The Little-Known Trail in Arkansas is Our Favorite First Hike of the Year

If you're looking for a perfect first hike of the year, you'll love the Mount Nebo Rim Trail in Mount Nebo State Park. This park and hike are not far from Russellville, and you'll love the incredible views that it offers. It's very highly rated by all who have enjoyed it in the past, and it's just 3.2 miles long. You'll gain 308 feet of elevation along the way, and it takes most hikers just over an hour to complete.

Mount Nebo State Park is lovely in general. This park was created in 1928 and was developed soon after that by workers working with the Civilian Conservation Corps. It was Arkansas' second state park after Petit Jean State Park nearby. The park offers a visitor center, 15 cabins, 25 campsites, picnic areas, and a swimming pool during the summer months. The park's main pavilion, built in 1935, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. There are 25 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails in the park as well.

Perhaps the most popular trail in the park is the Mount Nebo Rim Trail. It's easy to see why. This loop trail is rated moderate; you'll return to where you parked at the end without having to backtrack. Dogs are allowed on this trail, but they must be leashed.

There are many ups and downs on this trail, but the effort you put into completing it will be well worth it. On your journey, you'll circumnavigate Mount Nebo. The peak of this mountain is 1,750 feet above sea level. For the most part, the top of this mountain is rather flat, which means you'll get spectacular views throughout the hike — not just at the end of it. The views of the surrounding mountains and the river valley below are breathtaking.

There are a variety of interesting rock formations along this route, too. Icicles form along them in the wintertime, offering some unique opportunities for photography. Some of the rocky areas can be challenging to traverse, so be sure to wear sturdy boots for your adventure. You might even want to bring some trekking poles to help you keep your balance.

Due to the fact that much of the rain and snow that falls on the top of Mount Nebo is not absorbed well by the rocky surface, you'll see a variety of creeks, springs, and small waterfalls on your hike. There are no actual creek crossings on this hike, though, so you should be able to stay dry all the way back to your car. Be careful of the mud, however, as it's a small price to pay for all you'll gain from this hike.

A hike early in the year is a great way to connect with nature while you reflect on your hopes, dreams, and goals for the year ahead. The Mount Nebo Rim Trail is a perfect place to do those things, and this is sure to be a hike that will be enjoyed by all who give it a shot. And if you're headed to this part of Arkansas and looking for other things to do in the area, be sure to check out our itinerary planner for recommendations.