The natural beauty flowing from Lake Leatherwood makes this the prettiest little loop in Eureka Springs, Arkansas! This expansive city park features well over 1,000 acres of forest as well as a stunning 85-acre spring-fed lake. The history of Lake Leatherwood City Park in Arkansas is quite interesting, but today we’re focused on the gorgeous nature trail. Let’s take a stroll to see waterfalls, wildflowers, and more on one of the most refreshing spring hikes in Arkansas!

It's impossible to not feel refreshed when walking around Lake Leatherwood!
Lake Leatherwood
Lake Leatherwood City Park, 1303 Co Rd 204, Eureka Springs, AR 72632, USA
AllTrails/Lucy Mathes
This gorgeous scenery is part of Lake Leatherwood Loop, a lovely city park in Eureka Springs. The majority of the park was originally built by the WPA in the early 40s. This is one park where the history and beauty are evenly matched!
There are a plethora of reasons to visit the park whenever you're in town...
Lake Leatherwood
AllTrails/John Pastorek
The lake has plenty of recreation including kayaking and fishing but even the dam has significance! In addition to featuring a beautiful waterfall, the spring-fed lake is formed by one of the largest hand-cut limestone dams in the nation!
...but our favorite reason is the trail system!
AllTrails/Jon Smith
The park has about 25 miles of trails including today's featured hike - Lake Leatherwood Loop. The loop encompasses Beacham Trail and the Fuller Trail to create a 4.2-mile trek.

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The loop is perfect for families looking for multiple nature treasures.
AllTrails/Faith Chalk-Hernandez
The trail crosses above the waterfall, around interesting geological formations, wildflowers, and foot bridges. Play a game of nature bingo and see just how much flora and fauna you can discover!
Find pretty purple coneflowers or feel tranquil next to the lake's lily pads.
AllTrails/Alison Berger
The trail is not completely paved but is well-worn and well-marked! Younger hikers as well as (leashed) four-legged friends should be able to take on this trail. In addition to the wildflowers and waterfall, this loop also has a small collection of geocaches to find!
Whether you're coming for a weekend nature retreat or just a quick stroll around the park, Lake Leatherwood is a natural treasure in Arkansas!
AllTrails/Felicia Dattolo
As always, be sure to practice the Leave No Trace Principles. For a GPS-friendly map and more information about the hike, check out the Lake Leatherwood trail listing.

Have you hiked the Lake Leatherwood trail in Arkansas? If so, did you see wildflowers while you were out? Tell us about your experience in the comments below. Also, before you leave for this or any hike in Arkansas, be sure to download your free trial of AllTrails+, which offers get access to offline maps, trail information, lots of perks, and more. 

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More to Explore

Spring Hikes In Arkansas

Melanie J. | March 18, 2024

What are some more waterfall hikes in Arkansas that you recommend?

Of course, exploring waterfalls is one of our favorite pastime activities, and these are the best waterfall hikes in Arkansas that belong on your list:

  • Falling Water Falls, Sand Gap
  • Glory Hole Falls Trail, Deer
  • Natural Dam Falls, Natural Dam
  • Hemmed-In Hollow Falls Trail, Compton
  • Cedar Falls Trails, Morrilton
  • Blanchard Springs, Fifty-Six
  • Magnolia Falls Trail, Deer
  • Paige Falls/Broadwater Hollow Falls, Harrison
  • Balanced Rock Falls Trail, Jasper
  • Little Missouri Falls Trail, Langley
  • Amber Falls, Kingston

Here’s a previous article telling you more about these waterfall hikes in Arkansas that belong on your bucket list.

Are there more local parks in Arkansas that are great during the spring?

There are lots of local parks in Arkansas that come alive during the springtime. These are the ones we like the best:

  • Wildwood Park For The Arts, Little Rock
  • Harry E. Kelley River Park, Fort Smith
  • Orchards Park, Bentonville
  • Eureka Springs Music Park,  Eureka Springs
  • Emerald Park, North Little Rock
  • Wilson Park, Fayetteville
  • Two Rivers Park, Little Rock
  • Craighead Forest Park, Jonesboro
  • Bell Park, Greenwood
  • Riverside Park, Searcy
  • Compton Gardens, Bentonville
  • Black Bass Lake Park, Eureka Springs

Be sure to visit our website to discover more local parks in Arkansas that are great to visit during the spring. 

Where else can I hike to see wildflowers in Arkansas?

The best places to see wildflowers in Arkansas is inside our wildlife management areas. And these are the wildflower havens that we recommend:

  • Cherokee Prairie Natural Area, Charleston
  • H.E. Flanagan Prairie Natural Area, Charleston
  • Baker Prairie Natural Area, Harrison
  • Middle Fork Barrens Natural Area - Lonsdale
  • Allsopp Park Trail - Little Rock
  • Downs Prairie Natural Area - De Valls Bluff
  • Rick Evans Grandview Prairie, Columbus
  • Byrd Lake Natural Area - Pine Bluff
  • Terre Noire Natural Area - Arkadelphia

 Check out our previous article telling you more about these wildlife management areas with the best wildflowers in Arkansas. 

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Lake Leatherwood, Eureka Springs, AR 72632, USA