It’s no secret that nature lovers are already spoiled in Arkansas. From mountain tops to wildflower fields, Arkansans have an endless list of beautiful outdoor places to explore. We’ve complied bucket lists for waterfalls and trails but today’s is a little different. We’ve created a trip-inspiring list featuring a wide variety of the state’s best nature spots, from beautiful waterfalls to the best hikes in Arkansas. How many can you cross off?
- Lake Ouachita - Mountain Pine
Google/Lake Ouachita State Park With over 2,400 named lakes and reservoirs, Arkansas lake lovers have quite a few places to discover. If we could only pick one lake for someone obsessed with Arkansas nature then it would have to be Lake Ouachita. Not only does it have some of the cleanest lake water in the nation, Lake Ouachita also features hundreds of campable islands! Stick to the state park land trails or pick up a paddle and cruise around the islands for an unforgettable adventure. Lake Ouachita Trail, Arkansas 71956, USA
- Blanchard Springs Caverns - Fifty-Six
Google/Casey Crocker Editor’s note: Please note that Blanchard Springs Caverns are temporarily closed. Refer to the USDA Forest Services page for details.This three-level cave system is the deepest in the state, not to mention one of the most beautiful! Jaws will drop upon entering the Cathedral Room since it’s large enough to hold three football fields. The living cave’s stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and flowstones are still changing which means every visit to Blanchard Springs Caverns will be a different experience. Blanchard Springs Caverns, 704 Blanchard Springs Road, Fifty-Six, AR 72533, USA
- Buffalo National River - Jasper
Getty Images/Wesley Hitt Possibly the state’s most famed natural attraction, the Buffalo National River is beyond beloved by Arkansans. Not only was it the first river to be designated a National River, it’s also one of the few remaining free-flowing rivers in the U.S. The 135-mile long Buffalo offers endless recreational opportunities from floats to trails. Float beneath the painted bluffs near the Steel Creek Campground. Buffalo National River Park Road, Buffalo Nat’l River Pk Rd, Arkansas 72634, USA
- Cherokee Prairie Natural Area - Charleston
Getty Images/GracedByTheLight Nature lovers don’t always need the biggest and best attractions to feel inspired. The Cherokee Prairie Natural Area is more underrated than a standard state park but offers nearly 600 acres of wildflower fields to roam. The area is one of the largest remaining tracts of tallgrass prairie in the Arkansas Valley and protects dozens of critically-watched wildlife and plant species. Cherokee Prairie, 5948-7290 State Hwy 60, Charleston, AR 72933, USA
- Sugar Loaf Mountain - Shirley
Facebook/Fairfield Bay, Arkansas This mountain may not have quite the grandeur of Mount Magazine but nature lovers will immediately see why its a state favorite. Not only do you get a two-for-one attraction day with the mountain and Greers Ferry Lake, but you also get an island hike! To reach the trail on Sugar Loaf Mountain, explorers must take a boat over to the island. Sugar Loaf Mountain, Heber Springs, AR 72543, USA
- Petit Jean State Park - Morrilton
Facebook/Lodges of Arkansas As Arkansas’ oldest state park, Petit Jean State Park is a perfect blend of rich history and natural beauty. The park originally opened in 1923 and inspired the creation of state parks all around Arkansas. Seven Hollows Trail, Cedar Creek Falls, and Rock House Cave are just some of the awe-inspiring sights to see while you’re here. Petit Jean State Park Lake, Arkansas 72110, USA
- Garvan Woodland Gardens - Hot Springs
Facebook/Garvan Woodland Gardens You don’t have to get lost in the woods to discover the beauty of Arkansas’ nature. Anthophiles will adore strolling through the 210-acre botanical gardens in Hot Springs. Garvan Woodland Gardens has an aromatic labyrinth of daffodils, tulips, chrysanthemums, and other seasonal blooms. Garvan Woodland Gardens, 550 Arkridge Rd, Hot Springs, AR 71913, USA
- Hawksbill Crag - Kingston
Getty Images/ABDESIGN Hawksbill Crag is a beloved bluff that should make any nature bucket list. The cliffs have screen time in Tuck Everlasting and have won numerous titles such as “Most Photographed Spot In Arkansas” and “Best Place For Wedding Proposals.” It doesn’t matter if it’s your first or fiftieth trip, Hawksbill Crag never ceases to amaze. If you’re looking for one of the best hikes in Arkansas, this is it. Hawksbill Crag/Whitaker Point, Co Rd 406, Kingston, AR 72742, USA
- Champion Cypress Tree - St. Charles
Facebook/White River National Wildlife Refuge- Friends Vistas and overlooks are always beautiful to see but that’s not all a nature-lover needs. Witness living history and look up to the Champion Cypress Tree, Arkansas’ oldest tree. The tree is estimated to be between 800-1000 years old. Besides predating the World Wars and Civil War, this tree was alive at the same time as Genghis Khan! Champion Cypress Tree Trailhead, Smokehouse Hill/Escronges Lake Rd, Ethel, AR 72048, USA
- Boxley Valley - Ponca
Flickr/Jonathan Ball Nature is more than mountains and trails! One sight that’s absolutely worth the wait is the Boxley Valley elk herd. The Rocky Mountain Elk were introduced to the area in 1981 and have thrived ever since. The elk are most prominent during their mating season which runs from mid-September to November. Boxley Valley Historic District, 4699 AR-43, Ponca, AR 72670, USA
- Triple Falls - Harrison
Getty Images/SteveClever Waterfall chasers will never be finished in Arkansas. Our state has a plethora of waterfalls that are tall (Hemmed-In Hollow), wide (Natural Dam), hidden (High Bank Twins), unique (Glory Hole), and just about any other adjective you could want. One of the most photographic falls are the three-for-one Triple Falls. Not much hiking is required for this gorgeous pay-off. Twin Falls Trailhead, Camp Orr Rd, Harrison, AR 72601, USA
We wanted this list to showcase a variety of natural wonders around the state, from the beautiful river floating trips to the best hikes in Arkansas. However, that is not so say that these excursions are the only places a nature lover should visit! We would love to hear about the additional mountains, lakes, trails, etc. that you put on your Arkansas bucket list! Share yours in the comments below!
Google/Lake Ouachita State Park
With over 2,400 named lakes and reservoirs, Arkansas lake lovers have quite a few places to discover. If we could only pick one lake for someone obsessed with Arkansas nature then it would have to be Lake Ouachita. Not only does it have some of the cleanest lake water in the nation, Lake Ouachita also features hundreds of campable islands! Stick to the state park land trails or pick up a paddle and cruise around the islands for an unforgettable adventure.
Lake Ouachita Trail, Arkansas 71956, USA
Google/Casey Crocker
Editor’s note: Please note that Blanchard Springs Caverns are temporarily closed. Refer to the USDA Forest Services page for details.This three-level cave system is the deepest in the state, not to mention one of the most beautiful! Jaws will drop upon entering the Cathedral Room since it’s large enough to hold three football fields. The living cave’s stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and flowstones are still changing which means every visit to Blanchard Springs Caverns will be a different experience.
Blanchard Springs Caverns, 704 Blanchard Springs Road, Fifty-Six, AR 72533, USA
Getty Images/Wesley Hitt
Possibly the state’s most famed natural attraction, the Buffalo National River is beyond beloved by Arkansans. Not only was it the first river to be designated a National River, it’s also one of the few remaining free-flowing rivers in the U.S. The 135-mile long Buffalo offers endless recreational opportunities from floats to trails. Float beneath the painted bluffs near the Steel Creek Campground.
Buffalo National River Park Road, Buffalo Nat’l River Pk Rd, Arkansas 72634, USA
Getty Images/GracedByTheLight
Nature lovers don’t always need the biggest and best attractions to feel inspired. The Cherokee Prairie Natural Area is more underrated than a standard state park but offers nearly 600 acres of wildflower fields to roam. The area is one of the largest remaining tracts of tallgrass prairie in the Arkansas Valley and protects dozens of critically-watched wildlife and plant species.
Cherokee Prairie, 5948-7290 State Hwy 60, Charleston, AR 72933, USA
Facebook/Fairfield Bay, Arkansas
This mountain may not have quite the grandeur of Mount Magazine but nature lovers will immediately see why its a state favorite. Not only do you get a two-for-one attraction day with the mountain and Greers Ferry Lake, but you also get an island hike! To reach the trail on Sugar Loaf Mountain, explorers must take a boat over to the island.
Sugar Loaf Mountain, Heber Springs, AR 72543, USA
Facebook/Lodges of Arkansas
As Arkansas’ oldest state park, Petit Jean State Park is a perfect blend of rich history and natural beauty. The park originally opened in 1923 and inspired the creation of state parks all around Arkansas. Seven Hollows Trail, Cedar Creek Falls, and Rock House Cave are just some of the awe-inspiring sights to see while you’re here.
Petit Jean State Park Lake, Arkansas 72110, USA
Facebook/Garvan Woodland Gardens
You don’t have to get lost in the woods to discover the beauty of Arkansas’ nature. Anthophiles will adore strolling through the 210-acre botanical gardens in Hot Springs. Garvan Woodland Gardens has an aromatic labyrinth of daffodils, tulips, chrysanthemums, and other seasonal blooms.
Garvan Woodland Gardens, 550 Arkridge Rd, Hot Springs, AR 71913, USA
Getty Images/ABDESIGN
Hawksbill Crag is a beloved bluff that should make any nature bucket list. The cliffs have screen time in Tuck Everlasting and have won numerous titles such as “Most Photographed Spot In Arkansas” and “Best Place For Wedding Proposals.” It doesn’t matter if it’s your first or fiftieth trip, Hawksbill Crag never ceases to amaze. If you’re looking for one of the best hikes in Arkansas, this is it.
Hawksbill Crag/Whitaker Point, Co Rd 406, Kingston, AR 72742, USA
Facebook/White River National Wildlife Refuge- Friends
Vistas and overlooks are always beautiful to see but that’s not all a nature-lover needs. Witness living history and look up to the Champion Cypress Tree, Arkansas’ oldest tree. The tree is estimated to be between 800-1000 years old. Besides predating the World Wars and Civil War, this tree was alive at the same time as Genghis Khan!
Champion Cypress Tree Trailhead, Smokehouse Hill/Escronges Lake Rd, Ethel, AR 72048, USA
Flickr/Jonathan Ball
Nature is more than mountains and trails! One sight that’s absolutely worth the wait is the Boxley Valley elk herd. The Rocky Mountain Elk were introduced to the area in 1981 and have thrived ever since. The elk are most prominent during their mating season which runs from mid-September to November.
Boxley Valley Historic District, 4699 AR-43, Ponca, AR 72670, USA
Getty Images/SteveClever
Waterfall chasers will never be finished in Arkansas. Our state has a plethora of waterfalls that are tall (Hemmed-In Hollow), wide (Natural Dam), hidden (High Bank Twins), unique (Glory Hole), and just about any other adjective you could want. One of the most photographic falls are the three-for-one Triple Falls. Not much hiking is required for this gorgeous pay-off.
Twin Falls Trailhead, Camp Orr Rd, Harrison, AR 72601, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best hikes in Arkansas August 11, 2022 Sarah M. What are the best waterfall hikes in Arkansas? While the Natural State is home to some bucket-list-worthy hikes, there is nothing quite like a waterfall hike. The experience of encountering one of these natural wonders along the trails is just that — an experience. It’s something magical and transformative for which pictures cannot convey. Arkansas is positively teeming with waterfalls; and, by extension, waterfall hikes. While it would take a lifetime to explore them all, we’ve compiled the following best waterfall hikes in Arkansas to get you started on your waterfall-chasing adventures in the Natural State. One of our favorite waterfall hikes in Arkansas is the trail to Blanchard Springs. This 4.7-mile hike is the perfect length for a day trek, and the cerulean-blue waterfall-fed pool at the base of the falls makes for the loveliest incentive to complete this moderate trail. If you’re looking for something a little shorter, the 2.1-mile hike to Magnolia Falls never fails to impress! Babbling creeks, moss-covered rocks, wildflowers, and a canopy of greenery all create a dreamy setting to Magnolia Falls, which is one of the most scenic and accessible waterfall hikes in Arkansas. The trail isn’t paved but is decently well-worn. Pro tip: there is one spot you’ll need directions for; it’s at the second stream, where you will want to be sure to turn left – you’ll get to see a spectacular hidden oasis most don’t experience. What are the best short-and-sweet hikes in Arkansas? While there are lots of amazing, day-length trails serious hikers can enjoy in Arkansas, there are just as many short-and-sweet hikes for beginners! One of our favorites is located near Compton – the Paige Falls and Broadwater Hollow Falls Trail is a 0.7-mile hike that’s dotted with waterfalls. It’s packed with lovely sights, including a pristine creek, two named waterfalls, and a few small falls, making it quite the adventure-packed waterfall hike in Arkansas. Another short-and-sweet hike for beginners is the hike to Pam’s Grotto. Less than a mile in length, this is an under-the-radar waterfall hike in Arkansas that’s incredibly kid-friendly and just as much fun for grown-ups, too.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best hikes in Arkansas
August 11, 2022
Sarah M.
What are the best waterfall hikes in Arkansas? While the Natural State is home to some bucket-list-worthy hikes, there is nothing quite like a waterfall hike. The experience of encountering one of these natural wonders along the trails is just that — an experience. It’s something magical and transformative for which pictures cannot convey. Arkansas is positively teeming with waterfalls; and, by extension, waterfall hikes. While it would take a lifetime to explore them all, we’ve compiled the following best waterfall hikes in Arkansas to get you started on your waterfall-chasing adventures in the Natural State. One of our favorite waterfall hikes in Arkansas is the trail to Blanchard Springs. This 4.7-mile hike is the perfect length for a day trek, and the cerulean-blue waterfall-fed pool at the base of the falls makes for the loveliest incentive to complete this moderate trail. If you’re looking for something a little shorter, the 2.1-mile hike to Magnolia Falls never fails to impress! Babbling creeks, moss-covered rocks, wildflowers, and a canopy of greenery all create a dreamy setting to Magnolia Falls, which is one of the most scenic and accessible waterfall hikes in Arkansas. The trail isn’t paved but is decently well-worn. Pro tip: there is one spot you’ll need directions for; it’s at the second stream, where you will want to be sure to turn left – you’ll get to see a spectacular hidden oasis most don’t experience. What are the best short-and-sweet hikes in Arkansas? While there are lots of amazing, day-length trails serious hikers can enjoy in Arkansas, there are just as many short-and-sweet hikes for beginners! One of our favorites is located near Compton – the Paige Falls and Broadwater Hollow Falls Trail is a 0.7-mile hike that’s dotted with waterfalls. It’s packed with lovely sights, including a pristine creek, two named waterfalls, and a few small falls, making it quite the adventure-packed waterfall hike in Arkansas. Another short-and-sweet hike for beginners is the hike to Pam’s Grotto. Less than a mile in length, this is an under-the-radar waterfall hike in Arkansas that’s incredibly kid-friendly and just as much fun for grown-ups, too.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
While the Natural State is home to some bucket-list-worthy hikes, there is nothing quite like a waterfall hike. The experience of encountering one of these natural wonders along the trails is just that — an experience. It’s something magical and transformative for which pictures cannot convey. Arkansas is positively teeming with waterfalls; and, by extension, waterfall hikes. While it would take a lifetime to explore them all, we’ve compiled the following best waterfall hikes in Arkansas to get you started on your waterfall-chasing adventures in the Natural State.
One of our favorite waterfall hikes in Arkansas is the trail to Blanchard Springs. This 4.7-mile hike is the perfect length for a day trek, and the cerulean-blue waterfall-fed pool at the base of the falls makes for the loveliest incentive to complete this moderate trail. If you’re looking for something a little shorter, the 2.1-mile hike to Magnolia Falls never fails to impress! Babbling creeks, moss-covered rocks, wildflowers, and a canopy of greenery all create a dreamy setting to Magnolia Falls, which is one of the most scenic and accessible waterfall hikes in Arkansas. The trail isn’t paved but is decently well-worn. Pro tip: there is one spot you’ll need directions for; it’s at the second stream, where you will want to be sure to turn left – you’ll get to see a spectacular hidden oasis most don’t experience.
What are the best short-and-sweet hikes in Arkansas?
While there are lots of amazing, day-length trails serious hikers can enjoy in Arkansas, there are just as many short-and-sweet hikes for beginners! One of our favorites is located near Compton – the Paige Falls and Broadwater Hollow Falls Trail is a 0.7-mile hike that’s dotted with waterfalls. It’s packed with lovely sights, including a pristine creek, two named waterfalls, and a few small falls, making it quite the adventure-packed waterfall hike in Arkansas. Another short-and-sweet hike for beginners is the hike to Pam’s Grotto. Less than a mile in length, this is an under-the-radar waterfall hike in Arkansas that’s incredibly kid-friendly and just as much fun for grown-ups, too.
