Some of the best hikes in Arkansas aren’t challenging at all. It’s time to dust off that file where you’ve kept all the printed-out copies of “Only in Arkansas” fantastic ideas for your long-form bucket list. Flip to the pages that contain your Natural State natural wonders portion of that bucket list and staple on this addendum. These 11 easy hikes need to be added to your list right away. And hey, maybe doing these will get you in great shape for your more challenging selections of that previous list of natural places in Arkansas that you have to try before you die. From lake trails to cave trails to one glorious swamp, pretty much anyone can walk these easy hikes.

1. Walcott Lake Trail (Crowley’s Ridge State Park)
Crowley's Ridge State Park, 2092 AR-168 North, Paragould, AR 72450, USA
Flickr/Dave Thomas
If you're looking for some hiking trails near me, Walcott Lake is a 31-acre fishing lake located in Crowley’s Ridge State Park in Paragould. Walcott Lake Trail is a five-mile-long easy hike that takes you atop the lake’s levee, offering awesome opportunities to spot birds and the absolute best vantage point to spot the park’s bat condo. This trail is a birder’s paradise.
2. Lake Trail (Devil’s Den State Park)
Devil's Den State Park, 11333 West Arkansas Hwy. 74, Winslow, AR 72774, USA
Flickr/AR Nature Gal
This half mile trail will only take you about a half hour. It takes you around Lee Creek, leading to the CCC-built dam that created Lake Devil. Along the trail itself you’ll find remnants of the original CCC stone path. This is one of the best kid-friendly hikes around Arkansas.
3. Warren Hollow Trail (Lake Fort Smith State Park) Taken near Mountainburg, AR.
Lake Fort Smith State Park, 15458 Sheperd Springs Rd, Mountainburg, AR 72946, USA
Debbie Pauls/AllTrails
Warren Hollow Trail is located in Lake Fort Smith State Park, a state park situated around a reservoir located in the stunning Boston Mountains portion of the Ozarks. This gorgeous wooded trail is only one mile round trip, and it takes you past incredible views of the lake. This is also one of the most scenic hikes in Arkansas.
4. Dogwood Trail (Lake Ouachita)
Lake Ouachita, Arkansas, USA
Flickr/Granger Meador
This casual walk through the Ouachita National Forest is only a half mile long and gives hikers the opportunity to see unique forest wildlife. It is one of the most scenic hikes in Arkansas. Along the trail you’ll find interpretive signs that help you keep your eyes peeled for woodland creatures.
5. Louisiana Purchase Boardwalk (Louisiana Purchase State Park)
Louisiana Purchase Historic State Park, AR-362, Holly Grove, AR 72069, USA
Wikimedia/Fredlyfish4
You may want to wait until after the first frost to see this one, as it’s located in a swamp and swamps are basically large mosquito nurseries. The 950 foot boardwalk allows you a unique opportunity to explore the haunting beauty of the swamp, and the pay off at the end of this peaceful stroll is the stone that marks the place of departure for the original Louisiana Purchase Survey Expedition.
6. Will Apple’s Road Trail (Mount Magazine State Park)
Mount Magazine State Park, 577 Lodge Dr, Paris, AR 72855, USA
Flickr/Granger Meador
This trail is named after a farmer, and it was the first trail to crest Mount Magazine in the 1800s. This easy hike in Arkansas is just 1.6 miles long and starts near Mount Magazine’s gorgeous visitor center. Will Apple’s Road Trail offers incredible views, solitude, and a peak into the history of the mountain that contains the highest point in Arkansas.
7. Rock House Cave Trail (Petit Jean State Park)
Petit Jean State Park Lake, Arkansas 72110, USA
David Harvey/AllTrails
Rock House Cave isn’t actually a cave. It’s a natural rock shelter. You won’t find cooler 500-year-old Native American rock art anywhere in the Natural State. The trail itself is a quarter of a mile long, easy, and takes you past gorgeous wildflowers the incredible natural structures called Turtle Rocks.
8. Base Trail (Pinnacle Mountain State Park)
Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Arkansas 72135, USA
Flickr/Arkansas Outside
Base Trail is actually rated from easy to moderate, but it’s well worth that moderate exertion. This trail is only 1.25 miles long and it takes you from the edge of the Little Maumelle River to the boulders at the eastern base of Pinnacle Mountain.
9. Village Trail (Parkin Archeological State Park)
Parkin Archeological State Park, 60 State Hwy 184, Parkin, AR 72373, USA
Thomas R Machnitzki, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Village Trail is three quarters of a mile long, and it's a fantastic place to use your imagination. As you walk past the mound where the chief once lived, let your mind wander back 500 years to when the area around Village Trail was the bustling center of a thriving community.
10. Benefield Loop Trail (Mount Magazine State Park)
Mount Magazine State Park, 577 Lodge Dr, Paris, AR 72855, USA
Wikimedia/Brandonrush
If you’re into wildflowers, history, and breathtaking scenic vistas, this two mile trail is the one you want. It’s easy, and it takes you through a portion of the 160 acres once homesteaded by Benjamin Benefield in the 1880s. The original path takes was built by the Works Progress Administration in 1938. And those views? Well, they're incredible.
11. Spring Lake Trail (Mammoth Spring State Park)
State Park Drive, State Park Dr, Mammoth Spring, AR 72554, USA
Flickr/Dave Thomas
Mammoth Spring is the largest spring in Arkansas and a National Natural Landmark. Spring Lake Trail is only six-tenths of a mile, and it’s a fantastic way to see the spring, the old hydroelectric dam, the train depot museum, and, of course, gorgeous Spring Lake.

In case you missed it, here’s another bucket list you should take note of. It’s all about burgers.

You’re going to find more easy hikes on this list.

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More to Explore

Best Hikes In Arkansas

Carolyn Harmon | June 03, 2022

Where are some more of the best hikes in Arkansas?
Alum Cove Natural Bridge, in Deer, Arkansas, is a sight to behold, spanning 130 feet long and 20 feet wide, in the Alum Cove Recreation Area. The history here is rich, with reports that the bridge was used by early settlers. Access to other small caves makes this area extra exciting for spelunkers. Or try out the Lost Valley Trail, near Ponca, Arkansas, is part of the Buffalo National River area. This two-mile hike leads you to Eden Falls Cave and the breathtaking Eden Falls. Take in this spectacular wooded area with its interesting rock formations. 

Where is another easy hike in Arkansas?
Byrd Lake Natural Area Trail, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, is a half-mile easy trail that begins at the natural area parking lot. This hike takes you through a slight slope into a pine-hardwood forest. The reward is a gradual down slope, taking visitors on a looping path leading to an overlook of Byrd Lake. Benches are provided at this hiking trail near me.  

Where are some kid-friendly hikes around Arkansas?
It is nice not to have to worry if the hikes are too tough for the kids. Farkleberry Trail, in Roland, Arkansas, is definitely kid-friendly on this 0.8-mile out-and-back trail. Taking about 15 minutes of your day, this trail is great for many activities, such as hiking, birding, and running. Also, be sure to take the kids to Triple Falls Trail, in Jasper, Arkansas, located in the scenic Ozarks at the very cool Boy Scout Camp, Camp Orr. And the best part — this easily accessible and short hike leads to an incredible 48-foot waterfall.

 

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