Water
Arkansas
Some chase trails. Others make them. Arkansas is full of natural beauty and incredible outdoor experiences, a place made for bold adventurers looking to travel a different path—or carve a new one of their own.
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 options are mind boggling. Good bet: Start with the Buffalo National River. America’s first National River has over 100 miles of free-flowing water, and plenty of mellow floating through spectacular Ozark scenery. Next on the tour: 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.
Arkansas
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 recreation. Visitors can even taste the water at the various jug fountains located around the park. Head to Bathhouse Row, a National Historic Landmark District, for a soak. The Hot Springs experience doesn't end there. The town is right next to Lake Ouachita, Lake Hamilton, and Lake Catherine—which together form the Tri-Lakes Region. Camping, boating, fishing, and hiking are all on the menu.
Superior Bathhouse Brewery, located within the national park, makes refreshing craft beers on-site. The main ingredient? Thermal spring water.
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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.
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.
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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WHERE ADVENTURE NEVER ENDS
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 State Park
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’ 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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15 Adventure
Hot Spots in
The Natural State
Whatever outdoor activities you love, you'll find the perfect place to enjoy them in Arkansas. Check out the map to explore top destinations for biking, climbing, camping, and more.
Back 40 | Bella Vista Area
In recent years, Arkansas has undergone a massive makeover, creating a world-class ecosystem of mountain biking trails, events, and culture. Put yourself in the middle of it all at Bella Vista, a hub for more than 100 miles of riding, including the famous Back 40 trail system, one of the places that started it all. The cross-country mountain biking paradise serves up ridgeline riding, steep climbs, and scenery that includes caves and waterfalls. And Bella Vista’s epicenter status is growing. This year, construction starts on a new bike park, with chairlift-served downhill riding that will be world-class in design and access. Expect high-speed lifts, more than 20 miles of new gravity trails, a community plaza, and seamless connection to the existing network of Northwest Arkansas 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. Bonus: Not only is this area amazing by day, nights are world-class too. The region has been named an International Dark Sky Park, meaning the stars are unbelievable.
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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.
If you’re backpacking the Eagle Rock Loop, take a moment to appreciate the history—you’re following parts of a 100-year-old postal route.
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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.
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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 | Arkansas State 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, and 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
Bentonville
Cossatot River State Park
Lake Ouachita State Park
Mount Nebo State Park
Mount Magazine State Park
Crater of Diamonds State Park
Pinnacle Mountain State Park
Devil's Den State Park
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Bentonville
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Bentonville
Why is Bentonville known as the new mountain biking capital of the world? First, the trails. With nearly 70 miles of trails in town, plus easy access to some 400 miles more in Northwest Arkansas, the riding is well-designed and plentiful, with everything from expert-level routes to family-friendly fun. Then add the welcoming bike culture, great food, and even trailside art, and the answer is clear.
Buffalo National River
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Buffalo National River
America’s first National River is a haven for water lovers. Designated in 1972, it’s one of the last undammed rivers in the continental United States, with 151 free-flowing miles. Paddling, hiking, and camping are all on the menu. Choose from sporty rapids to mellow flatwater, and everywhere enjoy the forests and bluffs of the Ozark Mountains.
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Eureka Springs
Can one place really have it all? Eureka Springs makes a good case, with hiking, biking, camping, fishing, caving, and more all on tap. Two rivers, three lakes, and walking routes that meander through the historic town make Eureka Springs an all-in-one destination.
Eureka Springs
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White River
If you love to fish, you’ll really love Bull Shoals-White River State Park. Bull Shoals Lake, crowded with bass, catfish, and walleye, is a haven for anglers. It gets better: The lake’s dam, completed some 70 years ago, transformed the White River into the Trout Capital of America. For over 90 miles, downstream of the dam, the river produces record-size trout.
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Crowley’s Ridge State Park
Plan to spend the night at this Northeast Arkansas park, and reserve one of the rustic cabins. Some of the park’s structures were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, using local wood and stone (all cabins have modern amenities). Outside your front door, you’ll find hiking trails, fishing, boating, and more.
Crowley's Ridge State Park
White River
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Hot Springs National Park
You’ve never seen a national park like this one. Located in the middle of town, with nine historic bathhouses (two offer soaking opportunities today), the park honors and celebrates the rich legacy of the thermal waters here. The hot springs have been an icon of healing for centuries, and it comes with hiking trails, creeks, and mountain views.
Hot Springs National Park
Delta Heritage Trail State Park
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Delta Heritage Trail State Park
The best way to explore the Mississippi Delta? On a bike. Just west of the Mississippi River town of Helena-West Helena, a rail-to-trail conversion has created a 42-mile route through some of the most remote and scenic delta country in eastern Arkansas.
Gravel Riding
WIth the boom in gravel riding sweeping the country in recent years, Arkansas has kept pace—and then some. The Ozark Grinder Trail covers roughly 200 miles, rolling and winding through the most wild and remote parts of the northcentral Ozarks. Or for a more culture-rich ride, check out the Sunken Lands Cultural Roadway. The 45-mile route, on a mix of paved and gravel surfaces, goes through small towns and right by the historic Johnny Cash Boyhood Home.
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Goat Trail to Big Bluff
Looking for a challenge? This is your hike. The payoff is a stunner of a vista from Big Bluff, overlooking the Buffalo National River. The six-mile out-and-back hike descends steeply to the river (meaning it’s uphill on the way back), but the real test here is the last stretch on the Goat Trail. After cruising on the Centerpoint Trail for most of the way, you peel off on the Goat Trail, a narrow and potentially dangerous path that traverse ledges to reach Big Bluff. Proceed with caution and enjoy the well-earned view.
Carry plenty of drinking water, you’ll need it for the way back.
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Arkansas State Parks
Some of the best camping in the country can be found in the 52 state parks scattered across Arkansas. From the Ozark Mountains to the Mississippi Delta, The Natural State serves up camping for every type of outdoor enthusiast, with campgrounds, cabins, and lodges—all of it with front row seats to spectacular lake, river, forest, and mountain scenery. Start with gems like Lake Ouachita (the state’s largest lake), Devil’s Den (fantastic rock formations), Petit Jean (historic log-and-stone facilities), and Bull Shoals-White River (fishing!), and keep exploring.
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Hot Springs National Park
Eureka Springs
Delta Heritage Trail State Park
Crowley's Ridge State Park
White River
Buffalo National River
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EPISODE 3: BUFFALO NATIONAL RIVER
What happens when you build a world-class system of bike trails in and around a soul-satisfying hub of art and food? Bentonville.
You could traipse all over the country looking for great riding, hiking, rock climbing, zip lining, and stargazing. Or you can park yourself in this Ozarks paradise and do it all in one place.
There’s a reason this Arkansas waterway was designated as America’s first National River in 1972. The freeflowing river is a playground for water lovers and a refuge for anyone who wants to experience a primal slice of Ozarks nature.
Come for the mountain biking—the terrain is unreal—and stay for the iconic park’s diverse blend of trails, wild rock formations, and historic Civilian Conservation Corps cabins.
Watch the Arkansas Adventure Series
We sent the Arkansas Field Team on a mission to explore the best of The Natural State. Mission accomplished.
EPISODE 1: BENTONVILLE
EPISODE 2: HORSESHOE CANYON RANCH
EPISODE 4: DEVIL'S DEN STATE PARK
The Field Team
Meet our crew of bike-climb-paddle-fun experts. They have a sixth sense—for adventure!
Whether he’s overlanding or skiing or riding, Muse always brings the passion—for high-energy adventure and bringing others along for the ride. He’s explored everywhere from Alaska to Baja, so when he says Arkansas wowed his socks off, better take note.
Ready for a thrill? Aim for about a quarter of what this adventure athlete does on the regular. From paragliding to slacklining—to somehow combining the two—Rojas flirts with the edge of what’s possible.
As a professional mountain biker and multidisciplinary visual artist, Gatto combines grit and artistry like no one else. The World Cup racer-turned-freeride star was in heaven on the vast Arkansas trail system.
ANDREW MUSE
Micayla Gatto
Rodolfo Rojas
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