Arkansas
Nature|Hiking

Hike Above The Little Red River For Some Big Views At Mossy Bluff Buckeye Trail In Arkansas

Explore the Mossy Bluff Buckeye Trail near Greers Ferry Lake for a scenic and family-friendly hiking adventure.

Published Jun 4, 2020

Written by 

Carol Ann Carson

It's easy to fill a weekend (or longer) with adventures on Greers Ferry Lake! But, before you jump in, take this scenic trail near the dam. Mossy Bluff Buckeye Trail loops around some beautiful scenery and peaks at a bird eye's view of the Little Red River. Let's head out to this gorgeously green adventure.

There's a lovely trail to discover on the far east side of Greers Ferry Lake.

alt
Google/Maria Rosenberg

It's located near the Dam Site Recreation Area in Heber Springs. The trail begins behind the William Carl Garner Visitor Center; which, when open, is a fantastic learning spot! Check their hours on their website.

advertisement

Mossy Bluff Buckeye Trail is rated as moderate but most families will find it relaxing.

alt
Google/Josh Sutton

The path is well-worn with no rugged bushwhacking needed. The trail's elevation gain is a modest 265-ft. but does contain many sets of stairs. Hike-loving kids and leashed dogs too will enjoy taking on this moderate challenge!

There's plenty to see along the way.

alt
AllTrails/Kristina Miller

The loop feels inner-city at first (since it does begin close to AR-5) but quickly sweeps you away into the riverside forest. The trail meanders past wildflowers, open-mouthed caves, and even a couple of cascades.

You've made it to the top!

alt
Googe/Josh Sutton

You may have worked up a huff and puff charging up the 200-step staircase but the open view is worth it! Catch your breath and drink in the beautiful panoramic view of the Little Red.

Mossy Bluff Buckeye is quite the underrated trail but it still makes for an excellent side adventure during your trip to the lake!

alt
AllTrails/Dana Smith

Camping at either the John F. Kennedy Park Campground or Dam Site Campground is near the trail as well as cabins on Greers Ferry Lake. No matter how long you spend in the area, this is one trail you need to enjoy for yourself.

Have you already enjoyed the Mossy Bluff Buckeye Trail? Share your experience in the comments below! We'd love to see your trail photos in our Facebook group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why there’s nothing better than Arkansas’ stunning nature.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Nature|Hiking

Hike Blue Mountain Natural Area Newest Trail In Arkansas For An Unforgettable Adventure

Calling all hikers and mountain bikers, your next adventure is waiting at Luna Moth Loop. It’s an unforgettable hike in Arkansas.

Published Sep 3, 2024

Written by 

Melanie Johnson

We first told you about one of Arkansas's newest trail systems near Roland, the Blue Mountain Natural Area in this article about the Rattlesnake Ridge trail. I hope by now you’ve had a chance to explore this scenic trail because it’s really worth seeing. Today, we are featuring another trail inside the natural area that belongs on your list as well. At 6-miles long, the Luna Moth and Tarantula Hawk Loop takes you through some spectacular views inside the Ouachita Mountains and you'll want to see it for yourself. Download AllTrails and come with us on this unforgettable hike in Arkansas.

advertisement

Whether you’re a hiker or mountain biker, you’ll find adventure at every turn on the Luna Moth and Tarantula Hawk Loop near Roland.

alt
Tom Huetter/AllTrails

Tucked inside the Blue Mountain Natural Area inside the Ouachitas, this trail has become a favorite among folks in Central Arkansas.

alt
Noah Darnell/Google

The trail is pretty flat, well-marked, and easy to navigate so it’s great for beginner hikers and bikers. 

alt
Nancy Wilkerson/AllTrails

Expert hikers and bikers, you’ll love this trail too because there is so much adventure along the way.

alt
Kurt Annis/AllTrails

You’ll love the winding paths, footbridges as well as the connecting trails that lead to rocky terrains and some spectacular views. 

advertisement
alt
Tom Huetter/AllTrails

And speaking of views, be sure to take some time to pause and take it all in. 

alt
Joy Wasson/AllTrails

Don’t leave the dog or the kids at home, bring them along for this unforgettable hike in Arkansas. Just make sure the furry pals remain leashed as you trek. 

alt
Dominik Gruenwald/AllTrails

Birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts, bring your camera because there will be plenty of wildlife to see here. 

alt
Melody L/AllTrails

We are so excited about Arkansas' newest trail system and we hope that you’ll be too. 

Have you trekked any of the trails inside the Blue Mountain Natural Area? If so, which trail is your favorite. Tell us below. And don’t forget to download AllTrails for access to offline maps of all the trails.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Nature|Hiking

This Beautiful Boardwalk Trail In Arkansas Is The Most Unique Hike Around

The William E. "Bill" Clark Presidential Park Wetlands in Little Rock offers a scenic boardwalk trail through restored wetlands, perfect for a peaceful nature walk.

Updated Aug 11, 2024

Written by 

Carol Ann Carson

There's a pleasant boardwalk hike in Arkansas that will transport you from the busy city of Little Rock to a peaceful wetland setting. This trail is quite a unique way to enjoy the restored natural beauty of central Arkansas. Let's relax and take a nature break along one of the most accessible hikes in Arkansas.

advertisement

Attractions are endless in Little Rock but there's one place in particular that's a hidden gem.

alt
Anne Haynes / Google Reviews

The William E. "Bill" Clark Presidential Park Wetlands is tucked away between the Clinton Museum and the Arkansas River. It's located along President Clinton Ave., Little Rock, AR 72201.

The Arkansas boardwalk trail is the perfect balance of scenic cityscape and relaxing nature walk.

alt
Gayle Nicholson / Google Reviews

The views are simply breathtaking at any angle.

The trail circles around the 13 acres of restored wetland.

alt
Kourtney DeRouen / Google Reviews

Before restorations, the area had been a trash-filled storm drain runoff. It's always great to see efforts to restore places to their natural state. It's our motto, after all.

advertisement

Different sculptures are scattered all along the trail.

alt
Ray Killen / Google Reviews

The park was named in honor of Bill Clark, a local political leader and outdoor enthusiast.

The wetland area also houses the largest bat box in Arkansas.

alt
Lisa Barger / Google Reviews

Multiple species share the box but the Brazillian Free-Tailed is the most common to spot.

All sorts of wildlife make their home in this wetland.

alt
Henry T. McLin / Flickr

Along your hike, you may spot birds like the Great Egret, Green Heron, Solitary Sandpiper, Belted Kingfisher, or Baltimore Oriole. Turtles, snakes, and fish are also common to see.

advertisement

The trail is the perfect nature break for your family's trip to the big city.

alt
Ronda Dillon / Google Reviews

The outdoor environmental classroom makes this walk fun and educational.

This is one boardwalk trail that everyone will enjoy.

alt
Dre Akbad Thorton / Google Reviews

The unique trail is the perfect escape to recharge from the hustle and bustle of Little Rock.

Did you know about this city-centered wetland? Have you strolled along this boardwalk hike in Arkansas before? Share with us in the comments section!

Just north of this area is an unbelievably beautiful park that you really need to see for yourself because some of the best hikes in Arkansas don't have to be grueling three-hour journeys. Find more hiking trails in Arkansas near you with AllTrails+.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/arkansas/ar-beautiful-hike/

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Food

In Support Of The Local Food Hall

by Megan Shute
on Sep 9
alt
Food
Bakeries & Dessert

The Best Apple Cider Donuts in Iowa Come from this Remote Farm

by Raymond Goldfield
on Sep 8
alt
Nature
Hiking

These 50 Scenic Hikes in the U.S. Lead to the Best Fall Foliage in Every State

by Megan Todaro
on Sep 6
alt
Nature
Hiking

The 3.1-Mile Hiking Trail in Rhode Island That Is a Fall Foliage Wonderland

by Beth Price-Williams
on Sep 6
alt
Food
Restaurants

Savor Spain’s Culinary Delights at Connecticut’s Premier Mediterranean Restaurant

by Lisa Sammons
on Sep 6
alt