredevil haven just yet.

But that doesn't mean Magic Springs doesn't warrant a visit.

Park admission includes the Crystal Falls water park, which boasts the new Rapid Falls Raceway slides as well as two other slide towers, a wave pool, a lazy river and plenty of lounge space. The park is impeccably clean and well-landscaped and situated in rolling green hills, so even if the roller coasters don't quite get the adrenaline racing, the park offers variety and pleasant family fun.

Earlier this week Florida-based PARC Management LLC announced it is buying the property from Magic Springs Development Co. LLC. No changes to the park have been announced, but season passes from other PARC Management amusement parks, entitling holders to unlimited visits throughout the 2008 season, will be accepted at Magic Springs and other PARC properties. Those properties are Darien Lake Theme Park Resort near Buffalo, N.Y. (www.go darienlake.com); Elitch Gardens in Denver (www.elitchgardens.

com); Frontier City in Oklahoma City (www.frontiercity.com), White Water Bay, also in Oklahoma City (www.whitewaterbay.com);

Splashtown near Houston (www.

splashtownpark.com); Waterworld California in Concord, Calif.

com) and Wild Waves Theme Park, near Seattle (www.wildwaves.

Here's our advice for a day at the park:

Tickets: A daily pass is $45.99 plus tax. Buy online at www.mag icsprings.com for a $10 discount.

A season pass, which also buys entrance to all summer concerts in the Timberwood Amphitheater, is $49.99 plus tax. Parking is $9 each visit, so those planning more than three visits this season might consider the Gold Pass, $79.99 plus tax, which comes with free parking anda coupon book.

Getting there: Season passes purchased online must be processed at the park, so expect to wait on the first visit. On a weekday at the end of May when lines for rides in the park were minimal, we stood for 25 minutes in this line, the longest wait for anything that day. The park opens at 11 a.m., and passes aren't processed before then. Daily pass holders, however, can have their tickets scanned and head straight in.

It's OK to forget the sunscreen or extra money: Beginning last year, the park has free sunscreen stations near the entrance.

No brand or SPF level is listed, so it might be best to apply it more than once throughout the day.

Unlike many amusement parks where thirsty patrons must fork over cash for overpriced beverages, Magic Springs also offers free Pepsi products and water. Several selfservice fountain drink spots can be found throughout the park and all food vendors also serve free drinks.

Water tubes are also free.

And don't worry, it's not a ploy, says Aundrea Crary, the marketing manager of the park.

"Another park in Florida has seen their numbers go up by giving people an opportunity to have complimentary drinks," she says. "Really, people were under the assumption they would have to purchase some-thing, and we tell them, 'No, it's actually free.' The trend we saw was not only an increase in season pass purchases, but also an increase in purchases in other places in the park." Avoid crowds and go now: On our visit, lines for rides were essentially nonexistent. We rode the Arkansas Twister and The Gauntlet roller coasters three times in a row with no waiting.

Crary says the core season usually begins at the end of June, but she added that Hot Springs schools have now let out, so crowds may already be picking up. So to easily skip from ride to ride, go sooner rather than later. But while it may be convenient to avoid the lines, we discovered that some of the excitement about the roller coasters is lost without 30 minutes of anticipation.

Don't miss: Dr. Dean's Rocket Machine takes our top prize.

At 100 feet, the vertical free-fall ride isn't as tall as others we've ridden, but it's superior in one regard: Instead of slowly inching to the top, the "rocket machine" shoots up almost as fast as it plummets down. It only lasts about a minute, but it bounces back and forth three times for stomach-dropping, feet-tingling, weightless free-fall perfection.

The Arkansas Twister, an oldfashioned wooden coaster with a 100-foot drop and top speed of 50 mph, and The Gauntlet, a steel coaster with suspended seats, a steep 100-foot drop and five inverted loops, don't deliver Dr. Dean's thrills but are worthwhile.

The Hawk, which swings back and forth until riders are suspended upside down, was another favorite.

The Rum Runner Pirate Ship looks tame but offers surprisingly superb stomach drops. Riders sit in rows facing the other patrons, which adds to the "fun," depending on the other patrons.

We got into a screaming competition with the children across from us, which was amusing at first, and annoying after the seventh round.

We can't make a judgment on the X-Coaster, the 150-foot corkscrew coaster, because it was closed on our visit. Crary says the ride has been closed because a mechanical part must be special-ordered from Europe. She expected it to reopen soon.

What to skip: Unless you're a child or perhaps an exceptionally petite adult, avoid the mini-roller coaster Twist andShout at all costs. As the ride zips along on a zigzag track, the switchbacks slam riders from one side of the car to the other.

Some might call it fun; we call it whiplash. And the bruises on our hips are still healing.

Big Bad John, another wooden coaster, has no thrilling loops or drops to make up for all the uncomfortable jolts. Because the harness is only on the waist, we found it difficult to brace our necks and got off the ride feeling stiff.

Where to sit: Minimal crowds let us try out the roller coasters in different seats.

While the front might be enticing, it's not as fast as the back.

On the slightly rickety Arkansas Twister, the front was not only slower, but also brought more jerks, jolts and headache potential.

Eyes wide open: When the X-Coaster became stuck with a car full of riders last year, David Letterman joked in his Top 10 List: "I never realized how beautiful Hot Springs, Arkansas, is upside down." He's actually right. MagicSprings has something many parks don't: a picturesque backdrop. Instead of staring down at a suburban mall parking lot or freeway while hanging upsidedown, riders are surrounded by the forested slopes of the Ouachita Mountains. Particularly on rides that linger 100 feet in the air, the views make the rides special. Make sure to pry open the eyes on Dr. Dean's Rocket Machine and The Hawk, and while bobbing up and down on the Arkansas Twister, which is tucked into a corner of the park next to the mountains.

Listen up: On our visit, the music, thankfully, seemed to be chosen for the adults, especially those who dig 1960s and 1970s rock. The playlist included Fleetwood Mac, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Neil Young, Black Sabbath, Journey, The Beatles, Joe Cocker, Bob Seger and Pink Floyd.

"Exceptionally tall or large guests may be too large to ride": This piece of advice is included in the recording played before each ride. Heed it. A 6-foot-2, 250-pound companionsat through several uncomfortable rides, shoulders cramped, struggling to take a deep breath.

He elected not to ride the Wild Thang or Dr. Dean's Rocket Machine.

Twist and Shout and Big Bad John were also particularly brutal for him. A frequenter of Adventure Land in Kansas City, Mo., Six Flags parks in Atlanta and Gurnee, Ill., and Waldameer Amusement Park in Erie, Pa., he deemed those two the most uncomfortable rides he's ever encountered.

As for The Hawk, he says, "It was by far one of the scariest . I spent half the time clinging for life just in case the mechanism holding me in broke." Maximum weight and height restrictions differ for each ride, Crary said. The best test is if the rider can comfortably fit in the seat with the lap restraint or safety harness. Slides in Crystal Falls have a maximum weight limit of 250 pounds.

For this friend, the only rides that passed the comfort test were Arkansas Twister, Rum Runner and the water rides Plummet Summit and Log Flume.

Park itinerary: Most people seemed to have the same idea as we did: We rode the roller coasters upon arrival, headed to the water rides in the amusement park, then ate lunch and saved the wave pool, lazy river, and slides in the water park for the hottest afternoon hours. The longest lines of the day were for the slides in the afternoon.

On a hot, busy day, reversing the order and heading first to the water park, then to the amusement park might be smart.

Nosh away: Despite the free drinks, food prices aren't outrageous. Two slices of pizza and a cheese-filled breadstick cost $7.99. An entire pizza plus a liter of soda and breadsticks cost $29.99. Stands with nachos, burgers and hot dogs, plus a sitdown restaurant are also available. Save room for fried Oreos, $4.99, at funnel cake stands.

Invest in a locker: "Smart lockers," where patrons choose a personal identification number, cost $10 for a large, or $7 for a small. When we spent an hour and a half looking for the car keys that fell out of a cargo pants pocket, the $7 locker seemed like a small price to pay.

Luckily, we eventually found the keys in a "log" raft. Whew.

Bottom line: For families who want to make multiple visits, the season pass is a good deal. The park also has plenty of games, kiddie rides and shallow swim areas for young children.

But roller coaster fanatics (and "exceptionally large guests") might want to save their money and vacation time for a trip to a bigger park.

Weekend, Pages 70, 71 on 06/13/2008

Take A Trip To Magic Springs In Arkansas, A Water And Adventure Park That's Tons Of Fun

Arkansas native, Carol Ann Carson, has written for OnlyInYourState for three years now. She resides in Western Arkansas' Mountain Frontier but calls NWA home as well. The graduate of University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, Carol Ann earned her B.A. in English and will soon be pursing her M.A. in Library Science. She loves exploring the trails around the Buffalo National River and has yet to find a waterfall that wasn't her favorite.

Splash into summer by taking a trip to Magic Springs. Beginning June 1st, 2020 Arkansas’ favorite theme & water park will be open for the season. This thrilling water park has fun for the whole family! Let’s jump right in and explore this beloved attraction:

Arkansas is filled with water wonderlands both engineered and natural for your lazy summer days. Magic Springs is one of our state's most popular water parks. They'll begin their season on June 1st, 2020.

Magic Springs is practicing safe distancing and COVID-19 precautions so be sure to check out their website before you pack the kids in the car.

Magic Springs Theme and Water Park has amused Arkansans for two solid decades now! Most of the success comes from the variety of attractions and the fantastic balance of screams and splashes.

5 Ways to Have Fun at Magic Springs Theme and Water Park

No matter if you're looking for thrills, relaxation or delicious treats, here's what you can do at Magic Springs.

Are you ready to get away but don’t want to travel and stay somewhere far away? Magic Springs Theme and Water Park is just an hour from Little Rock — and it's packed with great outdoor fun.

No matter if you're looking for thrills, relaxation or delicious treats, here's what you can do at Magic Springs.

1. For Fun Seekers

Magic Springs has more than 33 rides, slides and attractions including eight theme park rides just for kids. Family rides and water attractions abound and for the adrenaline junkies. Magic Springs features jaw-dropping thrills with four heart racing roller coasters and five speed slides. Defy gravity on the X-Coaster, freefall 13 stories on Brain Drain or make a splash on Plummet Summit!

2. For Concert Lovers

Your season pass is your concert pass! Enjoy more than 14 concerts featuring more than 26 artists at the Timberwood Amphitheater. Concerts are included with a park admission with reserved seating available for an extra fee. Check out the full lineup of concerts right here.

3. For Movie Buffs

Ditch the car and relax in the Magic Springs Wave Pool for three Dive-In Movies! Enjoy movies for the whole family:

• July 12: “Ralph Breaks the Internet”
• July 19: “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World”
• July 26: “Captain Marvel”

4. For the Busy Family

Want to relax in your own space while the kids play? A cabana rental is perfect! Enjoy tables, chairs, tube rentals, ice cold bottles of water, and food and beverage service in a private cabana of your choice.

5. For the Foodie

What’s an amusement park without fun and food? Enjoy bites for the whole family with 14 in-park dining locations, offering healthy options and park classics like funnel cakes and ice cream! New this year is Capone’s, a Hot Springs-themed eatery for the whole family.

Magic Springs Theme and Water Park is now open for weekend operations and will begin daily operation on May 25. Visit the website for more information on admission prices, special events and more.

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However, there are certain locations along long-distance trails that are well-known for their trail magic offerings, and hikers may choose to visit these areas in hopes of experiencing some trail magic. One popular long-distance trail in the United States is the Appalachian Trail (AT), stretching over 2,180 miles from Georgia to Maine. Along the AT, there are several towns and communities that have gained a reputation for their trail magic.

In places such as Damascus, Virginia, and Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, hikers can often find local businesses or individuals who actively support hikers by offering free food, rides, or even temporary lodging. Similarly, other long-distance trails like the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) or the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) may also have certain areas known for their trail magic. While these towns or communities may be known for their trail magic, it is important to note that trail magic is not guaranteed and should not be expected. Hikers should not rely solely on these instances of kindness and should always come prepared with their own food, water, and necessary supplies. In conclusion, while trail magic is not something that can be easily bought or planned for, there are certain locations along long-distance trails where hikers may find a higher likelihood of experiencing trail magic. These areas often have a reputation for being trail magic hotspots, with local businesses or individuals offering their support to hikers. However, it's important to remember that trail magic is not guaranteed, and hikers should always be prepared with their own supplies..

Reviews for "The Path to Surprises: Discovering Trail Magic's Hidden Gems"

1. Mary Johnson - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Where to Buy Trail Magic". I had heard so many good things about it, but I found the writing to be uninspiring and the plot to be lacking. The characters felt one-dimensional and I couldn't connect with any of them. The pacing was also off, with the story dragging in some parts and rushing through others. Overall, I couldn't get invested in the book and was left feeling unsatisfied.

2. Robert Thompson - 1 star - "Where to Buy Trail Magic" was a complete waste of my time. The story had so much potential, but it ended up being a convoluted mess. The plot twists were predictable, and the characters were unlikeable and poorly developed. The dialogue was unnatural and felt forced, making it difficult to believe in the story. I couldn't wait for the book to end and I definitely won't be recommending it to anyone.

3. Sarah Miller - 2 stars - I really wanted to like "Where to Buy Trail Magic", but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The writing style was confusing and disjointed, making it hard to follow along with the story. The characters were forgettable and I couldn't invest in their journeys. Additionally, the pacing was inconsistent, with some parts feeling unnecessarily drawn out while others were rushed. I was left feeling disappointed and disconnected from the book.

The Trail Magic Hunt: Uncovering the Best Locations for Surprise