Posted in Arkansas
March 26, 2017
The 11 Places You Absolutely Must Visit In Arkansas This Spring
Spring has officially sprung, y’all, and it’s time to get out and see all the wonders the Natural State has to offer. Below you’ll find eleven places where you can go to see Arkansas in her spring green finery. So go forth! Enjoy the mild weather and the flowers that are popping their little heads up out of the ground! After all, there’s no time like springtime.
We told you about all of these places in previous articles. If you want to learn more about them, click their names.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Garvan Woodland Gardens is lovely any time of the year, but it becomes even more stunning when spring rolls around and the flowers begin to bloom. In fact, it’s 210 acres of intensely beautiful botanical gardens with trails, bridges, and manmade waterfalls. You can find Garvan Woodland Gardens at 550 Arkridge Road in Hot Springs.
Spring is the season of waterfalls, and you’re not going to find one more stunning than the two-tiered waterfall created by the CCC-built dam at Mirror Lake. It’s a totally gorgeous byproduct of the damming of Blanchard Spring, and you’ll find it in the Ozark National Forest near the community of Fifty-Six.
The Richland Creek Wilderness Area is well known for being a waterfall paradise. When I say well known, I mean that people from outside the Natural State go there to explore the glorious 11,674 acres that has waterfalls hiding all around it. This place is remote and rugged, so do be sure to come prepared. With the spring rains and the spring green, the spectacular falls of the Richland Creek Wilderness become even more stunning. You’ll find the Richland Creek Wilderness area in the Ozark National Forest near the community of Sand Gap.
Mammoth Spring is the largest spring with its source in Arkansas, and it’s the perfect place to hang out on a mild spring afternoon. You’re going to love the state park devoted to this spring, with its train depot visitor center and the option to rent a paddleboat. It really is a natural spring you won’t want to miss.
You do know Arkansas has its own Grand Canyon, right? There’s no better time to visit that natural wonder than when the valley below is green and full of life. You’ll find it on Highway 7 near the town of Jasper.
After those spring rains begin to fall in earnest, you need to head up to Camp Orr Road in Jasper. Because after it rains, the stunning Triple Falls will be roaring in Camp Orr, and you don’t want to miss all that beauty.
There’s a reason spring is the best time to visit Arkansas’s most unique castle. The reason is that you’ll find over 400 varieties of flowers blooming in Mrs. Quigley’s garden. Quigley’s Castle is located at 274 Quigley Castle Road in Eureka Springs.
Cedar Creek is a lovely little creek in Petit Jean State Park, and yes, it is the creek where you’ll find Cedar Falls, Arkansas’s most photographed waterfall. When the rains come the creek will be swollen, the trees will be green, and you’ll love your hike on Cedar Creek Trail. You’ll find Petit Jean State Park at 1285 Petit Jean Mountain Road in Morrilton.
Longbow Resort is one of the most spectacular places to stay in the Natural State. Part of its appeal is the waterfalls you’ll see next to many of the cabins, but especially Longbow Cabin, which looks just like a fantastic dream. Longbow Resort is located at 4349 Prim Road in Edgemont.
If you’re looking for endless green, I’ve got the solution. Simply drive to the top of Mount Magazine at 577 Lodge Drive in Paris and look from the top of the highest point in Arkansas at all the hills and valleys around it.
If you’re up for a little adventure, you should try to see the green from the canopy of the Ozark National Forest. You can do just that at Loco Ropes, which is located at Ozark Folk Center State Park at 1025A Park Avenue in Mountain View. It’s an adventure park, and there’s no adventure quite like it.
For natural place you need to visit in 2017, click here. It’s also not too late to get in on this list of things you should do every month this year.
