The summer heat has simmered down and the crispness of fall is beginning to settle. There’s no better time to get out and enjoy the beauty of the Natural State. We’ve collected some of the best hikes in Arkansas for that first hint of fall. Let’s get out and enjoy the perfect weather at the start of the season with a hike or two.
- Cedar Creek Trail - Morrilton
Flickr/Jonathan Ball This dreamy trail is the perfect way to kick off the fall season. The 1.2-mile loop is simply stunning, regardless if the fall foliage has set in or not. Cedar Falls will be especially gorgeous because of the unusually wet season this year. Cedar Creek Trail is at Petit Jean State Park, which is located at 1285 Petit Jean Mountain Rd., Morrilton, AR 72110. Cedar creek trail, 1285 Petit Jean Mountain Rd, Morrilton, AR 72110, USA
- Two Rivers Park Trail - Little Rock
AllTrails/Denise Reynolds There’s something irresistible about the scent of crisp autumn air and pine. Indulge your senses with a stroll along Two Rivers Park Trail. The 6.3-mile trail is perfect for all skill levels. Avoid crowds and have the chance to watch the deer if you take the trail in the morning. Two Rivers Park is located at 6900 Two Rivers Park Rd., Little Rock, AR 72223. Two Rivers Park Trail, Little Rock, AR 72223, USA
- Yellow Rock Trail - West Fork
AllTrails/Barb Maupin Yellow Rock Trail has no shortage of panoramic beauty along the 2.7-mile loop. No matter if the leaves have started changing or not, the trail has fantastic rock formations and overlooks. Challenge yourself to take the trail as a sunrise hike to avoid crowds and to start your day off active. Yellow Rock Trail is at Devil’s Den State Park, which is located at 11333 AR-74, West Fork, AR 72774. Yellow Rock Trail Parking, QPHV+R2, West Fork, AR 72774, USA
- Indian Rock House Trail - Yellville
Flickr/Dave Thomas Countless creeks, a historic mine, and an impressive rock shelter makes this trail truly worthwhile. The 2.8 loop is mildly strenuous but the cool weather will keep you from breaking a sweat. Indian Rock House Trail near the Buffalo National River at Hwy 268 E, Yellville, AR 72687. Indian Rockhouse Trail, Hwy 268 E, Yellville, AR 72687, USA
- Dripping Springs Trail - Paris
Flickr/Jonathan Ball The underrated Dripping Springs Trail is a great autumn challenge after taking on Mount Magazine’s Signal Hill. The 4.1-mile trail is moderate and offers spectacular views of the valley. The little pops of color when the leaves start to change will be lovely. Mount Magazine’s address is 16878 AR-309, Paris, AR 72855. Dripping Springs Trail, Arkansas 72956, USA
- Alum Cove Trail - Deer
Rick’s Hiking Blog Another great place to explore in fall is the Alum Cove Natural Bridge. The 1.2-mile trail leads to the one of the largest natural bridges in the south. If the impressive bridge wasn’t enough, there’s also caves and alcoves to explore as well as some waterfalls. The Alum Cove Natural Bridge Rec Area is located at the end of Co Rd 184, Deer, AR 72628. Alum Cove Natural Bridge Recreation Area, Deer, AR 72628, USA
- Six Finger Falls Trail - Sand Gap
Flickr/AR Nature Gal The trail isn’t too much of a hike but the area certainly has plenty to explore. Six Finger Falls is beautiful after a rain, but when paired with the fall foliage it’s simply breathtaking. For directions to the fall, use this map. Six Finger Falls, Falling Water Creek, Sand Gap, AR 72856, USA
- Fern Hollow Trail - Bluff City
AllTrails/AJ Smith Cruise around White Oak Lake on a kayak or hike along the 7.4-mile Fern Hollow Trail. If four to five hours of hiking is a bit too strenuous, you can take advantage of the cut-back about halfway through the loop. No matter how you traverse this area, the fall views of the lake are quite gorgeous. Fern Hollow Trail is within White Oak Lake State Park, which is located at 563 State Hwy 387 #1701, Bluff City, AR 71722. White Oak Lake State Park, Arkansas 71726, USA
- Winding Stairs Trail - Caddo Gap
AllTrails/Ryan Browder Don’t dismiss the Winding Stairs Trail as being a summer-only adventure. This hike is remarkably peaceful during the fall. Enjoy the cool weather while exploring the 4.8-mile trail’s rock formations and waterfalls. For directions to the trail, use these coordinates. Winding Stairs Road, Winding Stairs Rd, Arkansas 71971, USA
- Garvan Woodland Gardens - Hot Springs
Facebook/Garvan Woodland Gardens The best way to enjoy the Garvan Gardens is to visit each season. The Gardens may be known for their spring tulips but you wouldn’t want to miss the many mums nor the rich fall colors. Celebrate fall with them on October 27th, 2018 with a fun family festival. The Garvan Woodland Gardens are located at 550 Arkridge Rd., Hot Springs National Park, AR 71913. Garvan Woodland Gardens, 550 Arkridge Rd, Hot Springs, AR 71913, USA
What are your favorite hiking trails to ring in the fall season? Share with us in the comments below! Share your photos with us in our Facebook Group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why there’s nothing better than Arkansas’ stunning nature.
Flickr/Jonathan Ball
This dreamy trail is the perfect way to kick off the fall season. The 1.2-mile loop is simply stunning, regardless if the fall foliage has set in or not. Cedar Falls will be especially gorgeous because of the unusually wet season this year. Cedar Creek Trail is at Petit Jean State Park, which is located at 1285 Petit Jean Mountain Rd., Morrilton, AR 72110.
Cedar creek trail, 1285 Petit Jean Mountain Rd, Morrilton, AR 72110, USA
AllTrails/Denise Reynolds
There’s something irresistible about the scent of crisp autumn air and pine. Indulge your senses with a stroll along Two Rivers Park Trail. The 6.3-mile trail is perfect for all skill levels. Avoid crowds and have the chance to watch the deer if you take the trail in the morning. Two Rivers Park is located at 6900 Two Rivers Park Rd., Little Rock, AR 72223.
Two Rivers Park Trail, Little Rock, AR 72223, USA
AllTrails/Barb Maupin
Yellow Rock Trail has no shortage of panoramic beauty along the 2.7-mile loop. No matter if the leaves have started changing or not, the trail has fantastic rock formations and overlooks. Challenge yourself to take the trail as a sunrise hike to avoid crowds and to start your day off active. Yellow Rock Trail is at Devil’s Den State Park, which is located at 11333 AR-74, West Fork, AR 72774.
Yellow Rock Trail Parking, QPHV+R2, West Fork, AR 72774, USA
Flickr/Dave Thomas
Countless creeks, a historic mine, and an impressive rock shelter makes this trail truly worthwhile. The 2.8 loop is mildly strenuous but the cool weather will keep you from breaking a sweat. Indian Rock House Trail near the Buffalo National River at Hwy 268 E, Yellville, AR 72687.
Indian Rockhouse Trail, Hwy 268 E, Yellville, AR 72687, USA
The underrated Dripping Springs Trail is a great autumn challenge after taking on Mount Magazine’s Signal Hill. The 4.1-mile trail is moderate and offers spectacular views of the valley. The little pops of color when the leaves start to change will be lovely. Mount Magazine’s address is 16878 AR-309, Paris, AR 72855.
Dripping Springs Trail, Arkansas 72956, USA
Rick’s Hiking Blog
Another great place to explore in fall is the Alum Cove Natural Bridge. The 1.2-mile trail leads to the one of the largest natural bridges in the south. If the impressive bridge wasn’t enough, there’s also caves and alcoves to explore as well as some waterfalls. The Alum Cove Natural Bridge Rec Area is located at the end of Co Rd 184, Deer, AR 72628.
Alum Cove Natural Bridge Recreation Area, Deer, AR 72628, USA
Flickr/AR Nature Gal
The trail isn’t too much of a hike but the area certainly has plenty to explore. Six Finger Falls is beautiful after a rain, but when paired with the fall foliage it’s simply breathtaking. For directions to the fall, use this map.
Six Finger Falls, Falling Water Creek, Sand Gap, AR 72856, USA
AllTrails/AJ Smith
Cruise around White Oak Lake on a kayak or hike along the 7.4-mile Fern Hollow Trail. If four to five hours of hiking is a bit too strenuous, you can take advantage of the cut-back about halfway through the loop. No matter how you traverse this area, the fall views of the lake are quite gorgeous. Fern Hollow Trail is within White Oak Lake State Park, which is located at 563 State Hwy 387 #1701, Bluff City, AR 71722.
White Oak Lake State Park, Arkansas 71726, USA
AllTrails/Ryan Browder
Don’t dismiss the Winding Stairs Trail as being a summer-only adventure. This hike is remarkably peaceful during the fall. Enjoy the cool weather while exploring the 4.8-mile trail’s rock formations and waterfalls. For directions to the trail, use these coordinates.
Winding Stairs Road, Winding Stairs Rd, Arkansas 71971, USA
Facebook/Garvan Woodland Gardens
The best way to enjoy the Garvan Gardens is to visit each season. The Gardens may be known for their spring tulips but you wouldn’t want to miss the many mums nor the rich fall colors. Celebrate fall with them on October 27th, 2018 with a fun family festival. The Garvan Woodland Gardens are located at 550 Arkridge Rd., Hot Springs National Park, AR 71913.
Garvan Woodland Gardens, 550 Arkridge Rd, Hot Springs, AR 71913, USA
Don’t miss this spectacular article featuring scenic hikes around Arkansas for each month of the year.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Fall Hikes In Arkansas July 29, 2022 Bill Hall
What are some kid-friendly hikes around Arkansas?
There are some wonderful kid-friendly hikes around Arkansas. A good hike for a child should be safe and beautiful. You want to get out yourself, but you also want an opportunity for your child to practice appreciating nature and language. One of the fun things you might try is to challenge your child to notice things and consider what they see. Asking open-ended questions before and during a hike is a wonderful opportunity to develop a child’s mind. (Experts say it doesn’t matter if the answers are correct. Just asking and thinking builds the brain!)
Some fun examples might be: How many birds do you think we will see today? Then count as many as you can. (Birds hold some elements of magic for most children— they fly, they sing, they explore, they build nests… it’s good to encourage this feeling.) Why do you think trees look the way they do? (Again, it doesn’t matter what they think and you don’t need to know either. It’s about wondering and enjoying the feeling of thinking without the pressure of being right or wrong.) Many hikes have some kind of history attached. For instance, the Historic Van Winkle Trail leads to the ruins of the Van Winkle Mill. Lots of questions will arise here. Plus, if you like telling stories you can retell the unrelated, but still fun, story of Rip Van Winkle. There’s also the Farkleberry Trail. What a fun word. Farkleberry is a bitter berry eaten by wildlife that grows on shrubs. (Humans can eat them too, but they are reportedly bitter and tough.) Farkleberry. Farkleberry. Weird words are fun to say and help develop language skills in the little ones. Remember that you do not have to worry about knowing the answers to any question a child asks. Picking up trivia is not the point. You are having a nice experience with your child and providing an opportunity to develop thinking and language skills. A great answer from an adult is always, “I’m not sure, what do you think?”
You can find both of these trails and more in the article: 9 Totally Kid-Friendly Hikes In Arkansas That Are 1 Mile And Under.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Fall Hikes In Arkansas
July 29, 2022
Bill Hall
What are some kid-friendly hikes around Arkansas?
There are some wonderful kid-friendly hikes around Arkansas. A good hike for a child should be safe and beautiful. You want to get out yourself, but you also want an opportunity for your child to practice appreciating nature and language. One of the fun things you might try is to challenge your child to notice things and consider what they see. Asking open-ended questions before and during a hike is a wonderful opportunity to develop a child’s mind. (Experts say it doesn’t matter if the answers are correct. Just asking and thinking builds the brain!)
Some fun examples might be: How many birds do you think we will see today? Then count as many as you can. (Birds hold some elements of magic for most children— they fly, they sing, they explore, they build nests… it’s good to encourage this feeling.) Why do you think trees look the way they do? (Again, it doesn’t matter what they think and you don’t need to know either. It’s about wondering and enjoying the feeling of thinking without the pressure of being right or wrong.) Many hikes have some kind of history attached. For instance, the Historic Van Winkle Trail leads to the ruins of the Van Winkle Mill. Lots of questions will arise here. Plus, if you like telling stories you can retell the unrelated, but still fun, story of Rip Van Winkle. There’s also the Farkleberry Trail. What a fun word. Farkleberry is a bitter berry eaten by wildlife that grows on shrubs. (Humans can eat them too, but they are reportedly bitter and tough.) Farkleberry. Farkleberry. Weird words are fun to say and help develop language skills in the little ones. Remember that you do not have to worry about knowing the answers to any question a child asks. Picking up trivia is not the point. You are having a nice experience with your child and providing an opportunity to develop thinking and language skills. A great answer from an adult is always, “I’m not sure, what do you think?”
You can find both of these trails and more in the article: 9 Totally Kid-Friendly Hikes In Arkansas That Are 1 Mile And Under.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
What are some kid-friendly hikes around Arkansas?
There are some wonderful kid-friendly hikes around Arkansas. A good hike for a child should be safe and beautiful. You want to get out yourself, but you also want an opportunity for your child to practice appreciating nature and language. One of the fun things you might try is to challenge your child to notice things and consider what they see. Asking open-ended questions before and during a hike is a wonderful opportunity to develop a child’s mind. (Experts say it doesn’t matter if the answers are correct. Just asking and thinking builds the brain!)
Some fun examples might be:
How many birds do you think we will see today? Then count as many as you can. (Birds hold some elements of magic for most children— they fly, they sing, they explore, they build nests… it’s good to encourage this feeling.)
Why do you think trees look the way they do? (Again, it doesn’t matter what they think and you don’t need to know either. It’s about wondering and enjoying the feeling of thinking without the pressure of being right or wrong.)
Many hikes have some kind of history attached. For instance, the Historic Van Winkle Trail leads to the ruins of the Van Winkle Mill. Lots of questions will arise here. Plus, if you like telling stories you can retell the unrelated, but still fun, story of Rip Van Winkle.
There’s also the Farkleberry Trail. What a fun word. Farkleberry is a bitter berry eaten by wildlife that grows on shrubs. (Humans can eat them too, but they are reportedly bitter and tough.) Farkleberry. Farkleberry. Weird words are fun to say and help develop language skills in the little ones.
Remember that you do not have to worry about knowing the answers to any question a child asks. Picking up trivia is not the point. You are having a nice experience with your child and providing an opportunity to develop thinking and language skills. A great answer from an adult is always, “I’m not sure, what do you think?”
You can find both of these trails and more in the article: 9 Totally Kid-Friendly Hikes In Arkansas That Are 1 Mile And Under.
There are some wonderful kid-friendly hikes around Arkansas. A good hike for a child should be safe and beautiful. You want to get out yourself, but you also want an opportunity for your child to practice appreciating nature and language.
One of the fun things you might try is to challenge your child to notice things and consider what they see. Asking open-ended questions before and during a hike is a wonderful opportunity to develop a child’s mind. (Experts say it doesn’t matter if the answers are correct. Just asking and thinking builds the brain!)
You can find both of these trails and more in the article: 9 Totally Kid-Friendly Hikes In Arkansas That Are 1 Mile And Under.
