We Just Planned Your Year Of Arkansas Hikes And You’ll Love Them All
Here in the Natural State, resolving to go outside more is an ongoing, 24/7/365 resolution we can get behind. For inspiration, simply check out the following best hikes in Arkansas. Because the fact of the matter is, we have plenty of gorgeous spots to explore all across our beautiful state. Whether you’re a seasoned or a novice hiker, you might want to lace up those hiking shoes all year long for some outdoor adventure. Here are 12 incredible Arkansas hikes certainly worth checking out — now or anytime you feel the call of the wild!
Cane Creek State Park, 50 State Park Road, Star City, AR 71667, USA
Cane Creek State Park is one of the more underrated parks but lucky for us that means fewer crowds at this hidden gem. The Delta View Trail is perfect for January since it's a hot spot for bald eagle sightings. The peaceful and moderately easy 2.5-mile loop is an excellent start to your year of hikes.
Blanchard Springs Caverns, 704 Blanchard Springs Road, Fifty-Six, AR 72533, USA
Within the wondrous wilds of the Arkansas Ozarks, you'll find the Blanchard Springs Caverns National Park and the eponymous Blanchard Springs falls are 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. And although we'll still have a chill in the air in February, it's no better time to visit Blanchard Springs Caverns and Mirror Lake. The cave always stays a consistent 58° and has its own trail system, the Dripstone Trail being an easy half mile. Right outside of the cave is the Mirror Lake Trail which leads to this gorgeous, picturesque scene. We wouldn't be surprised if you glimpsed a winter woodland nymph on your hike.
Withrow Springs State Park, 33424 AR-23 Spur, Huntsville, AR 72740, USA
Tucked inside the Ozark Mountains along War Eagle Creek is Withrow Springs State Park, a peaceful haven with natural springs. The serenity of the springs makes this park the perfect place for relaxing -- and doing some hiking *and* waterfall chasing, too! The family-friendly Forest Trail resides in Withrow Springs State Park. This is a great trail to admire the budding wildflowers as winter fades into spring. The 2.2-mile trail is also known for high chances of spotting wildlife.
Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area, Hagarville, AR 72839, USA
We've more than likely hit the rainy season, which is no excuse to stay indoors. The waterfalls are running full force and are ready to be explored. A great trail, (well, three mini trails,) to catch some of the best falls in the state is around Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area. Tackle the Haw Creek Falls Trail, Pack Rat Falls Trail and end with Pam Grotto's Waterfall Trail.
For a photo tour of all three falls, read the full article right here.
For a photo tour of all three falls, read the full article right here.
Lost Valley Trail, Arkansas 72742, USA
Hopefully at this point we've warmed up to hiking and leaving the couch for hours at a time. The mild weather has given us new motivation to tackle a popular hike, the Lost Valley Trail. This moderate 2.2-mile hike is quite scenic, from waterfalls to caverns. Though the trail is just over two miles long, it’s rated as moderately difficult. Most of the trail is very easy, but to make it up to Eden Falls you'll need to brave a fairly steep climb.
Hemmed in Hollow Road, Hemmed in Hollow Rd, Compton, AR 72624, USA
We've peaked to our most difficult hike of the year, the Hemmed-in Hollow Trail. The six-mile trail has a rather steep 2.5-mile climb out but the exertion is absolutely worth it to see the 209-ft. falls, the tallest waterfall between the Rockies and the Appalachians. For a more family-friendly version, the falls can also be reached by floating the Buffalo River. This shortens the trail to just 1/2 mile of moderate hiking.
Kings River Falls Trailhead, 1543 Madison 3500, Witter, AR 72776, USA
If the temperature didn't start to rise in June, you can bet it's arrived by July. It may be sweltering but get out of the A/C and take the Kings River Falls Trail for a cooling plunge. The easy 1.2-mile trail will lead you to one of the best swimming holes in the state. Chill under the 10-ft. falls to congratulate yourself for sticking to your resolution.
Cedar Creek Trail, Arkansas 72122, USA
For another chance to cool off in the ridiculous Arkansas summer heat, take the moderate 1.2-mile Cedar Creek Trail. Besides being able to stay out of the sun for most of the hike, you'll also have the chance to swim at the foot of the 95-ft. Cedar Creek Falls.
Two Rivers Park Trail, Little Rock, AR 72223, USA
Get your steps in without too many elevation changes at the Two Rivers Park. The 6.3-mile trail is perfect for all skill levels. Avoid crowds and have the chance to watch the deer if you take the trail in the morning.
Yellow Rock Trail Parking, QPHV+R2, West Fork, AR 72774, USA
The Yellow Rock Trail has no shortage of panoramic beauty along the 2.7-mile loop. No matter if the leaves have started changing or not, the trail has fantastic rock formations and overlooks. Challenge yourself to take the trail as a sunrise hike to avoid crowds and to start your day off active.
Magazine Mountain, Arkansas 72842, USA
Everyone needs to hike Mount Magazine at least once a year. It's an iconic Arkansas gem that never ceases to be awe-inspiring. The North Rim Trail is a moderate 4.2-mile hike with fantastic bluff overlooks. Hike the trail near sunset to see the valley fired up with fall foliage.
Hawksbill Crag/Whitaker Point, Co Rd 406, Kingston, AR 72742, USA
You've made it to December! If you've stuck to your resolution then we'll end the year with a bang atop Hawksbill Crag. The 2.9-mile trail is fantastic year-round but in the middle of winter, when the trees are no longer a sea of green, the valley seems to be endless.
So tell us: what are your picks for the best hikes in Arkansas? If you were to put together a bucket list of Arkansas hikes, what trails would you choose? Share them with us in the comments below – we’re always up for a new-to-us hike!
Address: Cane Creek State Park, 50 State Park Road, Star City, AR 71667, USA
Address: Blanchard Springs Caverns, 704 Blanchard Springs Road, Fifty-Six, AR 72533, USA
Address: Withrow Springs State Park, 33424 AR-23 Spur, Huntsville, AR 72740, USA
Address: Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area, Hagarville, AR 72839, USA
Address: Lost Valley Trail, Arkansas 72742, USA
Address: Hemmed in Hollow Road, Hemmed in Hollow Rd, Compton, AR 72624, USA
Address: Kings River Falls Trailhead, 1543 Madison 3500, Witter, AR 72776, USA
Address: Cedar Creek Trail, Arkansas 72122, USA
Address: Two Rivers Park Trail, Little Rock, AR 72223, USA
Address: Yellow Rock Trail Parking, QPHV+R2, West Fork, AR 72774, USA
Address: Magazine Mountain, Arkansas 72842, USA
Address: Hawksbill Crag/Whitaker Point, Co Rd 406, Kingston, AR 72742, USA
Best Hikes In Arkansas
July 06, 2022
What are some of the most beautiful and scenic places in Arkansas?
Arkansas is filled with marvelous places that are scenic and, frankly, sublime. The state is home to majestic mountains (White Rock Mountain is an ancient wonder more beautiful than anything you could imagine), commanding canyons and gorges (the Arkansas Grand Canyon offers a 180-degree view of the Ozarks, one of the most beautiful wonders in the country), and resplendent rivers (established in 1972 as America’s First National River, the Buffalo River is beautiful body of water that’s one of the last remaining undammed rivers in the Lower 48). In addition, there are waterfalls galore in the Natural State — over 200, in fact — so the opportunities for waterfall chasing and discovery are near endless. If you’re looking for a list of beautiful places to visit in Arkansas for your bucket list, we definitely recommend checking out the Arkansas Ozarks, Petit Jean State Park, Magnolia Falls, Pinnacle Mountain, Hot Springs Mountain, Mount Magazine, the Ouachita Mountain, Lake Maumelle, and the views from Sunrise Rock.
Address: Cane Creek State Park, 50 State Park Road, Star City, AR 71667, USA
Address: Blanchard Springs Caverns, 704 Blanchard Springs Road, Fifty-Six, AR 72533, USA
Address: Withrow Springs State Park, 33424 AR-23 Spur, Huntsville, AR 72740, USA
Address: Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area, Hagarville, AR 72839, USA
Address: Lost Valley Trail, Arkansas 72742, USA
Address: Hemmed in Hollow Road, Hemmed in Hollow Rd, Compton, AR 72624, USA
Address: Kings River Falls Trailhead, 1543 Madison 3500, Witter, AR 72776, USA
Address: Cedar Creek Trail, Arkansas 72122, USA
Address: Two Rivers Park Trail, Little Rock, AR 72223, USA
Address: Yellow Rock Trail Parking, QPHV+R2, West Fork, AR 72774, USA
Address: Magazine Mountain, Arkansas 72842, USA
Address: Hawksbill Crag/Whitaker Point, Co Rd 406, Kingston, AR 72742, USA
