This Blink-and-You’ll-Miss-It Town in Arkansas Is so Worth Exploring

It’s no secret that we enjoy the small towns in Arkansas. These are the communities with friendly folks, historic landmarks, and southern charm that you can’t find anywhere else. Some of my personal favorites include Leslie, Hardy, and, of course, I can't forget Eureka Springs. There are also those towns that are so tiny that you could miss them if you blinked for more than a second. One such town is Big Flat in Baxter County. 

Although not many folks are familiar with this hidden gem in Arkansas, it has so much to offer, especially if you love exploring the Ozarks. It’s a destination where time slows down, neighbors gather to exchange stories, and its natural beauty invites exploration. Next time you find yourself driving on Highway 14 through Baxter County, don’t skip over exploring this sleepy little town in Arkansas. Come with us to see all that Big Flat has to offer. Who knows, you might fall in love with this peaceful mountain town, too.

Get to Know Big Flat

Welcome to the town of Big Flat, Arkansas. With fewer than 100 residents, you can expect to find a tiny community frozen in time but buzzing with its own slow-paced beats. Originally inhabited by hunters and gatherers of the Osage tribe, the town was eventually settled by European settlers in the early 19th century. In 1854, a post office was established, but Big Flat wasn't incorporated until 1939, and got its name from a wide plateau, a unique area that stood out amongst the surrounding mountains.

Things to Do in Big Flat

While this town is tiny, it certainly is mighty. For one, its location in the Leatherwood Wilderness at the foothills of the Ozarks makes it a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts. In the surrounding area and within the town, you can find rivers, lakes, rolling hills, as well as other natural landscapes of the Ozarks. A big draw is that Big Flat is only a few miles from the Buffalo National River, a favorite playground for outdoor enthusiasts.

If you love chasing waterfalls, there will be plenty for you to add to your list, including Cougar, China, Crosscut Falls, and some hidden gems along the way. With endless hiking trails, outdoor adventurers will be delighted by all the rugged wilderness here. I would recommend bringing your camera to add some pics to your collection, and don't forget your hiking boots - trust me, you'll need them.

For more adventure, a must-visit spot in town is Shelton's Big Flat Getaway. Here, folks can rent a cabin to spend the night after exploring the great outdoors. And while you're here, take advantage of the horseback riding tours, where you can marvel at the natural landscapes of the Ozarks. The best part? You can bring your own horse and store it in the on-site stables.

If you love freshly brewed beer, then make your way to Gravity BrewWorks. This locally owned nanobrewery in Arkansas offers small batches of handcrafted ales and lagers. With a tasting room, guided tours, and a beer garden, beer lovers will find something to like here. For more exploration, take a stroll along AR-14 to see more of this sleepy town. You'll find lots of historic buildings, some have remained frozen in time with many stories to tell.

Of course, you're going to be hungry after you spend your day discovering the best parts of Big Flat. Grab a bite to eat at The Gathering Place, a charming restaurant and event venue. Housed in a historic building built in 1923, it served as a car dealership, a mercantile store, offices, a feed store, and currently a restaurant serving some of the best steak in the area. Don’t leave without a slice (or two) of the homemade strawberry pie. Yum!

Although Big Flat is a tiny town in Arkansas, as you can see, there is so much to do here. So, the next time you're in the area, be sure to stop in and experience all that it has to offer. Have you ever been to Big Flat, this sleepy little town in Arkansas? If so, what places did you explore while you were there? Tell us on our nomination page.

While you're in town, we recommend that you chase some waterfalls inside the Leatherwood Wilderness area. Be sure to download AllTrails+ before you leave for this hike. And for more small-town adventure, check out our article featuring seven charming small towns in Arkansas that belong on your list. Or use Only In Your State’s itinerary planner to personalize your own trip in Arkansas.