Posted in Arkansas Hiking, Nature April 18, 2022 by

8 Low-Key Hikes In Arkansas With Amazing Payoffs

The best part about living here is that Arkansas truly lives up to its nickname: the Natural State. Not every bluff and waterfall needs a full day’s hike to be reached around here. These trails take minimal effort but still reward hikers with maximum Natural State beauty! Here are some of the best hikes in Arkansas for anyone who loves this amazing place:

1. Dripstone Trail - Fifty-Six
Fifty-Six, AR 72533, USA
Facebook/Arkansas State Tourism
Blanchard Springs Caverns is one of the seven show caves in the state. The Dripstone Trail is an easy-going 0.5-mile tour through the cave. If you still have a little bit of effort to put forth, the Mirror Lake Trail just outside the cavern is just as rewarding and under two miles.
2. Falls Branch Trail - Hot Springs
Falls Branch Trail, Fls Br Trl, Arkansas 71913, USA
AllTrails/Donna Wescott
This relaxing 1.7-mile loop takes hikers to the waterfall on Falls Creek with beautiful scenery all along the way. It's a great trail for four-legged friends as well as a first trail for young nature enthusiasts.
3. Bench Trail - Dardanelle
Dardanelle, AR 72834, USA
AllTrails/Pam Rowe
Mount Nebo State Park in Arkansas has over 14 miles of trail zigzagging around the mountainside. While most hikers are busy building a sweat over the rim-side trails, we low-keyers will be strolling along the Bench Trail. The 3.6-mile loop has a spectacular view overlooking the ridge.
4. Indian Rock House Trail - Fairfield Bay
Indian Rock Village, 265 Dave Creek Pkwy, Fairfield Bay, AR 72088, USA
Facebook/Arkansas State Tourism
This family-friendly trail is less than a mile from Greers Ferry Lake's Log Cabin Museum. The path takes you to an interesting rock shelter that still has visible carvings.
5. Long Pool Falls Trail - Dover
Long Pool Falls Trailhead, Nfr 1804, Dover, AR 72837, USA
AllTrails/Tanda Patrick
This one-mile out and back trail takes hikes from the gorgeous Long Pool Recreation Area to the nearby Long Pool Falls. This is definitely one of the most rewarding trails for the least amount of effort.
6. King's Bluff Loop Trail - Sand Gap
Sand Gap, AR 72837, USA
AllTrails/Brent Hill
Pedestal Rocks Trailhead splits into Pedestal Rocks Loop and King's Bluff Loop. Both are fantastic trails but the latter is noticeably less strenuous. The 1.8-mile loop takes you passed the falls and to a scenic overlook.
7. Whitaker Point Trail - Deer
Hawksbill Crag/Whitaker Point, Co Rd 406, Kingston, AR 72742, USA
Facebook/Arkansas State Tourism
Arguably the most iconic spot in the state, Whitaker Point Trail is a must-visit for seasoned trailblazers and low-key hikers alike. The 2.9-mile out and back trail does have some elevation gain but overall is a pleasant and rewarding choice.
8. Crack in the Rock Trail - Van Bruen
Van Buren, AR 72956, USA
AllTrails/Chaun Goins
This 1.8-mile loop takes hikers to a stunning overlook of Lee Creek. All along the trail are interesting rock formations including a large "crack." This amazing hike in Arkansas is as awe-inspiring as you'd expect for this amazing state!

By no means is this a complete list! What are your favorite hikes for a lazy day? What hikes in Arkansas would you call the best hikes in Arkansas? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

You may also want to take these kid-friendly hikes in our beautiful state.

Address: Falls Branch Trail, Fls Br Trl, Arkansas 71913, USA
Address: Dardanelle, AR 72834, USA
Address: Long Pool Falls Trailhead, Nfr 1804, Dover, AR 72837, USA
Address: Sand Gap, AR 72837, USA
Address: Van Buren, AR 72956, USA
Address: Hawksbill Crag/Whitaker Point, Co Rd 406, Kingston, AR 72742, USA
Address: Indian Rock Village, 265 Dave Creek Pkwy, Fairfield Bay, AR 72088, USA
Address: Fifty-Six, AR 72533, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Hikes in Arkansas

April 23, 2022
Tori Jane

What are some of the most scenic hikes in Arkansas?  

Arkansas often feels like a place out of a fairy tale more so than a southern state in the US; as a result, pretty much any hike you opt to do is likely to be ridiculously scenic. That being said, though, we do have a few special favorites for some reason or another. Some of those include the Whitaker Point Trail, within Ozark National Forest; it’s 2.9 miles and features truly awesome views, making it one of the most popular hikes in Arkansas with locals and visitors alike. While within Ozark National Forest, also be sure to check out the amazing Glory Hole Waterfall Trail, which is rated as moderately difficult and clocks in at just under two miles long. The reward at the end is a truly unique waterfall you won’t soon forget! Next, head to the Buffalo National River for the 2.3-mile Lost Valley Trail, which features numerous amazing natural bridges and one of Arkansas’ best waterfalls, Eden Falls. Fans of caves will also find something to love. Finally, head to the Ouachita National Forest and do the hard-but-rewarding 26.5-mile trek on the Eagle Rock Loop, which is the longest backpacking loop in Arkansas. These are just a few options; there are so many stunningly wonderful hiking trails in Arkansas that we think you could make a lifetime out of visiting each one.  

Where are the best easy hikes in Arkansas?  

With as many miles of trails as it’s got, Arkansas is home to a surprisingly high number of kid-friendly and/or easy hikes, all of which vary in length and type of landscape. Check out the Tanyard Loop, which is a very popular hike on land that’s actually private – no worries, the trail is open, and it features incredible creek views. Do the Emerald Park Trail, which follows along a bluff that traces the edges of the North Little Rock side of the Arkansas. This trail is longer, at 5.6 miles in length, but it features stunning scenic views of the Arkansas River (and should you adventure far enough, an old quarry). Finally, check out Bear Cave Trail, which is a short-and-sweet 1.1 mile hike through Petit Jean State Park that involves a walk under and around some truly incredible geological formations.  

Address: Falls Branch Trail, Fls Br Trl, Arkansas 71913, USA
Address: Dardanelle, AR 72834, USA
Address: Long Pool Falls Trailhead, Nfr 1804, Dover, AR 72837, USA
Address: Sand Gap, AR 72837, USA
Address: Van Buren, AR 72956, USA
Address: Hawksbill Crag/Whitaker Point, Co Rd 406, Kingston, AR 72742, USA
Address: Indian Rock Village, 265 Dave Creek Pkwy, Fairfield Bay, AR 72088, USA
Address: Fifty-Six, AR 72533, USA