8 Lesser-Known State Parks In Arkansas That Will Absolutely Amaze You
Carol Ann Carson
Author
There’s no doubt that Arkansas has the best state parks in the nation. But from Pinnacle Mountain to Devil’s Den, it’s easy to pick a favorite and miss the opportunity to visit all of the 52 state parks our state has to offer. Today’s focus is on the state parks that are a little out of the way but well worth the trip. Let’s pack our bags, find the good playlist, and hit the road, because here are eight lesser-known state parks in Arkansas that’ll blow your mind:
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Is there another underrated state park that deserves a shout-out? Let us know in the comments! If you’re trying to visit all 52 state parks in the great state of Arkansas, you should take a trip to the oldest state park first.
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State Parks to Visit in Arkansas
What are some of the best state parks in Arkansas?
Well, that depends on your definition of “best”, but for this case, we’ll share with you some of the most beloved state parks by locals. Arkansas is home to 52 state parks, so it can seem a little intimidating to figure out which to explore first. It may behoove you to check out the most popular ones first; after all, they’re extremely popular for a reason, right? The most popular state park in Arkansas is Pinnacle Mountain State Park, famous for its amazing mountain hikes and spectacular landscapes. Village Creek State Park is also ultra-popular, especially among mountain bikers. There are some spectacular lake views, too! Other much-beloved state parks include Crater of Diamonds State Park, Ozark Folk Center State Park (for those who prefer something a little different), and Lake Catherine State Park, which is home to some breathtaking waterfalls. To read more about our awe-inspiring state parks, check this article out!
What are the best hiking trails in Arkansas?
According to our friends at AllTrails, there are more than 800 amazing trails to choose from. Much like we did in the previous paragraph, to decide which ones are “best”, we’ll go by the most popular and highly rated trails. The 2.9-mile Whitaker Point Trail, located in the Ozark National Forest, is the single most popular hiking trail in Arkansas. It’s a spectacular adventure with some of the best views in the whole state! The Centerpoint to Goat Trail along the Buffalo National River is longer, at 5.9 miles, and a little more challenging – but it’s just as worth it, we promise! Also along the Buffalo National River is the beautiful Lost Valley Trail, which is shorter than the Centerpoint to Goat Trail at 2.3 miles in length (and it’s a bit easier, too). We also highly recommend the Glory Hole Waterfall Trail, which is under two miles long and contains some of the most fairy-tale scenes in the state.