Water
Arkansas
With more than 3.2 million acres of public lands, 52 state parks, and eight National Wild and Scenic rivers and creeks, Arkansas is quickly becoming a center for outdoor recreation
Biking
Hiking
Camping
Buffalo National River
Petit Jean State Park
Mount Nebo State Park
Ouachita National Forest
Pinnacle Mountain
Cossatot River State Park
Approachable Paddles
When it comes to paddling in Arkansas, the Mulberry River and Kings River in the Ozark Mountains and the Ouachita River and the Caddo River in the Ouachita Mountains are classic, beginner-friendly rivers. For a different paddling experience, check out the St. Francis Sunken Lands Water Trail. The 10-mile water trail leads paddlers through a unique, swamp-like section of river that was once a hardwood forest.
Arkansas
Class III/IV Whitewater
Highly skilled paddlers will enjoy Cossatot River State Park Natural Area, which includes one of the most rugged and spectacular river corridors in the central United States. Decorated with wooded slopes, hiking trails, unique geological features, and cascading Class III–V water, the Cossatot is a sought-after destination for experienced whitewater canoeists, rafters, and kayakers.
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Soaking
With 47 thermal pools, Hot Springs National Park is a must-see attraction. The park’s springs are the only ones of their kind that are federally managed for public health and consumptive purposes. Visitors can even taste the water at the various jug fountains located around the park. Looking for a place to soak? Head to Bathhouse Row, a National Historic Landmark District, home to picturesque bathhouses.
Superior Bathhouse Brewery, located within the national park, makes refreshing craft beers on-site. The main ingredient? Thermal spring water.
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Fun Fact
With more than 600,000 acres of lakes and 90,000 miles of rivers and streams, anglers have plenty of room to land a trophy fish.
Sunken Lands earned its name after an earthquake caused the river to drop around eight feet, forming a large overflow swampy area.
Expert paddlers can tackle the crown jewel of the river—Cossatot Falls—where the river roars through a tight canyon and drops 33 feet in one-third of a river mile.
Fishing
Anglers from all over the country travel to Arkansas to fish the White River, where trout fishing is sublime year-round and the fish count per mile is representative of a healthy (and lively) fishery. Cast a line for rainbow, brook, brown, cutthroat, golden, and tiger trout. Or explore the state's lakes and smaller streams for a chance to land smallmouth bass crappie, walleye, catfish, and stripers.
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America’s New Adventure Hub
Petit Jean State Park
Arkansas’s first state park with first-class views of the Arkansas River Valley. Hike to the spectacular 95-foot Cedar Falls after a good rain. If you’d prefer the view without the work, take the barrier-free walkway with wayside exhibits that leads down to the Cedar Falls Overlook.
Buffalo National River
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Ouachita National Forest
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Mount Nebo State Park
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Pinnacle Mountain
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Cossatot River State Park
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Arkansas
Cossatot River State Park
Lake Ouachita State Park
Mount Nebo State Park
Petit Jean State Park
Pinnacle Mountain
Devil's Den State Park
Woolly Hollow State Park
For a multi-sport visit, Woolly Hollow State Park delivers. Hike to waterfalls. Mountain bike on hilly, wooded trails. Rent a pedal boat, kayak, or fishing boat for a day on Lake Bennett. Or camp on the shores of the lake with access to a swimming beach with a lifeguard on duty.
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Lake Ouachita State Park
At 40,000 acres, Lake Ouachita is the largest lake in Arkansas, which means it offers plenty of opportunities for water activities. Fish for bream, crappie, catfish, striped bass, and largemouth bass. Or paddle to one of more than 200 islands that dot the lake.
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Mount Nebo State Park
Explore the heart of the Arkansas River Valley and the 1,750-foot Mt. Nebo. Mountain bike on 25 miles of trails— part of the four-park Monument Trails network—through pine forests and intricate rock gardens. Or hike more than 32 miles of trails to discover waterfalls and beautiful views.
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Pinnacle Mountain State Park
Just outside of Little Rock, Pinnacle Mountain is a hub for all types of outdoor activities. Explore the Big and Little Maumelle rivers or enjoy views from the summit of Pinnacle Mountain on 22 miles of hiking trails. Expert-level bikers can enjoy 14 miles of challenging mountain bike trails—part of the Monument Trails.
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Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area
Expert-level whitewater paddlers can take 12 river miles of the Cossatot River that flow through the park. This section is designated a National Wild and Scenic River and features a Class IV rapid. Of course, hiking trails make it easy to enjoy watching paddlers from the riverbank.
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Petit Jean State Park
Arkansas’s first state park offers first-class views of the Arkansas River Valley. Hike to the spectacular 95-foot Cedar Falls after a good rain. If you’d prefer the view without the work, take the barrier-free walkway with wayside exhibits that leads down to the Cedar Falls Overlook.
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9 Ways to Play in Arkansas' State Parks
Whatever outdoor activities you love, you'll find the perfect place to enjoy them in 52 state parks across Arkansas. Check out the map to explore top spots for biking, climbing, camping, and more.
Back 40 | Blowing Springs
In recent years, Arkansas has undergone a massive makeover, creating a world-class ecosystem of mountain biking trails, events, and culture. The Back 40 trail system in Blowing Springs is one of the places that started it all. The trails system is a cross-country mountain biking paradise. Traverse ridgelines, challenge yourself with steep climbs, and pedal through some of northwest Arkansas’s most scenic areas, where you’ll encounter caves and waterfalls along 40 miles of trails.
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Lost Valley Trail
At 2.3 miles, this short but sweet hike along the Buffalo National River packs a punch when it comes to impressive features along the route. Highlights of the hike include the 53-foot Eden Falls and Cob Cave, a massive bluff outcropping that was used by Native Americans as a natural shelter more than 2,000 years ago.
Carry a flashlight so you can take a peek at a waterfall inside of a cave along the hike.
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Buffalo National River
Camp along the Buffalo National River to experience a river in its most natural state. As the first waterway to earn a national river designation, in 1972, it’s one of the few remaining undammed rivers in the contiguous United States. The free-flowing river is a mix of rapids and flatwater that paddlers of all levels can enjoy. While the river runs for 135 miles, most visitors stick to exploring sections of the Buffalo, which is divided into three districts. Camp at one of the drive-accessible campgrounds on a section of the Middle or Lower District for access to mellow year-round floating.
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Little Missouri Trail
Explore the Ouachita National Forest on the Little Missouri Trail. Accessible year-round, the trail follows the Little Missouri River, a designated National Wild and Scenic River, through impressive hardwood and old-growth pine forests and past cascades. Be prepared to get your feet wet: the 16-mile one-way trail includes 11 river and creek crossings. Plan a day hike by dropping a car off at the end ahead of time to shuttle. Or complete the full Eagle Rock Loop. At 29.2 miles, it's the longest backpacking loop in the state.
Plan your trip to coincide with the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. This section of the state will be in the path of totality for the celestial show.
Tip
Hawksbill Crag
Hike Whitaker Point Trail to check out Hawksbill Crag—one of the most iconic landmarks in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest. The 2.7-mile trail winds through dense forest of pine and hardwood before popping out at the rocky outcropping that resembles its namesake. From there, hikers can take in expansive views of the Buffalo National River basin. The trail is accessible year-round but is especially scenic during peak fall colors (typically mid-October to early November).
Arrive early or go midweek for easier parking if you plan to visit this popular trailhead in the busy fall months.
Tip
River Corridor Trail
Looking for a challenging hike? Head to the Ouachita Mountains to hike the River Corridor Trail. The 12.5-mile trail follows the Cossatot River through Cossatot State Park-Natural Area, with multiple entry points along the way at watercraft put-ins. Tackling the tough terrain is worth the effort—hikers can enjoy incredible views of the river corridor throughout the hike.
When the conditions are right, keep an eye out for expert whitewater paddlers taking on the Class IV Cossatot Falls.
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Coler Mountain Bike Preserve | Bentonville
Coler Mountain Bike Preserve is touted as some of the most challenging enduro-style terrain in Arkansas. Take a shakeout lap or two on the park’s west side, where you’ll find plenty of beginner- and intermediate-friendly trails. With playful turns and berms, the gentle 1.4-mile Good Vibrations singletrack is perfect for a mellow warmup. Or pedal Esther’s Loop, a flowy 4.5-mile cross-country route that cruises around the western perimeter. Ready for a thrill? Post up at the Hub. This 20-foot-tall structure is a gateway to adrenaline-pumping downhill runs filled with ramps and a variety of jumps for advanced riders.
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Little Sugar | Bentonville Area
Earn your turns, on 50 miles of trails at Little Sugar, which features more vert per mile than anywhere else in the Bentonville region. These relatively new trails were constructed in 2020, so riders can expect a more modern feel, with slightly wider singletrack that’s approachable for beginners. Take the scenic route on the 28.8-mile cross-country Tunnel Vision. This intermediate trail follows the perimeter of the park, with connecting trails that cut through ravines and under rocky bluffs and, of course, through tunnels made of ten-foot-diameter pipes. Don’t miss the waterfall on Tanyard Creek on the loop’s east side.
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Northwoods Trail System | Hot Springs Area
Explore dense forests of Hot Springs National Park on 30 miles of singletrack and multi-track trails for all levels. Warm up on the skills course and pump track at the Cedar Glades Park Trailhead. Then head to the centrally located Waterworks Trailhead, where you can cruise down singletrack filled with switchbacks to your heart’s (and legs’) content. For a big gravity experience, try Lucky 13. This expert-level downhill trail is just over half a mile, but it packs a big punch when it comes to features. Expect big berms, step-ups and step-downs, and the biggest jumps in the trail system.
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Monument Trails | Multiple Parks
The Monument Trails are a collection of world-class mountain biking trails in four Arkansas State Parks—Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area, Pinnacle Mountain, Mount Nebo, Devil’s Den. The network features nearly 100 miles of trails, seamlessly woven into the parks’ beautiful landscapes to highlight unique terrain, historic landmarks, and scenic vistas.Ride under a waterfall. Get a quick thrill on some one-way bike-only downhills with switchback turns. Or go with the flow on scenic bluff lines. With a variety of terrain, there’s something for all skill levels.
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Mount Magazine State Park
Crater of Diamonds State Park
Woolly Hollow State Park
Richland Creek Recreation Area
Stay at one of 11 primitive campsites just outside the Richland Creek Wilderness Area, where you can venture deep into the heart of the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest. The rugged road to Richland Creek Wilderness Area isn’t for the faint of heart. But if you’re willing to brave rough roads, this hard-to-reach slice of paradise will reward you well. The forest is brimming with more than 30 waterfalls and summertime swimming holes. There’s just one catch: you won’t find any developed trails to guide the way. Instead, explore a network of social trails and old logging roads to discover a private pool for an afternoon dip.
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Sam’s Throne Recreation Area
Camp close to the climbing action at Sam’s Throne Recreation Area. With more than 300 named routes, this crag could entertain any climber for years. There’s something for all types of climbers here, including boulders and some sport routes. But the crag is best known for its impressive lineup of trad climbs. Most routes fall in the 5.7 to 5.10 range, so there are plenty of options for beginner and intermediate climbers. The campground near the crag features six primitive, drive-accessible sites, plus walk-in sites. Looking for more sport routes? Try nearby Candy Mountain or Valley of the Blind, both within a two-mile radius of Sam’s Throne.
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Mount Magazine State Park
Stand atop Arkansas’ highest peak at 2,753 feet. Or challenge yourself on the crag with some of the state’s most technical rock climbing. Don’t miss a chance to stay in a full-service cabin on the bluff, where you can stargaze from your hot tub on the deck.
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Devil’s Den State Park
As part of the four-park Monument Trail system, Devil’s Den draws mountain bikers looking for unique terrain. Think: huge rock formations, caves, creek crossings, and more. The park also hosts an annual mountain bike festival every fall—a tradition of more than 30 years.
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Crater of Diamonds State Park
Search for diamonds—yes, diamonds—on the eroded surface of a volcanic crater. The 37-acre site is one of the only places in the world open to the public for diamond hunting. The best part? Any rock, mineral, or gemstone you find is yours to keep.
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Slaughter Pen | Bentonville
For an urban mountain biking experience, head to the Slaughter Pen trails right on the edge of downtown Bentonville. Take on big berms then pedal past public art installations before you're off to the next technical section of the trail. At any point, hop over to the paved Razorback Greenway, which runs alongside most of the Slaughter Pen trails and connects to restaurants and shops downtown.
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Petit Jean State Park
Woolly Hollow State Park
Cossatot River State Park
Lake Ouachita State Park
Mount Nebo State Park
Mount Magazine State Park
Crater of Diamonds State Park
Pinnacle Mountain
Devil's Den State Park
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