Pros:
Craghead Forest , is a nice tight course in Jonesboro Arkansas .The locals and even travelers look to come in droves to play here , along with the 9 hole Loop 1( Having a 2nd course on the premises is always a plus ) . The Main Course has nice old school yellow rimmed Discatcher baskets , the kind you can pick up easily in a tree filled woods ..Concrete tees and more than adequate signage at each hole showing the hole # , distance and flight paths of both pin positions . Did I forget to mention that this course has multiple pin positions on a lot of holes ? Only disc golfers should be within the confines of this part of the woods , The park extracurricular activities take place away from here . On this course , you have to keep your wits about you . Even though there are fair lanes to the basket , there is a surplus of trees throughout this woods . Be prepared to hit some of them , I would suggest a map if you are a traveler just because you can see 2 or more paths or multiple tee pads after putting out on some of these baskets . There are benches on many of the holes and several trash cans .throughout . This course can be a fast play if you try a round at off peak hours , but so many people play here it can make it hard . Many people warm up on #9's basket on the Loop 1 course before playing . #1 starts you off by the road right across the street from the start of the Loop 1 course . This is one of a few where you can crush a drive . The basket is either on the left of the road ( 405 ' ) or a hyzer about 100' closer .Then the course undergoes a series of tight controlled shots through heavily wooded holes . Unless you are a shot shaping pro or a very good amateur you might need to dial back your drives a bit and give up on reaching the pin on every hole . There is decent length on this course considering that it's a tree filled one .#2 is on of those tight fairway throws ( 270' )that can give you an early bogey if you hit one of the first trees . #3 has a path for lefties and righties , but it is also 390' in the long position . I won't give you a hole by hole description , but I will tell you that the fun factor is abundant on this course . So many keeper holes and not always the longer ones . #7 is a fairway with the basket being protected in the front by a lot of trees ,and the basket is raised . I like courses that put you back where you parked after #9 just because you can play a quick 9 if you are pressed for time . I can't imagine that you would want to come off this course, though . The elevation is not extreme here , but it is utilized a lot on this course . A lot of holes that take you up the same hill that you threw down the previous drive . A ditch that usually has some casual water in it comes into play on 11 and 12 , and the basket you are throwing to on 13 is tucked into some deep brush . You start your way back to the parking lot on #14 , a 330' drive to a basket protected by a lot of trees on your left . 15 is only 180' but plays very tight to the basket , a real test of nerves # 18 is a tight fairway that starts out in the woods and ends up in a clearing near the parking lot . This course is NOT going to scare the seasoned player , but I can see then playing here because of the fun holes . A great course for casuals , newbies , locals and travelers . I can see this getting a lot of play for nightly doubles or a light tournament . The local club and the parks dept keep this course pretty clean . Disc Risk can be a little higher than most just because of ricochets off of trees in blind spots on the fairways . The woods doesn't have deep rough , but you must keep your eye on your disc .I started the Saturday morning skeptical but left impressed . Signature hole : #11 , a slight uphill drive with trees to your immediate right and a ditch on your left . the basket was on the left of the ditch and protect by a stump and some brush over that side of the ditch .
Cons:
Even though the course plays tight , the fair lines will cause the better players to shoot way under par here . I was under par and a first timer here . Bugs can be a nuisance here . The woods and your skin can only encourage them .Apply a liberal amount of bug spray to your body before starting . There are a couple spots where navigation can be tricky for a first timer here , especially on the front 9 . A couple of NEXT TEE signs would help .
Other Thoughts:
A fantastic play . If you live in Jonesboro or one of the other close Arkansas cities , this should be a once a week destination for you . Great casual play for friends looking to get together , talk and enjoy a round or 2 , or for newbies to learn to throw in tight forest conditions . If you are one of the better players in the area , then maybe Disc Side Of Heaven should be your destination , providing it's not hay growing season ( now ) . Fun factor galore . The course will challenge you without frustration you if you can throw controlled midranges and putt better than average . I would play this course again if I come to the area . It's old school ( 1999 course ) but a fun old school . . My recommendation : PLAY THIS COURSE A LOT IF LOCAL , AND PLAY THIS COURSE IF TRAVELING THROUGH I-55 or I 555 . Not necessarily a destination course but you will be glad you stopped .