The Haunted Arkansas Trail Where a Village Vanished Into Thin Air

When I think of haunted places in Arkansas, the last location that comes to mind is a state park. However, creepy places are not one-dimensional, and they come in all shapes and sizes. They could be a century-old hotel, a museum with a tragic history, a courthouse known for public executions, or even some of our well-known hiking trails. 

In fact, arguably one of the creepiest hikes in Arkansas is the Knapp Trail and Plum Bayou Trail Loop within the Plum Bayou Mounds Archaeological State Park (formerly called the Toltec Mounds Archaeological State Park). The two-mile trail encircles the ruins of a village that vanished without a trace. How peculiar is that? Of course, the mysterious disappearance only piques my curiosity to learn more about this anomaly. So, if you’re brave enough, come with me to explore this mysterious hiking trail in Arkansas.

Located just 20 miles southeast of Little Rock is the tiny town of Scott, Arkansas. With fewer than 50 residents, this farming community is small, but it’s rich in history. The town is most famously known for being the home to the Plum Bayou Mounds Archaeological State Park, one of Arkansas’ most renowned historical sites.

But the park also has scenic hiking trails, picnic areas, and a visitor center with a museum and interactive exhibits, making it ideal for a day trip in Central Arkansas. Of course, I'm mostly interested in the historical site here. It’s the largest and most complex mound site in the entire state, and due to its historic significance, the park has been deemed a National Historical Landmark.

Even more fascinating, the park was once the home of a group of people known as the Plum Bayou Tribe. The Plum Bayou people were very intelligent, industrious, and had established their own community here. The group inhabited the area between 650 A.D. and 1050 A.D. That makes their story a significant part of the history of The Natural State.

If you're interested in ancient civilizations, then you'll find plenty to keep you busy here. One of the most fascinating aspects of the park is that archeologists and historians have been unable to trace the Plum Bayou people's origins. Initially, it was thought they were related to the Toltec tribes of Mexico; however, that theory was quickly ruled out.

What’s more? The mysterious group abandoned the site around 1050 A.D., which is how it became one of the most abandoned places in Arkansas. Today, no remnants of the actual residents exist. Instead, 18 mounds are all that remain of the Plum Bayou Culture. As if an entire village disappearing without a trace isn’t creepy enough, park-goers have had some strange experiences within the park.

Visitors have reported hearing phantom footsteps as well as seeing orbs and ghosts roaming about the park. If you’re the type who seeks out scary spots rather than avoiding them, you’ll be glad to know that the hiking trails here lead straight to the (paranormal) action. All of the park’s inexplicable occurrences have taken place near the mounds, making it one of the most haunted places in Arkansas. Coincidentally, the park’s two trails – the Knapp Trail and Plum Bayou Trail – both lead past the mysterious mounds, so be on the lookout for anomalies as you trek.

A mix of natural beauty, history, and eeriness, the creepiest hike in Arkansas is perfect for adventure-seekers of all sorts!

Have you ever been to Plum Bayou Mounds Archaeological State Park, which is a significant piece of Arkansas history? If so, what did you think? Did it creep you out? We'd love to read about your experience, so tell us about it on our nomination page.

For more info, call Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park at (501) 961-9442 or visit the historic park website. Just a quick note: the boardwalk portion of the trails is temporarily closed for repairs, but the remaining trails are open for exploration.

This isn’t the only creepy place in Arkansas worth visiting. There are lots of destinations that will make your hair stand on end, and this road trip in Arkansas leads straight to them.

For more fun in Arkansas, check out this video about the 10 best things to do in the state. Or you can use our Only In Your State itinerary planner to create your own adventure.