9 Out-Of-This World Hikes In Arkansas That Lead To Fairytale Foot Bridges
When you’re searching for the best hikes in Arkansas, there’s just something extra special about finding a hiking trail with a foot bridge or two. Maybe it’s the sound of the planks padding each step or being able to look over the rails to see the trail from a different perspective. Whatever tiny bit of magic these simple bridges hold, Arkansas happens to have quite a few that transport hikers to natural fairy tale setting. Let’s explore some of these tranquil trails, which are some of the best hikes in Arkansas, in fact!
Located inside Cane Creek State Park, the 15.5-mile Cane Creek Lake Trail boasts three unique suspension bridges. The trail is perfect for mountain bikers or for campers that would like to split the trail up into shorter segments. It's one of our favorite places to "unplug" in the Natural State! Cane Creek State Park is located at 50 State Park Rd., Star City, AR, 71667.
Cane Creek State Park, 50 State Park Road, Star City, AR 71667, USA
Park Springs is more than meets the eye. At first, the park looks like it only contains some swings and a pavilion, but right behind the park is an impressive little trail system. The Bentonville park's Black Apple Creek Trail uses two wooden boardwalks to take you over the creek. While you're in the area, be sure to stop by The Pedaler’s Pub, a bicycle-themed eatery! Park Springs Park is located at 301 NW 10th St., Bentonville, AR, 72712.
Black Apple Creek, Black Apple Crk, Bentonville, AR 72712, USA
An Arkansas treasure, Petit Jean State Park has so many lovely spots but be sure to take in the serenity surrounding the foot bridge along Cedar Creek Trail. Petit Jean State Park is located at 1285 Petit Jean Mountain Rd., Morrilton, AR, 72110.
Cedar creek trail, 1285 Petit Jean Mountain Rd, Morrilton, AR 72110, USA
This 2.2-mile loop incorporates old country roads and foot bridges to tour the creek. The perfect place to experience the beauty of the Ozarks, the trail boasts lots of fantastic features, from rocky bluffs to a breathtaking tiered waterfall. Make sure to snap a photo of this beautiful cascade while you're there! Tanyard Creek Park is located along Nature Trail Ln., Bella Vista, AR, 72715.
Tanyard Creek Nature Trail, Waterfall Trl, Bella Vista, AR 72715, USA
One of Devil's Den State Park's longer trails happens to have a simply spectacular footbridge. The 14.4-mile trail is popular for backpacking as well as horseback riding. You can also walk behind a waterfall at this beautiful Arkansas park! Devil's Den State Park is located at 11333 AR-74, West Fork, AR, 72774.
The city of Fayetteville's most popular park is well-known for its award-winning bridge. At 5.5 miles long, this trail is a great choice for a family bicycle outing. The trail is located at 1208 E Lake Fayetteville Rd., Fayetteville, AR, 72701.
This easy trail through Crowley's Ridge State Park is positively teeming with fanciful footbridges. It wouldn't be surprising to see rabbits dancing along the peaceful 1.3-mile trail. Crowley's Ridge State Park is located at 2092 State Hwy 168 N., Paragould, AR, 72450.
Crowley's Ridge State Park, 2092 AR-168 North, Paragould, AR 72450, USA
Get (safely) lost in the woods along the North Sylamore Creek Trail. The backpacking trail is a moderate 22.8 miles that leads to a lovely waterfall. Multiple pools line the creek so be sure to take plenty of cooling swim breaks, as a portion of the trail leads to the Gunner Pool Rec Area. It’s here you’ll discover a stunning staircase waterfall perfect for cooling off post-hike!
Ripped straight from the pages of a children's fairy tale, the path leading to the famous Old Mill in Little Rock, Arkansas, is pure magic. It may not technically be a "hike," per se, but exploring this area will transport you to the romantic past of "Gone With The Wind." The Old Mill at T.R. Pugh Memorial Park is located at 3800 Lakeshore Dr., North Little Rock, AR, 72116.
3800 Lakeshore Dr, North Little Rock, AR 72116, USA
Which footbridge trail is your favorite in the Natural State? Have you tackled any of these hikes before? Share your experiences on these trails with us in the comments below!
Looking for more of the best hikes in Arkansas? These waterfall trails are magical!
Address: Black Apple Creek, Black Apple Crk, Bentonville, AR 72712, USA
Address: Tanyard Creek Nature Trail, Waterfall Trl, Bella Vista, AR 72715, USA
Address: Cane Creek State Park, 50 State Park Road, Star City, AR 71667, USA
Address: Cedar creek trail, 1285 Petit Jean Mountain Rd, Morrilton, AR 72110, USA
Address: Devil's Den Trail, Arkansas 72959, USA
Address: North Sylamore Creek, Arkansas 72560, USA
Address: 3800 Lakeshore Dr, North Little Rock, AR 72116, USA
Address: Lake Fayetteville Trail, Fayetteville, AR, USA
Address: Crowley's Ridge State Park, 2092 AR-168 North, Paragould, AR 72450, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best hikes in Arkansas
July 04, 2022
Sarah M.
What are some other fairy tale places in Arkansas?
While footbridges are definitely magical, there’s something wholly enchanting about waterfalls. These natural wonders are real-life fairy tales, and Arkansas is home to some areas that are sure to capture your heart! Ozark National Forest is, in itself, a place that’s truly enchanting (and enchanted!), and home to myriad marvelous waterfalls. One of the myriad waterfalls in the Ozarks National Forest, Falling Water Falls is a verdant, emerald-green gem that’s more beautiful than photos can convey. Although it can be viewed from your car, we recommend getting out and enjoying this cascade up-close. Another fairy tale destination within the wondrous wilds of the Arkansas Ozarks is Blanchard Springs Caverns National Park, where the eponymous Blanchard Springs Falls is its crown jewel. The 4.7-mile hike is the perfect length for a day trek and the cerulean-blue waterfall-fed pool at the base of the falls makes for the loveliest incentive to complete this moderate trail.
Address: Black Apple Creek, Black Apple Crk, Bentonville, AR 72712, USA
Address: Tanyard Creek Nature Trail, Waterfall Trl, Bella Vista, AR 72715, USA
Address: Cane Creek State Park, 50 State Park Road, Star City, AR 71667, USA
Address: Cedar creek trail, 1285 Petit Jean Mountain Rd, Morrilton, AR 72110, USA
Address: Devil's Den Trail, Arkansas 72959, USA
Address: North Sylamore Creek, Arkansas 72560, USA
Address: 3800 Lakeshore Dr, North Little Rock, AR 72116, USA
Address: Lake Fayetteville Trail, Fayetteville, AR, USA
Address: Crowley's Ridge State Park, 2092 AR-168 North, Paragould, AR 72450, USA
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
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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.
