12 Incredible Hikes Under 5 Miles Everyone In Arkansas Should Take

You could probably hike Arkansas trails forever and still never see all the wonders the Natural State has to offer. Luckily, you don’t have to have forever to view the gorgeous landscape here: we’ve selected some awesome hikes that can be done in an afternoon. Beneath the descriptions, you’ll also find the trails' lengths and difficulty levels. Here are our picks for great hikes under five miles in Arkansas.

1. Caddo Bend Trail, Lake Ouachita State Park (Mountain Pine)

You can hike around the lake here, and as long as you’ve got a leash, your four-legged best friend can come with you. With a bit of searching, you can also find a super cool, if not small, cave.

Length: 3.8 miles Difficulty: Moderate

Check out the AllTrails page for additional information.

Address: 5451 Mountain Pine Road, Mountain Pine, Arkansas, 71956

2. Bear Hollow Trail, Mount Magazine State Park (Paris)

Set at gorgeous Mount Magazine, Bear Hollow Trail makes for a magical afternoon every single time. Be sure to pack a lunch, as this one ends at the Benefield Picnic Area! On the way, you can find gems like Inspiration Point (pictured above), Sunrise Rock, and Shoal Creek.

Length: 2.8 miles Difficulty: Moderate

Check out the official website for additional information.

Address: 577 Lodge Drive, Paris, Arkansas, 72855

3. Bench Road Trail, Mount Nebo State Park (Dardanelle)

About 300 feet below the summit of Mount Nebo is a slab of sandstone known as "The Bench." Bench ultra-cool natural shelf. The trail features views of Fern Lake, and steps that were once meant to be part of a resort development. Plus, you could always simply sit among the wildflowers and enjoy.

Length: 4 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Check out the AllTrails website for additional information.

Address: 16728 State Highway 155, Dardanelle, Arkansas, 72834

4. Coastal Plain Trail, White Oak Lake State Park (Bluff City)

Named for the region of Arkansas in which it is placed, this trail winds through sand hills and offers views of terrific, unique plant life. Hikers here can admire the transition of lowland wonders to dreamy forest landscapes, and the lake itself is totally gorgeous.

Length: 3 miles.

Difficulty: Moderate

Check out the Arkansas State Parks website for additional information.

Address: 563 State Highway 387 #1701, Bluff City, Arkansas, 71722

5. Falls Branch Trail, Lake Catherine State Park (Hot Springs)

This trail is a can’t-miss because it leads to the spectacular Falls Creek Falls. It passes through beautiful hardwood forests and crosses Little Canyon Creek several times.

Length: 2 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Check out the official website for additional information.

Address: 1200 Catherine Park Road, Hot Springs, Arkansas, 71913

6. Harris Creek Trail, Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area (Wickes)

Moving from Baker Creek Bridge to Harris Creek to the Cossatot River, this trail winds through mature forests, around a shale pit, and features an overlook of the Cossatot at the trail’s end.

Length: 3 miles. Difficulty: moderate.

Check out the official website for additional information.

Address: 1980 US-278, Wickes, Arkansas, 71973

7. Indian Rockhouse Self-Guided Nature Trail, Buffalo National River (Harrison)

At the end of this trail, you’ll find an incredible Indian Rockhouse Cave that prehistoric Native Americans once called home. There are no ruins there, but the cave is well worth the hike. Iff you add an extra two miles to your hike, you can also visit a bat cave. No, not THE Bat Cave, just A bat cave.

Length: 3.5 miles

Difficulty: Strenuous

Check out the official Arkansas.com website for additional information.

Address: 337 Snead Drive, Fairfield Bay, Arkansas, 72088

8. Rim Trail, Mount Nebo State Park (Dardanelle)

This trail circles the top of Mount Nebo. It’s also the starting point for the other 14 trails in the park! From the trail, you can catch glimpses of gorgeous Lake Dardanelle as well as panoramic views of the Arkansas River Valley.

Length: 3.5 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Check out the AllTrails website for additional information.

Address: 16728 State Highway 155, Dardanelle, Arkansas, 72834

9. Seven Hollows Trail, Petit Jean State Park (Morrilton)

Through small canyons and onward to prehistoric cave dwellings! Seven Hollows Trail is a unique experience that any hiker of most skills levels can enjoy. There’s a natural stone arch, a hardwood forest, and some truly unique rock formations along the way, too.

Length: 4.5 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Check out the AllTrails website for additional information.

Address: 1285 Petit Jean Mountain Road, Morrilton, Arkansas, 72110

10. Winding Stairs Trail, Albert Pike Recreation Area (Caddo Gap)

This trail follows the Little Missouri River and features cascades and waterfalls. You can find great fishing spots and swimming holes, and your canine friends are welcome as long as you’ve got them on a leash.

Length: 4.8 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Check out the AllTrails website for additional information.

Address: NFW 106, Umpire, Arkansas, 71971

11. Yellow Rock Trail, Devil’s Den State Park (West Fork)

This trail takes hikers up 300 feet of elevation, to the best view in the park. The trail ends with the spectacular view from Yellow Rock, which puts the Lee Creek valley at hikers’ feet.

Length: 3 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Check out the Arkansas State Parks website for additional information.

Address: 11333 West Arkansas Highway 74, West Fork, Arkansas, 72774

12. White Rock Rim Loop, White Rock Mountain Recreation Area (White Rock)

Constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this trail takes hikers around the bluffs surrounding White Rock. These are truly some of the most spectacular views to be found in Arkansas.

Length: 2 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Check out the AllTrails website for additional information.

Address: 214 Bowles Gap Road, Winslow, Arkansas, 72959

When it comes to hikes under 5 miles in Arkansas, there are tons to choose from. There's no way we included them all, so make sure to tell us your favorites in the comments! Looking for more ideas for your next getaway in Arkansas? Check this list out for inspiration.