When spring gets in full swing in Arkansas, there’s no better time to get outside and enjoy the Natural State. These are some of the best hikes in Arkansas, perfect for a relaxed outing with the whole family. Let’s pack a picnic and take one of these beautiful spring hikes.

1. Alum Cove Natural Bridge Trail - Deer
Flickr/Granger Meador
The Alum Cove Natural Bridge is so large that it used to be used as a road for the early pioneers. Interesting caves and waterfalls line the 1.2-mile trail. For directions to the Alum Cove Recreation Area, use this map. And All Trails can provide you with more details on this hike.
2. H.E. Flanagan Prairie Natural Area - Charleston
Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission
The Natural State is bursting with wildflowers during May and June. Although it doesn't have a designated trail, one particular field is perfect for a leisurely stroll through the Blazing Star flowers. Part of the H.E. Flanagan Prairie Natural Area outside of Charleston, the field is perfect for a flower-powered hike or wildlife viewing. You can reach the area by using these coordinates. Check out the Arkansas Heritage website for further information.
3. Wells Lake Trail - Fort Smith
Facebook/Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center
The Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center is a wonderful stop for a spring day outing. There's a handful of trails around the nature center, but our favorite is the .5-mile trail around the lake, a great kid-friendly hike in Arkansas. Be sure to stop in the nature center for interactive activities and critter feedings. The trail is located at 8300 Wells Lake Rd., Fort Smith, AR 72916. Head to the Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center website for more information on this trail.
4. Lost Valley Trail - Ponca
Flickr/Adam Shaver
Lost Valley Trail really has it all, beginning with a camping area and ending at a cave. Along this 2.1-mile scenic hike in Arkansas, you’ll see some incredible sights, including waterfalls, a creek, cliffs, a natural bridge, and a large bluff shelter, with the gorgeous green of the forest all around. The Lost Valley Recreation Area is at Hwy. 43, Ponca, AR 72670. Check out this listing for information on this trail.

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5. Swan Lake Nature Trail - Little Rock
Facebook/Wildwood Park for the Arts
Wildwood Park for the Arts is a free park that has eight themed garden areas, including Swan Lake. The short one-mile journey around the lake is the perfect angle to spot Billy the Swan. You can enjoy the park and all its splendor at 20919 Denny Rd., Little Rock, AR 72223. Learn more about this trail at All Trails.
6. Gregory Park Loop - Fayetteville
Google/Brittany Dawn
This serene little trail is an easy hike in Arkansas. Although it is nestled in the city of Fayetteville, it will transport you into the wilderness. It's just under a mile hike and is covered in a cooling tree canopy. Gregory Park is located at 69 E Sycamore St., Fayetteville, AR 72703. All Trails can provide you with more details on this loop.
7. White Rock Rim Trail - Winslow
Flickr/Mike Norton
White Rock Rim Trail takes you through some sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making it one of the best places to see the Ozarks. The 1.6-mile trail is a short and pretty easy hike in Arkansas, though not the most kid-friendly because of the bluffs. The recreation area is located at 217 Bowles Gap Rd., Winslow, AR 72959. For further information on this trail, check out the All Trails listing.
8. Islets Cove Paddle Trail - Bismarck
Facebook/DeGray Lake Resort State Park
Even if it's not quite warm enough for a dip in the summer swimming holes, you can still have some fun on the water. The Islets Cove Paddle Trail at DeGray Lake is a three-mile loop that takes casual boaters around the north shore of the island. Besides just enjoying the scenery, the trail has multiple points of interest filled with historical tidbits. DeGray Lake Resort State Park is located at 2027 State Park Entrance Rd., Bismarck, AR 71929. Head to Arkansas State Parks for more info on this.

 

By no means is this a complete list! We would love to know which trails are your favorite for a springtime day trip. What do you think are the best hikes in Arkansas? Share with us in the comments below!

You should definitely pair these springy hikes with these awesome springtime camping spots!

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Best Hikes in Arkansas

Rachel Raimondi | April 13, 2022

What are the best family-friendly hikes in Arkansas?

While a challenging and lengthy hike is always a good time, sometimes it’s nice to take a shorter trail, especially when you want to brings the kids along. Luckily, there are plenty of kid-friendly hikes in Arkansas. The Dogwood Loop, located in Withrow Springs State Park in Huntsville is only .75 miles-long and features dogwood trees and forest. If you are in or around Logan County, take the kids to the 1.5-mile Signal Hill Trail in Mount Magazine State Park. This scenic hike in Arkansas takes you out to the highest elevation in the state at 2,753 feet.

What is weather like in the spring in Arkansas?

Before you head out on any adventures or scenic hikes in Arkansas, it’s best to know what sort of weather you’ll be battling against. Although located in the south, Arkansas actually has four seasons, with rain and even snow common in both the late fall and winter months. Summer is especially warm with highs in the late 80s and early 90s, great for those who like the heat, not so great for those who don’t. But spring is just perfect: average highs are in the 60s and 70s, making for very pleasant outdoor excursions.

Which state parks should I visit in Arkansas?

Arkansas has 52 state parks within its borders, each of them offering a variety of different recreation and activities. Petit Jean State Park in Conway County, opened in 1923, was the state’s first ever park and features hiking trails, waterfalls, caves, canyons, and much more within its 3,471 acres. At Lake Charles State Park in Lawrence County, you’ll be at the base of the 47,000-square-mile Ozark Mountains. Here, you hike one of the four trails, swim at the beach during season, camp, or just sit down for a nice, scenic picnic. And don’t forget Hot Springs National Park in Garland County. Here, you can explore 5,500 acres, which includes hiking, biking, fishing, and of course, soaking in the thermal water.

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