It’s always adventure time in Arkansas! There’s so much to see and do, especially when it comes to great hikes. Some hikes are great year-round, while others should really be enjoyed during a particular season. It’s a lot to keep up with, which is why we took the courtesy of planning out a year’s worth. Following are some of the best hikes in Arkansas and the best time of the year to take them.
- Mt. Nebo Rim Trail (Dardanelle)
Steve Davis/All Trails Kick the year off with one of the best hikes in Arkansas along the Mt. Nebo Rim Trail. The 3.6-mile trail winds past a waterfall, which is usually frozen in winter. It culminates at the peak of Mt. Nebo, where you’ll find expansive views, especially in winter when the trees are bare. Be careful, though. When icy, Mt. Nebo is slippery. Mount Nebo, Mt Nebo, Arkansas 72834, USA
- Pinnacle Mountain West Summit Trail (Little Rock)
Sorrel Teuscher/All Trails This 1.5-mile trail leads straight to the peak at Pinnacle Mountain. One of the most popular Arkansas hikes, the views from atop the mountain seem to go on forever and look particularly lovely when the landscape is blanketed in snow. Bundle up though, because it can’t get quite cole during this time of the year. Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Arkansas 72135, USA
- Hemmed-in-Hollow Trail (Compton)
Aaron Vinciguerra/All Trails As the “tallest waterfall between the Rockies and the Appalachians,” Hemmed-in-Hollow Falls belongs on every Arkansan’s bucket list. The 209-foot waterfall flows best in spring, when the Buffalo National River is swollen with snowmelt from higher elevations. Hemmed-In Hollow, Arkansas 72624, USA
- High Bank Twin Falls (Pettigrew)
Barry McCormick/All Trails Because two are better than one, High Bank Twin Falls is a must-see. Like many other waterfalls, the 75-foot double waterfalls flow best after a heavy rain, which is why it’s a must-visit in spring. High Bank Twin Falls, AR-215, Pettigrew, AR 72752, USA
- Kings River Falls Trail (Witter)
Rebecca Beyer/All Trails Relatively flat and just over one mile, the Kings River Falls Trail is not only one of the most scenic hikes in Arkansas, it is also perfect for the entire family. But keep in mind that this trail isn’t just easy. It’s brimming with beautiful vistas, including a 10-foot waterfall. During warm weather, the pool below the fall is perfect for a refreshing dip. 1543 Madison 3500, Witter, AR 72776, USA
- Falling Water Falls (Hector)
Daniel Burkhead/All Trails When the summer temperatures in The Natural State are just too much to bear, Falling Water Falls is a must-visit. Not only is it located just a short walk from the road, but it’s rated as one of the best swimming holes in the Ozark region. Falling Water Falls, Arkansas 72856, USA
- Falls Branch Trail (Hot Springs)
Donna Wescott/All Trails The 1.7-mile trail in Lake Catherine State Park winds through a forest, crossing Little Canyon Creek several times. The trail’s highlight, though, is its namesake fall, which flows best after a heavy rainfall. However, whether or not the waterfall is flowing, the pool below is perfect for cooling off. Falls Branch Trail, Fls Br Trl, Arkansas 71913, USA
- Moonshiners Cave Trail (Winslow)
Jessica Higgs/All Trails At just under one mile, the Moonshiners Cave Trail is one of the shortest hikes on this list. It’s also one of the most intriguing, as it leads to a cave with a colorful past and a waterfall. Moonshiners Cave Trail, Winslow, AR 72959, USA
- Lost Valley Trail (Ponca)
Eric E/TripAdvisor Fall brings with it cooler temps and colorful foliage – and the Lost Valley Trail is a great place to enjoy both. Just over two miles in length, the trail boasts lots of stunning sights, including Clark Creek, several natural bridges, a waterfall, and a cave. Ponca, AR 72742, USA
- Sam’s Throne Trail (near Mount Judea)
Cheryl Magdefrau/All Trails The Sam’s Throne Trail is a loop trail offering breathtaking views of the Ozark National Forest all year long. However, there’s no denying that the views can’t be beat in autumn. Only a light jacket needed! Sams Throne, Arkansas 72655, USA
- Alum Cove Trail (Deer)
Kelli Lawrence/All Trails The Alum Cove Trail is a must-do anytime of the year, however it is particularly gorgeous in winter, especially after freezing temperatures. And though the frozen-over landscape is stunning, it’s not the only noteworthy sight along the trail. There’s also a natural bridge, which is one of the largest in the nation. Alum Cove Natural Bridge Recreation Area, Deer, AR 72628, USA
- Glory Hole Waterfall Trail (Huntsville)
Sonya Rhein/All Trails Glory Hole Falls is one of the most unique waterfalls in the Ozarks. Most of the year, it’s nothing more than a trickle. However, after a good rain, it’s truly a sight to see. It’s an equally amazing sight during winter, when it’s frozen solid. Glory Hole Falls Trail, Arkansas 72854, USA
So, did you know about these scenic trails in Arkansas? Ever embarked on any of the treks above? Know of another great seasonal trek? Whatever it is, tell us!
Steve Davis/All Trails
Kick the year off with one of the best hikes in Arkansas along the Mt. Nebo Rim Trail. The 3.6-mile trail winds past a waterfall, which is usually frozen in winter. It culminates at the peak of Mt. Nebo, where you’ll find expansive views, especially in winter when the trees are bare. Be careful, though. When icy, Mt. Nebo is slippery.
Mount Nebo, Mt Nebo, Arkansas 72834, USA
Sorrel Teuscher/All Trails
This 1.5-mile trail leads straight to the peak at Pinnacle Mountain. One of the most popular Arkansas hikes, the views from atop the mountain seem to go on forever and look particularly lovely when the landscape is blanketed in snow. Bundle up though, because it can’t get quite cole during this time of the year.
Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Arkansas 72135, USA
Aaron Vinciguerra/All Trails
As the “tallest waterfall between the Rockies and the Appalachians,” Hemmed-in-Hollow Falls belongs on every Arkansan’s bucket list. The 209-foot waterfall flows best in spring, when the Buffalo National River is swollen with snowmelt from higher elevations.
Hemmed-In Hollow, Arkansas 72624, USA
Barry McCormick/All Trails
Because two are better than one, High Bank Twin Falls is a must-see. Like many other waterfalls, the 75-foot double waterfalls flow best after a heavy rain, which is why it’s a must-visit in spring.
High Bank Twin Falls, AR-215, Pettigrew, AR 72752, USA
Rebecca Beyer/All Trails
Relatively flat and just over one mile, the Kings River Falls Trail is not only one of the most scenic hikes in Arkansas, it is also perfect for the entire family. But keep in mind that this trail isn’t just easy. It’s brimming with beautiful vistas, including a 10-foot waterfall. During warm weather, the pool below the fall is perfect for a refreshing dip.
1543 Madison 3500, Witter, AR 72776, USA
Daniel Burkhead/All Trails
When the summer temperatures in The Natural State are just too much to bear, Falling Water Falls is a must-visit. Not only is it located just a short walk from the road, but it’s rated as one of the best swimming holes in the Ozark region.
Falling Water Falls, Arkansas 72856, USA
Donna Wescott/All Trails
The 1.7-mile trail in Lake Catherine State Park winds through a forest, crossing Little Canyon Creek several times. The trail’s highlight, though, is its namesake fall, which flows best after a heavy rainfall. However, whether or not the waterfall is flowing, the pool below is perfect for cooling off.
Falls Branch Trail, Fls Br Trl, Arkansas 71913, USA
Jessica Higgs/All Trails
At just under one mile, the Moonshiners Cave Trail is one of the shortest hikes on this list. It’s also one of the most intriguing, as it leads to a cave with a colorful past and a waterfall.
Moonshiners Cave Trail, Winslow, AR 72959, USA
Eric E/TripAdvisor
Fall brings with it cooler temps and colorful foliage – and the Lost Valley Trail is a great place to enjoy both. Just over two miles in length, the trail boasts lots of stunning sights, including Clark Creek, several natural bridges, a waterfall, and a cave.
Ponca, AR 72742, USA
Cheryl Magdefrau/All Trails
The Sam’s Throne Trail is a loop trail offering breathtaking views of the Ozark National Forest all year long. However, there’s no denying that the views can’t be beat in autumn. Only a light jacket needed!
Sams Throne, Arkansas 72655, USA
Kelli Lawrence/All Trails
The Alum Cove Trail is a must-do anytime of the year, however it is particularly gorgeous in winter, especially after freezing temperatures. And though the frozen-over landscape is stunning, it’s not the only noteworthy sight along the trail. There’s also a natural bridge, which is one of the largest in the nation.
Alum Cove Natural Bridge Recreation Area, Deer, AR 72628, USA
Sonya Rhein/All Trails
Glory Hole Falls is one of the most unique waterfalls in the Ozarks. Most of the year, it’s nothing more than a trickle. However, after a good rain, it’s truly a sight to see. It’s an equally amazing sight during winter, when it’s frozen solid.
Glory Hole Falls Trail, Arkansas 72854, USA
Looking for more scenic spots to explore? You’re in luck! Arkansas is filled with stunning destinations. Check out these nine places in Arkansas that are better than anywhere else in the nation.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Outdoor Adventures in Arkansas December 18, 2022 Lysa Allman-Baldwin What are some of the other best hikes in Arkansas? There are so many hikes that you could call the “best hikes in Arkansas” because of their natural beauty and distinctive landscapes. But we’ll leave it to you to determine which are your favorites. Check out some of the following then let us know!
The Ozark Highland Trail in the White Rock Mountain Recreation Area The Cedar Falls Trail in Petite Jean State Park The Blanchard Spring Trail in the Blanchard Springs Recreation Area. The Yellow Rock Trail at Devil’s Den State Park The Whitaker Point Trailin the Ozark National Forest
Where can we find some of the best waterfalls in Arkansas? There are so many waterfalls in Arkansas that you could visit one almost every day of the year. Each one offers its own unique stunning beauty and the landscapes surrounding them are simply gorgeous. Consider adding a few of these to your waterfall travel bucket list:
The Falling Water Falls in the Ozarks National Forest The Natural Dam Falls near Cedarville The Bear Creek Falls in Bear Creek The Haw Creek Falls and Six Finger Falls in the Ozarks National Forest The Magnolia Falls in Deer
We’re looking for some of the best places to go fishing in Arkansas. Fishing in Arkansas is one of the most popular sports. And the abundance of fish species you will find is truly amazing. Grab your bait and tackle, boots, and other fishing gear, and get ready for these great lure adventures along:
Waterfowl Way at Millwood State Park The Austell Trail in Village Creek State Park The Mirror Lake Trail near Fifty-Six The Beaver Lake Loop Trail in Beaver Lake The Farkleberry Trail at Lake Maumelle
The OIYS Visitor Center
Outdoor Adventures in Arkansas
December 18, 2022
Lysa Allman-Baldwin
What are some of the other best hikes in Arkansas? There are so many hikes that you could call the “best hikes in Arkansas” because of their natural beauty and distinctive landscapes. But we’ll leave it to you to determine which are your favorites. Check out some of the following then let us know!
The Ozark Highland Trail in the White Rock Mountain Recreation Area The Cedar Falls Trail in Petite Jean State Park The Blanchard Spring Trail in the Blanchard Springs Recreation Area. The Yellow Rock Trail at Devil’s Den State Park The Whitaker Point Trailin the Ozark National Forest
Where can we find some of the best waterfalls in Arkansas? There are so many waterfalls in Arkansas that you could visit one almost every day of the year. Each one offers its own unique stunning beauty and the landscapes surrounding them are simply gorgeous. Consider adding a few of these to your waterfall travel bucket list:
The Falling Water Falls in the Ozarks National Forest The Natural Dam Falls near Cedarville The Bear Creek Falls in Bear Creek The Haw Creek Falls and Six Finger Falls in the Ozarks National Forest The Magnolia Falls in Deer
We’re looking for some of the best places to go fishing in Arkansas. Fishing in Arkansas is one of the most popular sports. And the abundance of fish species you will find is truly amazing. Grab your bait and tackle, boots, and other fishing gear, and get ready for these great lure adventures along:
Waterfowl Way at Millwood State Park The Austell Trail in Village Creek State Park The Mirror Lake Trail near Fifty-Six The Beaver Lake Loop Trail in Beaver Lake The Farkleberry Trail at Lake Maumelle
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There are so many hikes that you could call the “best hikes in Arkansas” because of their natural beauty and distinctive landscapes. But we’ll leave it to you to determine which are your favorites. Check out some of the following then let us know!
- The Ozark Highland Trail in the White Rock Mountain Recreation Area
- The Cedar Falls Trail in Petite Jean State Park
- The Blanchard Spring Trail in the Blanchard Springs Recreation Area.
- The Yellow Rock Trail at Devil’s Den State Park
- The Whitaker Point Trailin the Ozark National Forest
Where can we find some of the best waterfalls in Arkansas?
There are so many waterfalls in Arkansas that you could visit one almost every day of the year. Each one offers its own unique stunning beauty and the landscapes surrounding them are simply gorgeous. Consider adding a few of these to your waterfall travel bucket list:
- The Falling Water Falls in the Ozarks National Forest
- The Natural Dam Falls near Cedarville
- The Bear Creek Falls in Bear Creek
- The Haw Creek Falls and Six Finger Falls in the Ozarks National Forest
- The Magnolia Falls in Deer
We’re looking for some of the best places to go fishing in Arkansas.
Fishing in Arkansas is one of the most popular sports. And the abundance of fish species you will find is truly amazing. Grab your bait and tackle, boots, and other fishing gear, and get ready for these great lure adventures along:
- Waterfowl Way at Millwood State Park
- The Austell Trail in Village Creek State Park
- The Mirror Lake Trail near Fifty-Six
- The Beaver Lake Loop Trail in Beaver Lake
- The Farkleberry Trail at Lake Maumelle
