Posted in Arkansas Hiking, Nature March 24, 2022 by

6 Cool And Calming Hikes To Take In Arkansas To Help You Reflect On The Year Ahead

There’s no shortage of scenic places to hike in Arkansas, and while many of the trails are tried-and-true favorites, there are countless others that offer nothing but peace and quiet (and, you know, the opportunity to get your heart pumping a bit!) Here are some of the best hikes in Arkansas for those days you need the R&R only Mother Nature can provide:

1. Flatside Pinnacle Trail - Perryville
Flatside Pinnacle, Arkansas 72126, USA
AllTrails/Afton Tucker
Flatside Pinnacle is a perfect place to go and reflect on life. This is a short portion of the Ouachita National Recreation Trail. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. This beautiful 0.7-mile-long trail will help you feel like you're on top of the world and totally ready for whatever the future may hold!
2. Mirror Lake Trail - Mountain View
Mirror Lake, Arkansas 72560, USA
Google/Ginger Dulcimer
Mirror Lake is a cerulean blue body of water that's a favorite swimming hole in the summer. Beautiful all year-round, however, Mirror Lake has an easy loop trail under two miles downhill from Blanchard Springs Caverns. After reflecting, take time to dig deep (literally and figuratively) by taking the underground cave tour!
3. Balanced Rock Falls - Ponca
Balanced Rock, Hot Springs National Park, AR 71901, USA
AllTrails/Doug Neidholdt
For a refreshing trek in the woods, head to the forest next to the Upper District of the Buffalo National River. Balanced Rock Falls Trail is one-of-a-kind, and an off-the-beaten-path trail where you can get (safely) lost in the woods -- and truly get away from it all. This moderate trail is only about a mile in length and features this local waterfall. Parts of the hike may get narrow and muddy, but this natural wonder is completely worth the effort.
4. Burns Equestrian Trail - North Little Rock
Joe Poch Road, Joe Poch Rd, North Little Rock, AR 72118, USA
AllTrails/ernest phillips
It's certainly not the first place that comes to mind when thinking of lovely hikes in Arkansas, but North Little Rock is home to a lovely horseback trail we absolutely love. Transform your city escapades into a countryside trot along this pleasant two-mile loop. Mountain biking and hiking are welcomed along the trail as well. Learn more about Burns Equestrian Trail on AllTrails.
5. Cane Creek Kayak Trail - Star City
Cane Creek State Park, 50 State Park Road, Star City, AR 71667, USA
Google/Brandon Rush
We'll continue with the unique trails by paddling Cane Creek State Park's water trail. The kayak "hike" is a two-mile-long loop around the lake that features wildlife, calm waters, and a maze of trees to paddle through. If you'd prefer to stay on land you could take the Delta View Trail instead.
6. Coastal Plain Trail - Bluff City
White Oak Lake State Park, Arkansas 71726, USA
AllTrails/Tånya Reddin
On one of the best Arkansas hikes under five miles, you'll enjoy a pleasant meandering through the woods at White Oak Lake State Park's Coastal Plain Trail. The trail is a family-friendly, three-mile hike that's half pine forest and half lakeside view. These halves come together for a splendid state park trail sure to relax you from the inside out!

What are your picks for the best relaxing hikes in Arkansas? Are there any new-to-you trails on this list that you can’t wait to tackle? Share your plans with us in the comments below! And don’t forget to add your outdoor captures to our Facebook group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why there’s nothing better than the Natural State’s stunning nature.

For more of our picks for the best hikes in Arkansas, be sure to bookmark this article: A Nature Lovers Definitive Guide To Arkansas’s Natural Beauty – Parks, Beaches, Hikes, And More!

Address: Mirror Lake, Arkansas 72560, USA
Address: Balanced Rock, Hot Springs National Park, AR 71901, USA
Address: Joe Poch Road, Joe Poch Rd, North Little Rock, AR 72118, USA
Address: Cane Creek State Park, 50 State Park Road, Star City, AR 71667, USA
Address: White Oak Lake State Park, Arkansas 71726, USA
Address: Flatside Pinnacle, Arkansas 72126, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Best hikes in Arkansas

March 29, 2022
Sarah M.

What are the best waterfall hikes in Arkansas?

Nothing beats the plethora of waterfalls residing in the Natural State. It would take a lifetime to visit every single one, but there are several stunning waterfalls in Arkansas that simply can’t be missed. From the largest to the most unique, there are some true stunners in Arkansas that are worth chasing on the trails including Hemmed-In Hollow Falls, the Three Bears Falls, Glory Hole Falls, Haw Creek Falls, Twin Falls, Mirror Lake Falls, Cossatot Falls, and Falls Creek Falls.

What are some beautiful hikes in Arkansas?

Call us biased, but we truly believe each and every trail in the Natural State is worth tackling. But since we’re playing favorites, we put together this list of a dozen amazing hikes in Arkansas, designed to be taken over the course of a year in order to best showcase the beauty of each month and season in the state.

In terms of “most beautiful” trails, High Bank Twin Falls is a lovely hike that features a 75-foot double waterfall that’s positively stunning after a big spring rain. Another beautiful hike in Arkansas is the Kings River Falls Trail. Relatively flat and just over one mile, this trail is perfect for the entire family. The trail isn’t just easy, though. It’s brimming with beautiful scenery, including a 10-foot waterfall! During warm weather, the pool below the fall is perfect for a refreshing dip. (What can we say? We’re partial to waterfall hikes here in Arkansas!)

What are the best short hikes in Arkansas?

You could probably hike Arkansas trails forever and still never see all of the wonders the Natural State has to offer. And happily, you don’t have to hike forever (or even many miles) in order to enjoy the landscape here. These 12 hikes are all five miles long or less and venture through some of the most beautiful forests, rivers, waterfalls, canyons, state parks, and natural preserves in the Natural State.

Address: Mirror Lake, Arkansas 72560, USA
Address: Balanced Rock, Hot Springs National Park, AR 71901, USA
Address: Joe Poch Road, Joe Poch Rd, North Little Rock, AR 72118, USA
Address: Cane Creek State Park, 50 State Park Road, Star City, AR 71667, USA
Address: White Oak Lake State Park, Arkansas 71726, USA
Address: Flatside Pinnacle, Arkansas 72126, USA