There’s certainly no shortage of scenic hikes in Arkansas that lead to breathtaking vistas. However, many of them are simply too long for a quick family outing. We’ve got some great kid-friendly hikes around Arkansas, though! One of our favorites is Flatside Pinnacle via the Ouachita Trail. It’s less than one mile long and, despite that short length, manages to offer some of the most awe-inspiring panoramic views in the Natural State.
At only 0.7 miles long, Flatside Pinnacle via Ouachita Trail is certainly not among the longest hikes in the Natural State. It’s nestled in a sprawling wilderness area, surrounded by amazing scenery. This hidden gem is a perfect short-and-sweet adventure for the entire family.
AllTrails/Horace Bell
However, what this hike lacks in length, it certainly makes up for with an almost exclusively uphill climb. The elevation gain is only about 200 feet, but it persists all the way from the trailhead up to the summit.
AllTrails/Afton Tucker
After just a few minutes have passed by, the trail culminates with this epic scene. You’ll feel like you’re on top of the world!
AllTrails/Leah Byers
Enjoy one of the best views that Arkansas has to offer. The amazing thing is that it takes barely any effort to get up here! You’ll see rolling hills and mountain peaks towering as far as the eye can see. The land is blanketed in lush greenery reminiscent of an exotic jungle.
AllTrails/Emily Allison
Rugged cliffs jut out from the path. Their overwhelming presence is simultaneously both majestic and foreboding. Depending on the season, you also may see a variety of breathtaking wildflowers. Massive rock walls, vegetation, and a gorgeous overlook: this hike truly has it all!
AllTrails/Dylan Watson
You’ll catch sight of distant lakes shimmering underneath the brilliant sunshine. When puffy clouds fill the sky overhead, it feels like heaven. It’s so quiet up here that you could hear a pin drop. The striking panoramic views seem to stretch infinitely out to the horizon.
AllTrails/Horace Bell
Pro-tip: Time your hike so that you reach the top at sunset. Camping is allowed at the site, which means that you can really soak up the views without having to worry about hiking back down in the dark. This is such a great family outing!
AllTrails/Afton Tucker
Have you ever hiked one of the best hikes Arkansas? We know pictures don’t do the summit views justice, but we’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments! Check out these other easy hikes in Arkansas for more Natural State fun.
There’s certainly no shortage of scenic hikes in Arkansas that lead to breathtaking vistas. However, many of them are simply too long for a quick family outing. We’ve got some great kid-friendly hikes around Arkansas, though! One of our favorites is Flatside Pinnacle via the Ouachita Trail. It’s less than one mile long and, despite that short length, manages to offer some of the most awe-inspiring panoramic views in the Natural State.
AllTrails/Horace Bell
AllTrails/Afton Tucker
AllTrails/Leah Byers
AllTrails/Emily Allison
AllTrails/Dylan Watson
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Address: Flatside Pinnacle, Arkansas 72126, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Arkansas July 03, 2022 Lisa Sammons What are some more of the best hikes in Arkansas? We are lucky to live somewhere with so many great hiking trails! Have you ever explored the Yellow Rock Trail at Devil’s Den State Park? The trail is about three miles long and gives you gorgeous views of Lee Creek Valley from atop the eponymous rock. The summit is gorgeous and totally worth the effort to get up there. What are some more kid-friendly hikes around Arkansas? We have a lot of great longer hikes in Arkansas, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of scenic easier hikes around the Natural State that are just as wonderful and are suitable for the whole family. The Dogwood Trail near Lake Ouachita is only about a half mile, but it gives you a great view of the woods. There are interpretive signs throughout the forest, so you’ll know just where to keep an eye out for wildlife. What are some of the best state parks in Arkansas? We’re lucky enough to have 52 state parks in Arkansas. This is a gorgeous state and it’s no wonder we’re called the Natural State: we’re full of natural wonders! Petit Jean State Park is one of our favorites. This nearly 3,500-acre place is one of the prettiest parks in the state, just filled with wonders like waterfalls and peaceful wooded trails. And have you ever been to Mount Magazine State Park? It’s home to the highest peak in Arkansas, at 2,753 feet in elevation!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Arkansas
July 03, 2022
Lisa Sammons
What are some more of the best hikes in Arkansas? We are lucky to live somewhere with so many great hiking trails! Have you ever explored the Yellow Rock Trail at Devil’s Den State Park? The trail is about three miles long and gives you gorgeous views of Lee Creek Valley from atop the eponymous rock. The summit is gorgeous and totally worth the effort to get up there. What are some more kid-friendly hikes around Arkansas? We have a lot of great longer hikes in Arkansas, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of scenic easier hikes around the Natural State that are just as wonderful and are suitable for the whole family. The Dogwood Trail near Lake Ouachita is only about a half mile, but it gives you a great view of the woods. There are interpretive signs throughout the forest, so you’ll know just where to keep an eye out for wildlife. What are some of the best state parks in Arkansas? We’re lucky enough to have 52 state parks in Arkansas. This is a gorgeous state and it’s no wonder we’re called the Natural State: we’re full of natural wonders! Petit Jean State Park is one of our favorites. This nearly 3,500-acre place is one of the prettiest parks in the state, just filled with wonders like waterfalls and peaceful wooded trails. And have you ever been to Mount Magazine State Park? It’s home to the highest peak in Arkansas, at 2,753 feet in elevation!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
We are lucky to live somewhere with so many great hiking trails! Have you ever explored the Yellow Rock Trail at Devil’s Den State Park? The trail is about three miles long and gives you gorgeous views of Lee Creek Valley from atop the eponymous rock. The summit is gorgeous and totally worth the effort to get up there.
What are some more kid-friendly hikes around Arkansas?
We have a lot of great longer hikes in Arkansas, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of scenic easier hikes around the Natural State that are just as wonderful and are suitable for the whole family. The Dogwood Trail near Lake Ouachita is only about a half mile, but it gives you a great view of the woods. There are interpretive signs throughout the forest, so you’ll know just where to keep an eye out for wildlife.
What are some of the best state parks in Arkansas?
We’re lucky enough to have 52 state parks in Arkansas. This is a gorgeous state and it’s no wonder we’re called the Natural State: we’re full of natural wonders! Petit Jean State Park is one of our favorites. This nearly 3,500-acre place is one of the prettiest parks in the state, just filled with wonders like waterfalls and peaceful wooded trails. And have you ever been to Mount Magazine State Park? It’s home to the highest peak in Arkansas, at 2,753 feet in elevation!