If There Are Only 5 Hikes You Ever Do In Arkansas, Make Them These
With so many amazingly scenic hikes in Arkansas, it’s tough to choose which one you want to visit. We’ve got long treks fit for experienced hikers, easy hikes, kid-friendly hikes in Arkansas, and just about any type of hike you can imagine. There are an awful lot of hikes in the Natural State. How do you even begin to choose from the multitude of trails available to you? If you’re looking to narrow down your choices to the very best hikes in Arkansas, we recommend starting with these five.
1. Whitaker Point Trail: Co Rd 406, Kingston, AR, 72742
Let's face it: Whitaker Point is going to land near the top of most people's Natural State bucket lists. The view is unbelievably beautiful - breathtaking, really. Whitaker Point Trail is not a terribly difficult hike. You do have to watch your step near the bluffs, but you'd be missing out if you passed up this relatively easy hike. It's got an absolutely jaw-dropping payoff.
Cedar Falls Trail is a little bit more difficult than Whitaker Point Trail, but we promise the payoff here is worth the effort. The trail is about two miles long and starts just behind Mather Lodge at Petit Jean State Park. It's one of the best hikes in Arkansas.
The Ouachita National Forest is such a stunning place. If you're looking to spend a little time there, take a hike on the Little Missouri Trail. This trail is about 11 miles in length, so if you choose to tackle the entirety, it will take you some time!
The Lost Valley Trail is one of the more popular hikes in Arkansas. Part of its popularity stems from the fact that it's pretty easy. It certainly doesn't hurt that it's incredibly beautiful, though! You'll find Eden Falls along the trail, plus so much greenery that you'll actually feel like you've entered the Garden of Eden.
Feel up for another strenuous hike? Caddo Bend Trail is waiting for you. The trail's around 3.8 miles long, and it's as pretty as can be. You'll head around the peninsula of Lake Ouachita, showing you the pretty mountain sunsets and the pristine waters of the clearest lake in Arkansas.
Which of these scenic hikes in Arkansas have you checked out? And do you have suggestions for more Natural State bucket list hikes? Share your thoughts in the comments: we love exploring our state!
Address: Mather Lodge, Petit Jean Mountain Rd, Morrilton, AR 72110, USA
Address: County Road 406, Co Rd 406, Arkansas 72742, USA
Address: Ouachita National Forest, Arkansas 71965, USA
Address: Lake Ouachita State Park, 5451 Mountain Pine Rd, Mountain Pine, AR 71956, USA
What are some good kid-friendly hikes in Arkansas?
Here are some shorter hikes in Arkansas that are great for viewing fall foliage. Most of them are under two miles, so they’re perfectly suitable for hiking with kids or novice hikers that haven’t got much experience. Bear Cave Trail at Petit Jean State Park is the shortest trail at the park, with only a quarter mile in length. You’ll head through some really scenic rock formations that are beautiful.
What are some great longer hikes in Arkansas?
Petit Jean State Park, the oldest state park in Arkansas, has some absolutely phenomenal longer hikes that are great for day hikes. If you’re looking for somewhere you can camp and hike at the same time, Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area is a lovely campground that has plenty of hiking trails and even waterfalls.
Address: Mather Lodge, Petit Jean Mountain Rd, Morrilton, AR 72110, USA
Address: County Road 406, Co Rd 406, Arkansas 72742, USA
Address: Ouachita National Forest, Arkansas 71965, USA
Address: Lake Ouachita State Park, 5451 Mountain Pine Rd, Mountain Pine, AR 71956, USA
Address: Buffalo River, Arkansas 72742, USA
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J.B. Weisenfels has lived in rural Arkansas for three decades. She is a writer, a mom, and a graduate student. She is also an avid collector of tacky fish whatnots, slightly chipped teapots, and other old things. In her spare time she enjoys driving to the nearest creek to sit a while. If you were to visit her, she'd try to feed you cornbread.
