Posted in Arkansas Hiking, Nature July 24, 2022 by

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 compiled 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 on some of the best hikes in Arkansas.

1. Cedar Falls Trail
Flickr/AR Nature Gal
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.
Petit Jean State Park Lake, Arkansas 72110, USA
2. White Rock Rim Trail
Flickr/Marco Becerra
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 it's only two miles long and opens up to a breathtaking view of the Boston Mountains.
Ozark Highlands Trail, Arkansas, USA
3. King's Bluff Loop Trail
Flickr/Granger Meador
Kings 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.
Kings Bluff, Arkansas 72060, USA
4. Signal Hill Trail
Flickr/Anna
This is one of the trails found at Mount Magazine just outside of Paris. Signal Hill Trail 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.
Magazine Mountain, Arkansas 72842, USA
5. Blanchard Spring Trail
Flickr/AR Nature Gal
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 one of the best hikes in Arkansas and the perfect easy trail to add to your family’s day trip to tour the Blanchard Springs Recreation Area.
Blanchard Spring, Arkansas 72560, USA
6. Yellow Rock Trail
Flickr/Granger Meador
The 2.7 mile Yellow Rock 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.
Yellow Rock Trail Parking, QPHV+R2, West Fork, AR 72774, USA
7. Falls Creek Falls
Flickr/Jonathan Ball
Not only is Falls Creek Falls in fall fun to say, it’s a great hike too! This 1.6 mile trail is in Lake Catherine State Park near Hot Springs.
Falls Creek Falls, Fls Br Trl, Hot Springs, AR 71913, USA
8. Glory Hole Waterfall Trail
Flickr/AR Nature Gal
Located near Deer, this 1.8 mile trail leads to the Glory Hole Waterfall. One of the more interesting waterfalls in Arkansas, Glory Hole is aptly named because the water has worn a hole through the ledge above instead of flowing over it.
Glory Hole Falls Trail, Arkansas 72854, USA
9. Sam’s Throne Trail
Flickr/Jonathan Ball
The 2 mile Sam's Throne 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.
Sams Throne, Arkansas 72655, USA
10. Whitaker Point Trail
Flickr/AR Nature Gal
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.
Hawksbill Crag/Whitaker Point, Co Rd 406, Kingston, AR 72742, USA

Did we just plan your next day trip? Do you agree these are some of the best hikes in Arkansas, or is there an even better trail that deserves a shout out? Let us know! For more fun hiking ideas, why not plan a trip to Lake Atalanta?

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Hikes In Arkansas

July 29, 2022
Sara Dager

Which state parks should I visit in Arkansas?

Arkansas has a handy 52 state parks to explore, one to discover every day of the week! While we think they are all worth visiting, there are a few that we think are the best state parks in Arkansas. We are huge fans of Devil’s Den State Park with its massive lake, lush forest, many trails, and a truly breathtaking waterfall. We also love Petit Jean State park for its many awe-inspiring natural wonders like a natural bridge and a grotto! If you want some photographic proof that the best state parks are in Arkansas take a look at these photos of Arkansas state parks.

Are there any haunted hikes in Arkansas?

There isn’t much better than feeling a chill creep up your spine while you explore a new place. Haunted hiking is all the rage, and even if you don’t spot a spirit, you will still have a blast trekking somewhere that you haven’t before. As for haunted hikes in Arkansas, we recommend a visit to the Toltec Mounds archeological site. Many people have mentioned seeing entities and orbs while exploring this important historical site. And if that’s not enough spooky for you, you’ll be happy to know there are three whole haunted state parks in Arkansas!

Can I hike to abandoned places in Arkansas?

Not only are there haunted hikes in Arkansas, but you can also hike out to some exciting abandoned places that definitely feel creepy as well! They may not have a record of hauntings, but perhaps you’ll be the first person to spot something out of the ordinary. If you step out on a short half-mile trail near Ponca, you can discover an abandoned homestead with multiple structures, many of which you can look inside! There are log cabins, outhouses, and some education plaques around to educate you on the history of the site.

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