4 Places in Arkansas Locals Hope Tourists Never Discover

When most people think of Arkansas, Hot Springs National Park is probably the first place that comes to mind. After all, it's the oldest national park in the country. However, there are countless undiscovered gems in Arkansas that tourists have no idea even exist. These places locals love are off the beaten path, but the road less traveled by usually makes all the difference.

1. Pam's Grotto, Hagarville

You won’t see any signs pointing you to Pam’s Grotto. Only locals know about this pristine oasis tucked away in the Ozarks, and directions are mainly shared by word of mouth. As you head north on Highway 123 in Hagarville, you’ll see a small inlet about 15 miles after the intersection with Highway 164. That’s where the trailhead begins, and once you park, all that stands between you and one of Arkansas’s most breathtaking hidden gems is a mere half-mile hike.

Although the trail is short, it’s not easy. The incline is sharp, and there are some loose rocks, so make sure you have a good pair of hiking shoes. The path is easy to follow, with towering trees and massive rock formations on either side that promise to leave you in awe. While the waterfall itself isn’t particularly tall, its mesmerizing beauty makes up for its lack of height. The water spills from a limestone overhang into a shallow pool, surrounded by moss-covered rocks and lush greenery. Even better, you have a good chance of getting the waterfall all to yourself since hardly anyone even knows about it. That's precisely why this is one of the places locals love in Arkansas.

2. Roark Bluff, Buffalo National River near Jasper

The Buffalo National River is known for its dazzling dark skies, but it's just as scenic during the day. Roark Bluff is a 3/4-mile-long, 200-foot-tall sandstone slab near Steel Creek Campground that towers over the landscape with a majestic, commanding presence. You can park near site 24 at the campground and follow a marked trail leading down to the river (and the base of the bluff). Walk along the riverbank and gaze in awe at the ancient rock that appears to stretch up into the clouds. There's a swimming hole you can cool off in during the summer, or if you visit in the fall, you'll be treated to a gorgeous display of changing leaves.

3. Richland Creek Wilderness

Tourists flock to famous destinations like Hot Springs National Park, which leaves equally beautiful places, such as the Richland Creek Wilderness, criminally underappreciated. The silver lining, however, is that locals don't have to share. Spanning nearly 12,000 acres in the lesser-known Boston Mountains, this rugged oasis in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest is home to over 30 waterfalls, with the tallest being 78-foot Terry Keefe Falls. You can pick up a trail map at the Richland Waterfalls Welcome Center in Witts Springs to plan your adventure. Whether you're following the creek and meditating on the rhythmic sound of its flowing waters or admiring the vibrant foliage, the Richland Creek Wilderness captivates all who visit.

4. Bull Shoals Caverns

Cosmic Cavern gets all the attention, but Bull Shoals Caverns is not to be missed, either. Located in the scenic Ozark Mountains, it’s one of the world’s oldest limestone caves, formed approximately 350 million years ago. Visitors can embark on a guided tour and marvel at a variety of stunning cave formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, columns, flowstone, and more.

How many of these undiscovered gems in Arkansas have you visited? Would you add any others to the list?

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