These 9 Trails in Arkansas Will Lead You To Extraordinary Historical Ruins

Not all trails lead to waterfalls. From Native American structures, historic battlefields and ghost towns, Arkansas is filled with a rich history. Luckily for us, both history lovers and nature lovers will enjoy many of our beautiful, historic hikes. Get lean and learn on these unique hikes in Arkansas that lead to extraordinary historical ruins.

1. Arkansas Post National Museum Trail - Gillett

Settled in 1686, Arkansas Post was the first permanent French settlement in the lower Mississippi Valley. This 2.2 mile trail is filled with historical goodies, including the site of the original village.

2. Battlefield Loop Trail - Prairie Grove

Recognized nationally as one of America's most intact Civil War battlefields, Prairie Grove State Park is a must stop for war buffs. The pleasantly short 1.1 mile trail will tour the battlefield as well as the intact buildings from the war.

3. Louisiana Purchase Boardwalk - Brinkley

Step into the early 1800s as you walk through the largest headwater swamp remaining in

the Mississippi River Valley. Found within the Louisiana Purchase State Park, the brief boardwalk leads to the point from which land surveys of the Louisiana Purchase Territory began.

4. Old Military Road Trail - Wynne

Part of the Village Creek State Park, the 2.2 mile trail is one of the most substantial portions of the Trail of Tears. The road was originally completed in 1829.

5. Mirror Lake Trail - Fifty-Six

This short 1.7 mile trail is just outside of Blanchard Springs Caverns. Besides the gorgeous view of the lake, the trail also passes ruins of an old mill.

6. The Village Trail - Parkin

For some of the earliest history in Arkansas, check out the .8 mile trail running through Parkin Archaeological State Park. The mound was once the foundation for the village chief around A.D. 1000.

7. Rock House Cave Trail - Morrilton

Discover Native American rock art over 500 years old on this four mile trail. This large rock shelter also contains "turtle rocks," an interesting geological formation.

8. Plum Bayou Trail Loop – Scott

Take the 2.5 mile trail to see the remains of the ceremonial and governmental complex originally inhabited until A.D. 1050. The Toltec Mounds Archaeological State Park also has had unusual artifacts excavated from the site.

9. Rush Mountain Mining Loop Trail - Rush

How often do you get to tour a ghost town? This 3.6 mile trail leads uphill to the abandoned mines (which are gated so sorry but no Scooby-Doo investigating) and tours around the old mining equipment, blacksmith shop, smelter, and more.

Are you ready to take one of these archaeological tours? Have you been on any of these unique hikes in Arkansas? Let us know in the comments below!

For more information on Rush and others, read about the grim realities of Arkansas ghost towns.