10 Short And Sweet Fall Hikes In Arkansas With A Spectacular End View
The crispness of fall is finally starting to settle into the state and there’s no better time to get out and take advantage of the countless trails Arkansas has to offer. If you’re not quite up to taking on the 223 mile Ouachita National Recreation Trail, don’t despair! One of the best things about our trail system is that there’s a hike for everyone. We’ve complied our favorite trails that are perfect for a short autumn hike. Every trail listed is less than three miles and has the added motivation of ending with a spectacular view. So pack your picnic and indulge in Arkansas’ beautiful foliage as we tour some of the state’s best short and sweet fall hikes.
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
Just a little south of Morrilton in the Petite Jean State Park is Cedar Falls Trail. This trail is under two miles long and features the gorgeous Cedar Falls.
Located near Winslow, this loop is one of the trailheads for the Ozark Highland Trail. The White Rock Mountain Recreation Area has many enjoyable hikes but this one is our favorite since its only two miles long and opens up to a breathtaking view of the Boston Mountains.
King’s Bluff Loop Trail is found within the Ozark National Forest near Sand Gap. The 1.8 mile trail features a waterfall, caves, and what are known as the "Pedestal Rocks." Although it"s a short hike, be sure to bring snacks if you want to spend time exploring around the rocks.
This is one of the trails found at Mount Magazine just outside of Paris. Signal Hill is the highest point in Arkansas, standing at 2,753 miles. Making your way to the summit isn’t difficult at all, just a mile and a half hike.
Near Mountain View, this little hike doesn’t fall short on sights. The 1.7 mile trail begins right outside of the Blanchard Caverns and features the spectacular Mirror Lake. This is an easy trail to add to your family’s day trip to tour the Blanchard Springs Recreation Area.
The 2.7 mile trail is one of the many at the Devil’s Den State Park. You’ll see interesting rock formations, cedar glades and end with a spectacular bluff view of the Lee Creek Valley.
Located near Deer, this 1.8 mile trail leads to the Glory Hole Waterfall. One of Arkansas’ more interesting falls, Glory Hole is aptly named because the water has worn a hole through the ledge above instead of flowing over it.
This 2 mile trail is located near Mount Judea. The trail has some great bluff points and fantastic rock formations. If you’re feeling extra adventurous you can take the climbing route and rappel off Sam’s Throne. Or stick to the grounded trail and enjoy feeling ant-sized compared to these massive rocks.
Easily Arkansas’ best trail, Whitaker Point Trail is in the Ozark National Forest about halfway between Ponca and Deer. The 2.9 mile trail ends with the #1 place for selfies in the state – Hawksbill Crag. Be in awe and don’t fall as you overlook Boxely Valley.
Did we just plan your next day trip? Is there an even better trail that deserves a shout out? Let us know in the comments below!
For more fall hiking ideas, why not plan a trip to Lake Atalanta?
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Arkansas native, Carol Ann Carson, has written for OnlyInYourState for three years now. She resides in Western Arkansas' Mountain Frontier but calls NWA home as well. The graduate of University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, Carol Ann earned her B.A. in English and will soon be pursing her M.A. in Library Science. She loves exploring the trails around the Buffalo National River and has yet to find a waterfall that wasn't her favorite.
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