No matter what your preferred form of outdoor recreation is, it’s always good to get outside and spend time in nature. The Natural State is a true natural beauty, and we think the state is best experienced out on the trails. Whether you’re a newbie hiker or an experienced hiker, the following list of best hikes in Arkansas is sure to get your day, week, month, or year started out on the right foot!

  1. Moro Bay State Park - Jersey

Facebook/Moro Bay State Park Our pick for a beautiful hike in Moro Bay State Park is on their Deer Run Trail. The hike clocked in at an easy 3/8 of a mile that welcomes all levels. You can also fish the Ouachita River or visit the park’s historic tugboat and barge exhibit. Moro Bay isn’t Arkansas’s largest or most popular state park, but it is just about the most peaceful, and maybe the most intriguing, too, and is definitely a hidden gem worth seeking out! Moro Bay State Park Pvt, Arkansas 71651, USA

  1. Village Creek State Park - Wynne

Flickr/Dave Thomas Hiking adventures abound at Village Creek State Park. Whether you opt for a 2.6-mile hike beginning at the boat launch, a 1.5-mile hike around the Lake Austell Trail, or another of the park’s myriad paths, you’re sure to be delighted by the scenery at this glorious and historic Georgia State Park! Village Creek State Park, 201 County Road 754, Wynne, AR 72396, USA

  1. Mount Magazine State Park - Paris

Flickr/Latteda There’s nothing like hiking to the top of Mount Magazine. There is an absolutely breathtaking view from the cliff ledge that you won’t soon forget. Prefer to explore on two wheels? Comprised of a 45-mile section of Highway 309, Mount Magazine Scenic Byway leads to the top of its namesake, Mount Magazine, and then descends into the Arkansas River Valley. Magazine Mountain, Arkansas 72842, USA

  1. Queen Wilhelmina State Park - Mena

Facebook/Visit Mena Take the mile long Lover’s Leap Trail in Mena, Arkansas for an experience you won’t ever forget. Lovers Leap Trail, Mena, AR 71953, USA

  1. Lake Fort Smith State Park - Mountainburg

Flickr/Clinton Steeds From kayaking to camping, Lake Fort Smith State Park has so many scenic treasures to discover! One rather overlooked gem is a 5-tiered waterfall tucked away on the Ozark Highlands Trail. We certainly don’t need to tackle the entire trail to chase this waterfall so let’s enjoy the short-but-rewarding Shepherd Springs Loop and Ozark Highlands Trail for a moderately strenuous four-mile hike. Be sure to check out the visitors center for interactive exhibits and gallery. Lake Fort Smith State Park, 15458 Sheperd Springs Rd, Mountainburg, AR 72946, USA

  1. Lake Dardanelle State Park - Russellville

Flickr/debbyconway Folks love the relaxed walk around the Meadow Brook Trail at this Georgia State Park. Have a chance to spot wildlife along the way or at the visitor center’s aquatic exhibit. Lake Dardanelle State Park, 100 State Park Drive, Russellville, AR 72802, USA

  1. Petit Jean State Park - Morrilton

Flickr/robert thigpen Petit Jean State Park is an Arkansas hiker’s paradise. Petit Jean State Park Lake, Arkansas 72110, USA

  1. Lake Ouachita State Park - Mountain Pine

Flickr/AR Nature Gal Looking for a hiking “choose your own adventure” in Arkansas? Pick your length along the Caddo Bend Trail and conquer a 1, 3, or 4-mile hike. This is a hike for every Arkansan’s bucket list! Caddo Bend Road, Caddo Bend Rd, Arkansas 71929, USA

  1. Davidsonville Historic State Park - Pocahontas

TripAdvisor/management There are lots of spectacular state parks in Arkansas. However, none have a back-story quite like that of Davidsonville Historic State Park. The 163-acre park occupies what was once Davidsonville, Arkansas’ first boom town. Visitors today can learn about the once bustling town – all while enjoying typical state park perks. This is one park you don’t want to pass up! Within this Arkansas gem of a town, this trail winds around the wetlands in the area in an easy 1.8 miles. Davidsonville Historic State Park, 8047 Hwy 166 S, Pocahontas, AR 72455, USA

  1. Bull Shoals-White River State Park - Bull Shoals

Flickr/Jamie Brandon This hike at Bull Shoals-White River State Park is admittedly a bit more strenuous, 1.75-mile-long loop. The hike is generally expected to take about two hours to finish.While you’re there you can take advantage of the premier fishing spot for anglers or plan a camping trip! Bull Shoals White River State Park, 153 Dam Overlook Ln, Bull Shoals, AR 72619, USA

  1. Prairie Grove Battlefield State - Prairie Grove

Facebook/City of Prairie Grove An underrated Arkansas State Park gem, Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park is a wonderful place to hike in Arkansas. Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park, 506 E Douglas St, Prairie Grove, AR 72753, USA

What are your picks for the best hikes in Arkansas? Were you surprised by any of the trails on this list? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Facebook/Moro Bay State Park

Our pick for a beautiful hike in Moro Bay State Park is on their Deer Run Trail. The hike clocked in at an easy 3/8 of a mile that welcomes all levels. You can also fish the Ouachita River or visit the park’s historic tugboat and barge exhibit. Moro Bay isn’t Arkansas’s largest or most popular state park, but it is just about the most peaceful, and maybe the most intriguing, too, and is definitely a hidden gem worth seeking out!

Moro Bay State Park Pvt, Arkansas 71651, USA

Flickr/Dave Thomas

Hiking adventures abound at Village Creek State Park. Whether you opt for a 2.6-mile hike beginning at the boat launch, a 1.5-mile hike around the Lake Austell Trail, or another of the park’s myriad paths, you’re sure to be delighted by the scenery at this glorious and historic Georgia State Park!

Village Creek State Park, 201 County Road 754, Wynne, AR 72396, USA

Flickr/Latteda

There’s nothing like hiking to the top of Mount Magazine. There is an absolutely breathtaking view from the cliff ledge that you won’t soon forget. Prefer to explore on two wheels? Comprised of a 45-mile section of Highway 309, Mount Magazine Scenic Byway leads to the top of its namesake, Mount Magazine, and then descends into the Arkansas River Valley.

Magazine Mountain, Arkansas 72842, USA

Facebook/Visit Mena

Take the mile long Lover’s Leap Trail in Mena, Arkansas for an experience you won’t ever forget.

Lovers Leap Trail, Mena, AR 71953, USA

Flickr/Clinton Steeds

From kayaking to camping, Lake Fort Smith State Park has so many scenic treasures to discover! One rather overlooked gem is a 5-tiered waterfall tucked away on the Ozark Highlands Trail. We certainly don’t need to tackle the entire trail to chase this waterfall so let’s enjoy the short-but-rewarding Shepherd Springs Loop and Ozark Highlands Trail for a moderately strenuous four-mile hike. Be sure to check out the visitors center for interactive exhibits and gallery.

Lake Fort Smith State Park, 15458 Sheperd Springs Rd, Mountainburg, AR 72946, USA

Flickr/debbyconway

Folks love the relaxed walk around the Meadow Brook Trail at this Georgia State Park. Have a chance to spot wildlife along the way or at the visitor center’s aquatic exhibit.

Lake Dardanelle State Park, 100 State Park Drive, Russellville, AR 72802, USA

Flickr/robert thigpen

Petit Jean State Park is an Arkansas hiker’s paradise.

Petit Jean State Park Lake, Arkansas 72110, USA

Flickr/AR Nature Gal

Looking for a hiking “choose your own adventure” in Arkansas? Pick your length along the Caddo Bend Trail and conquer a 1, 3, or 4-mile hike. This is a hike for every Arkansan’s bucket list!

Caddo Bend Road, Caddo Bend Rd, Arkansas 71929, USA

TripAdvisor/management

There are lots of spectacular state parks in Arkansas. However, none have a back-story quite like that of Davidsonville Historic State Park. The 163-acre park occupies what was once Davidsonville, Arkansas’ first boom town. Visitors today can learn about the once bustling town – all while enjoying typical state park perks. This is one park you don’t want to pass up! Within this Arkansas gem of a town, this trail winds around the wetlands in the area in an easy 1.8 miles.

Davidsonville Historic State Park, 8047 Hwy 166 S, Pocahontas, AR 72455, USA

Flickr/Jamie Brandon

This hike at Bull Shoals-White River State Park is admittedly a bit more strenuous, 1.75-mile-long loop. The hike is generally expected to take about two hours to finish.While you’re there you can take advantage of the premier fishing spot for anglers or plan a camping trip!

Bull Shoals White River State Park, 153 Dam Overlook Ln, Bull Shoals, AR 72619, USA

Facebook/City of Prairie Grove

An underrated Arkansas State Park gem, Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park is a wonderful place to hike in Arkansas.

Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park, 506 E Douglas St, Prairie Grove, AR 72753, USA

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Best hikes in Arkansas July 06, 2022 Sarah M. What are the best short-and-sweet hikes in Arkansas? Not everyone is a seasoned pro, and that’s okay! For newbie hikers, families, those with limited mobility, or folks simply looking for a low-key experience in nature, these short-and-sweet hikes in Arkansas are for you. If you’re looking for some hiking trails near me, Walcott Lake is a 31-acre fishing lake located in Crowley’s Ridge State Park in Paragould. Walcott Lake Trail is a five-mile-long easy hike that takes you atop the lake’s levee, offering awesome opportunities to spot birds and the absolute best vantage point to spot the park’s bat condo. This half-mile trail will only take you about a half hour. It takes you around Lee Creek, leading to the CCC-built dam that created Lake Devil. Along the trail itself, you’ll find remnants of the original CCC stone path. This is one of the best kid-friendly hikes around Arkansas. Another quick and easy trek is the Dogwood Trail. This casual walk through the Ouachita National Forest is only a half mile long and gives hikers the opportunity to see unique forest wildlife. It is one of the most scenic hikes in Arkansas. Along the trail you’ll find interpretive signs that help you keep your eyes peeled for woodland creatures. From lake trails to cave trails to one glorious swamp, pretty much anyone can walk these easy hikes in Arkansas!

The OIYS Visitor Center

Best hikes in Arkansas

July 06, 2022

Sarah M.

What are the best short-and-sweet hikes in Arkansas? Not everyone is a seasoned pro, and that’s okay! For newbie hikers, families, those with limited mobility, or folks simply looking for a low-key experience in nature, these short-and-sweet hikes in Arkansas are for you. If you’re looking for some hiking trails near me, Walcott Lake is a 31-acre fishing lake located in Crowley’s Ridge State Park in Paragould. Walcott Lake Trail is a five-mile-long easy hike that takes you atop the lake’s levee, offering awesome opportunities to spot birds and the absolute best vantage point to spot the park’s bat condo. This half-mile trail will only take you about a half hour. It takes you around Lee Creek, leading to the CCC-built dam that created Lake Devil. Along the trail itself, you’ll find remnants of the original CCC stone path. This is one of the best kid-friendly hikes around Arkansas. Another quick and easy trek is the Dogwood Trail. This casual walk through the Ouachita National Forest is only a half mile long and gives hikers the opportunity to see unique forest wildlife. It is one of the most scenic hikes in Arkansas. Along the trail you’ll find interpretive signs that help you keep your eyes peeled for woodland creatures. From lake trails to cave trails to one glorious swamp, pretty much anyone can walk these easy hikes in Arkansas!

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

Not everyone is a seasoned pro, and that’s okay! For newbie hikers, families, those with limited mobility, or folks simply looking for a low-key experience in nature, these short-and-sweet hikes in Arkansas are for you. If you’re looking for some hiking trails near me, Walcott Lake is a 31-acre fishing lake located in Crowley’s Ridge State Park in Paragould. Walcott Lake Trail is a five-mile-long easy hike that takes you atop the lake’s levee, offering awesome opportunities to spot birds and the absolute best vantage point to spot the park’s bat condo. This half-mile trail will only take you about a half hour. It takes you around Lee Creek, leading to the CCC-built dam that created Lake Devil. Along the trail itself, you’ll find remnants of the original CCC stone path. This is one of the best kid-friendly hikes around Arkansas. Another quick and easy trek is the Dogwood Trail. This casual walk through the Ouachita National Forest is only a half mile long and gives hikers the opportunity to see unique forest wildlife. It is one of the most scenic hikes in Arkansas. Along the trail you’ll find interpretive signs that help you keep your eyes peeled for woodland creatures. From lake trails to cave trails to one glorious swamp, pretty much anyone can walk these easy hikes in Arkansas!