Spread out over 16 Arkansas counties with 1.2 million acres of pure wonder, you’ll find an endless amount of things to do in Ozark National Forest. Chances are, if you’ve lived in Arkansas very long, you’ve been to this amazing space. But which are the absolute must-visit spots in this wonderland? Well, we’ve compiled a list of a dozen places you absolutely have to visit in Ozark National Forest, sights you may not have heard of before.

1. Lost Valley Trail (Ponca)

Lost Valley Canoe & Lodging, AR-43, Ponca, AR 72670, USA
Lost Valley Trail, Arkansas 72742, USA
Flickr/AR Nature Gal
Located in the Buffalo National River area, Lost Valley is a fantastic place to hike and it’s full of hidden wonders. You’ll find tons of gorgeous sights in Lost Valley, including the incomparable Eden Falls pictured here. The whole place is like a dream.

2. Sam’s Throne (near Mt. Judea)

Sams Throne, Arkansas 72655, USA
Flickr/Granger Meador
Located on Judea Mountain and overlooking Big Creek Valley, Sam’s Throne is a unique formation that is popular with rock climbers. No worries if you’re not much of a climber, though. It’s gorgeous no matter how you view it, and one of the most extraordinary things to do in Ozark National Forest.

3. Blanchard Spring (near Mountain View)

Blanchard Spring, Arkansas 72560, USA
Flickr/AR Nature Gal
Blanchard Springs Caverns is temporarily closed for annual maintenance. The 2024 season is expected to commence on March 1. These are popular and we’ve mentioned them before, but let’s not overlook the spring that the caverns are named for. It's serene and gorgeous, and you’ll find waterfalls while exploring it. Read more information about its reopening on the Blanchard Springs Caverns website.

4. Pam’s Grotto (near Haw Creek Campground, Hagarville)

Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area, Hagarville, AR 72839, USA
Flickr/Jonathan Ball
Tucked away in a grotto on a path surrounded by gorgeous bluffs, the trail you’ll take to see this truly amazing waterfall is only about a half-mile long, and one of our favorite Ozark National Forest things to do.

5. White Rock Mountain Recreation Area (near Mulberry)

White Rock Mountain, 214 Bowles Gap Rd, Winslow, AR 72959, USA
Flickr/Mike Norton
Full of structures built by the Civilian Conservations Corps, White Rock Mountain Recreation Area is a step into the past. It’s also a step into some of the most incredible views in the state.

6. Pedestal Rocks Trail (Witts Springs)

Pedestal Rock Loop, Witts Springs, AR 72686, USA
Flickr/Granger Meador
Pedestal Rocks Loop Trail is a 2.5-mile-loop that takes you through some of the coolest, most unique rock formations in Arkansas. They’re old, they’re tall, and they’re lessons in Arkansas geology, written in stone.

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7. Spainhour Falls (Farris Springs)

Spadra Creek, Arkansas 72830, USA
Flickr/Jonathan Ball
This unique waterfall is one of the most incredible places to visit in Ozark National Forest. It’s set on gorgeous and little-known Spadra Creek, just ten miles from Clarksville.

8. Whitaker Point (Kingston)

Whitaker Point, Co Rd 406, Kingston, AR 72742, USA
Flickr/Granger Meador
This place is also called Hawksbill Crag, because that’s what it looks like. The hike to Whitaker Point is three miles round trip, and it’s well worth it to get to the spot in Arkansas that’s been called "The Best Place To Get Kissed In Arkansas," and was featured in the movie Tuck Everlasting.

9. Haw Creek Falls (Hagarville)

Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area, Hagarville, AR 72839, USA
Flickr/Granger Meador
There’s a convenient recreation area named after these falls. From the campground it’s a 4.7 mile moderate hike to the gorgeous falls.

10. Shores Lake Recreation Area (Mulberry)

Shores Lake Recreation Area, Co Rd 75, Mulberry, AR 72947, USA
Flickr/jasonlumpkin
Shores Lake is located near White Rock Mountain, and it’s a great place to play for a weekend. It has a swimming beach, is stocked for fishing, and there are plenty of campsites where you can stay.

11. Richland Creek Wilderness Area (Witts Springs)

Richland Creek Recreation Area, Campground Rd, Witts Springs, AR 72686, USA
Flickr/latteda
We’ve already talked about how the Richland Creek Wilderness Area is basically a waterfall paradise, but let’s not overlook the creek itself. It’s one of the most scenic creeks in Arkansas, and it’s a perfect place to soak your feet and listen to the creek babble.

12. Trees (Everywhere)

Pig Trail Scenic Byway, Arkansas, USA
Flickr/Matthew Peoples
No really, the trees in the Ozark National Forest are wonders all on their own, and with 1.2 million acres of them, you’re sure to find wonder everywhere.

Discover more about things to do in Ozark National Forest on the website. For another scenic journey through nature, hike 2.5 miles to stand behind Sixty Foot Falls in Arkansas. Check out the hike on the AllTrails website.

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More to Explore

Outdoor Adventures In Arkansas

Carolyn Harmon | November 29, 2023

What are some of the fun, outdoor activities in Arkansas?

Here is the ultimate weekend itinerary if you love spending time outdoors in Arkansas. Read about some of the highlights.

  • Float to Hogscald Hollow (Eureka Springs): This magical natural wonder was once used by Native Americans as a healing spring. With a breathtaking waterfall called Lovers Leap, and a mysterious cove, outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to this historical spot. You'll find this cool place on the eastern side of Beaver Lake, which you can hike to or reach by boat. And in the summertime, bring your bathing suit for a peaceful float while you look up at the endless sky.

  • Explore War Eagle Cavern (Rogers): Here you'll find the largest cave opening in the state! And depending on your skill level and time, two choices exist to discover this cavernous, underground space. Take the easy, one-hour tour on paved surfaces or for the more adventurous, enjoy spelunking through on the Wild Cave Tour. Study the interesting rock formations and hear about the history of outlaws and moonshiners. Other activities are available, including winding hiking trails to spot wildlife and panning for gemstones.

  • Stroll the Stunning Botanical Garden of the Ozarks (Fayetteville): More than 70,000 visitors each year enjoy this dreamy destination in Northwest Arkansas. Inside this beautiful destination is an elaborate collection of 12 themed gardens and the area's only native butterfly house. Workshops and classes are also offered to help improve your own garden at home. Self-guided, guided, and private tours are available to discover what's inside.

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