Sometimes you just need to get (safely) lost in the woods to reconnect with nature. One of the more underrated trails at Mount Nebo State Park is the Nebo Springs/Nebo Steps Trail. This short trail will take the wind out of you but the winding staircase leads you to stunning scenery in the forest.
One of the most beloved state parks in Arkansas is at Mount Nebo. The park has plenty of camping, sightseeing, and hiking but there's one trail that's easy to miss.
The state park has about 14 miles of trails wrapping around the mountain and the Nebo Springs/Nebo Steps Trail is rather underrated. The loop (which is more of a rectangle really) is ¾-mile and connects to the Bench Trail as well as the Rim Trail.
Address: 16728 West State Highway 155, Dardanelle, AR 72834
This is probably one you'll want to skip if you have little Arkansans with you.
Mt. Nebo has plenty of other trails that are more family-friendly and accessible throughout the park. This trail will definitely have you huffing but being surrounded by stunning forest more than makes up for it.
You'll definitely be taking the stairs on this hike.
The staircases on either side of the trail steeply transport you between the upper and lower loops around the mountain (the bench and rim).
Thankfully this hike isn't uphill both ways.
The stairs do have a net elevation gain of 250 but this isn't just a hike up a set of stone steps. Along the way you'll see Nebo Springs and catch peeks through the trees of the vista.
Keep the adventure going by taking the stairs to reconnect with the Rim Trail.
Have you taken this particular trail at Mt. Nebo? We'd love to see your trail photos in our Facebook group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why there’s nothing better than Arkansas’ stunning nature.
If you're needing a more family-friendly trail during your state park visit, try this gorgeous sunset hike.
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