Top 14 Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Arkansas

1. Hawksbill Crag

Also often called Whitaker Point, this can be a massive rock outcrop that resembles a hawk’s invoice and an Instagram-influencer hotspot situated deep within the coronary heart of Ozark National Park, it stands 1,400 ft above sea stage and juts out 100 ft from the bluff. 

A spherical journey there took me three hours to finish, which included climbing the Hawksbill Crag path (also referred to as the Whitaker Point Trail) and having fun with – and photographing – the really beautiful however vertigo-inducing views. On the way in which the views are additionally very scenic with and took me by dense hardwood forests and previous fascinating rock formations and a mixture of purple, white and yellow wildflowers.

Once there the views of the Buffalo River Valley and the encircling Ozark National Forest under had been jaw-dropping however when you go I simply want so as to add very cautious whereas approaching the steep edge and test climate circumstances earlier than you go!

How to get there:

You can begin the path (which ultimately reaches to the photogenic crag) by touring to the close by city of Ponca, then take the Arkansas Highway 21 south for two.7 miles, flip proper onto County Road 5 and proceed for six miles till you attain the Whitaker Point Trailhead parking space. From there the can the path is properly marked (however can get busy through the peak months).

• Location: Ozark National Forest, northwest of the state
• Map Location
• Best time to go to: late spring to early fall

My favourite highlights…

• Going on an unimaginable dawn hike the place we began off climbing with a flash mild torch then lastly arriving to {photograph} the jaw-dropping views on the crag when the solar began to rise. It was a really particular expertise! 
• Discovering this magnificence spot through the fall when the foliage was a shocking cascade of oranges, reds, yellows and browns!

2. Hot Spring and Hot Springs National Park

Hot Springs is a quaint and easy-on-the-eye metropolis situated within the centre of the state. I like the historic structure, fascinating specialty outlets which promote distinctive souvenirs and artisan-made merchandise and the eating places which serve up tasty Southern delicacies with regionally made elements.

Although the largest draw right here although is definitely the pure scorching springs which the city was constructed round and have become formally established in 1851. The thermal springs have the fame of being therapeutic so its attracted vacationers and wellness-seekers for hundreds of years who come to bathtub within the mineral-rich waters. 

I extremely suggest heading to the historic Bathhouse Row which is house to 2 working wellness spas (Quapaw Baths & Spa and Buckstaff Bathhouse), the very tastefully refurbished boutique Hale Hotel, a brewery and a guests middle and museum the place you’ll be able to be taught all concerning the historical past of the city.

The Hot Springs National Park – which was first protected in 1832 – is a separate attraction however uniquely contains the historic downtown space of the city. I beloved the fascinating landscapes right here which included the Ouachita Mountains, historical forests, fairly streams and naturally the legendary scorching springs which emerge from the bottom, forming small swimming pools and streams between the rocks on the rugged landscapes. During the winter months the steam rising from them is a really scenic sight! 

I extremely suggest exploring the miles of climbing tails right here (together with the favored Upper Dogwood Trail and Goat Rock Trail which results in a scenic overlook), viewing the picturesque Display Spring situated close to the Grand Promenade and seeing the Instagram-worthy Hot Water Cascade situated on the north finish of Bath Row the place the geothermal water falls down the mountainside in a shocking show!

• Address: 101 Reserve St, Hot Springs, AR 71901
• Map Location
• Best time to go to: spring to fall however bathing within the thermal springs right here through the winter is a particular expertise! 

My private highlights…

• Visiting the Superior Bathhouse Brewery situated on the historic Bathhouse Row, I beloved the way it makes use of the spring water of their craft brewing course of! I extremely suggest attempting the tasty comfortable pretzels, fried cauliflower and the Foul Play Oatmeal Stout! Alternatively that they had major meals and cider, wine and comfortable drinks on supply. 
• Bathing within the communal swimming pools at Quapaw Baths & Spa after which going for a clay wrap and a calming Quapaw Signature Facial. 
• Hiking the 1.7 mile Hot Springs Mountain Trail which took me on a really scenic spherical journey from the bottom of Hot Springs Mountain within the downtown Hot Springs to the summit the place I took the elevator to the highest of Hot Springs Mountain Tower for very good panoramic views!

3. The Ozarks

This is now world-famous space of pure excellent magnificence because of the favored Netflix sequence “Ozark“. Other locations I’ve talked about on this record are situated in what is named the Ozarks however I couldn’t not point out this as a complete area as the realm is really extraordinary. The Ozarks spans southern Missouri, northern Arkansas, and small components of Oklahoma and Kansas and are house to the Ozark Mountains, massive lakes, beautiful plateaus, historical thick forests and winding rivers. 

It’s additionally a highly regarded trip spot and has superior services together with a fantastic vary of lodging from luxurious boutique motels to cabin leases, rustic campgrounds, and more and more attracts, households, eco-tourists and journey seekers with its big vary of actions on supply together with climbing, mountain biking, zip-lining, caving, kayaking, paddle-boarding, canoeing, boating, swimming, rafting and tubing.

For the very best sights that fall inside Arkansas, I extremely suggest exploring the quaint city of Eureka Springs which is house to Victorian buildings, artwork galleries, quaint outlets and mineral-rich scorching springs that are mentioned to be therapeutic, the breathtaking family-friendly Blanchard Springs Caverns and the Ozark Folk Center State Park the place I noticed fascinating craft demonstrations and stay people music! 

• Location: northern a part of the state
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• Best time to go to: spring to fall

My favourite highlights… 

• Hiking a part of the scenic lengthy distance backcountry Ozark Highlands Trail which has the fame of providing among the greatest surroundings on a path in the entire nation! I began on Cherry Bend Trailhead after which 9 miles and two days later it took me to the tranquil magnificence spot Hurricane Creek.
• Staying on the tranquil Mountain Harbor Resort & Spa. I particularly beloved their enjoyable onsite Turtle Spa, nice vary of family-friendly actions and the scenic trails within the surrounding Ouachita National Forest. 
• Visiting the Instagram-worthy architectural marvel Thorncrown Chapel which was constructed of wooden and glass by E. Fay Jones and accomplished in 1980. 

4. Buffalo River

This pure magnificence spot situated with the Ozark Mountains is critically wow-inducing! This unpolluted and free-flowing river has three distinct wilderness areas – the Upper Buffalo Wilderness, Ponca Wilderness, and Lower Buffalo Wilderness – and is the first-ever designated National River of the United States.

In the Upper Buffalo Wilderness is house to steep cliffs, rugged landscapes, deep valleys and the tallest waterfall situated between the Rockies and the Appalachians – the Hemmed-In-Hollow Falls and the Ponca Wilderness is house to spectacular sights such because the Big Bluff and Roark Bluff in addition to climbing and more difficult kayaking and canoeing. Finally the Lower Buffalo Wilderness is my private favourite as that is the place I discovered the extra leisurely a part of the river (the currents are slower right here)! I beloved simply floating down the river in a tube after which tenting within the rolling hills and forests in a single day. 

I additionally love that there’s a big vary of actions each on the river and within the space, together with kayaking, canoeing, float journeys, tubing, rafting, swimming, picnicking, climbing, tenting, wildlife-spotting, mountain climbing, cave excursions and climbing. The center and decrease sections of the river are typically safer spots for swimming however as all the time ensure you’re safety-conscious- there aren’t any lifeguards on obligation right here! 

• Location: runs by the Ozark Mountains within the northern a part of the state
• Map Location
• Best time to go to: summer time

My favourite highlights…

• Seeing an unimaginable birds-eye-view of the forest on a zip-line on the Buffalo Outdoor Center within the close by city of Ponca.
• Kayaking down the river and tenting in a single day on the family-friendly Steel Creek Campground. I beloved the views of the Roark Bluff, the river, the picnic tables and the calm swimming spots that they had right here. 
• Hiking the Lost Valley Trail which took me on simply over two miles on a simple loop across the scenic Upper Buffalo River Area. I beloved taking within the beautiful valley surroundings which consisted of cliffs, the fascinating Cobb Cave and the beautiful Eden Falls.

5. Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway

Appealing to nature lovers, this can be a critically beautiful 35 mile highway journey in any other case often called Highway 21 situated within the Ozark National Forest. It affords the views of the unspoilt Ozark Highlands which is full of rugged terrain, winding rivers, thick forests and mountains. 

The highway begins close to the city of Clarksville and finish close to the city of Boxley and you may as well attempt to spot wildlife from the protection of your automobile together with black bears, elk, white-tailed deer and coyotes. The highway is open all yr spherical however within the winter, snowfall could make it a bit tougher to navigate through the winter months.

I extremely suggest stopping on the Ozone Recreation Area which has picnic tables and fantastic views, the picturesque Haw Creek Falls, the Kings River Overlook which affords panoramic views, the enduring Hawksbill Crag and the beautiful Boxley Valley (pictured above). 

• Location: Highway 21, Clarksville (northwest of the state)
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• Best time to go to: early spring to fall

My highlights…

• Staying in a single day on the close by Long Pool Recreation Area which was a stunning spot situated alongside the Big Piney Creek. I beloved going swimming within the calm spots right here and exploring the encircling climbing trails.
• Going on a slight detour and exploring the unimaginable Pedestal Rocks Scenic Area, the Instagram-worthy and distinctive rock formations made it value it! 

6. Hamilton Lake

I’ve to say this beautiful spot, it’s a really massive tranquil man-made lake which covers an space of practically 7,200 acres situated in Ouachita Mountains close to the city of Hot Springs. It could be reached simply through a 15 minute drive so I counsel combing a go to of the 2 locations and even happening a twin trip as there’s a high quality vary of lodging across the lake together with condos, cabins, family-friendly resorts, quaint inns and tenting.

It’s additionally a leisure scorching spot and in style actions right here embody boating, kayaking, canoeing, jet snowboarding, paddle-boarding, swimming, waterskiing and tubing on dry land climbing, biking, golf and picnicking on the grassy shorelines. 

I additionally extremely suggest visiting the gorgeous Garvan Woodland Gardens house to landscaped botanical gardens scenic trails, waterfalls and delightful – however noisy – peacocks!

• Location: Hot springs, middle of the state 
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• Best time to go to: summer time

My private highlights…

• Going on a sundown dinner cruise on the vintage-style paddle-wheel boat the Belle of Hot Springs Riverboat. The views of the picturesque lake had been actually beautiful.
• Camping in a single day on the close by Brady Mountain Resort and Marina, it had nice services like fireplace rings and boat leases within the marina the and I beloved waking as much as the lake and mountain views every morning.

7. Catherine’s at Bell Gable, Fayetteville

Located in Fayetteville, on the base of the Ozark Mountains, this can be a romantic hidden gem situated on a non-public property that appeals to historical past followers and other people eager about faith. I like how cute and quaint this photogenic gothic chapel and I particularly beloved the cascading waterfall within the gardens which made the placement much more magical. 

The distinctive constructing was constructed by hand over 10 years by architect Albert Skiles and inside it options stained glass home windows, a wood carved door and pointed arches. Outside its surrounded by tranquil gardens, woodlands, and a fairly pond. 

The church is situated on personal floor and is generally used for wedding ceremony and vowel renewals however you’ll be able to enquire about visiting through their web site.

• Address: Catherine’s at Bell Gable 2140 N Stone Chapel Ln, Fayetteville, AR 72703
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• Best time to go to: all yr spherical

My private highlights…

• Photographing the dreamy spot for my Instagram gallery.

8. Devil’s Den State Park

Located within the Ozarks this can be a protected expanse of land overlaying practically 2,500 acres which was declared as a state park in 1933. It could be discovered close to the city of West Fork, close to Fayetteville and it house to some gorgeously rugged landscapes dotted with cliffs, scenic overlooks, caves, winding creeks, a small lake and (exterior the dry season) waterfalls. 

It attracts nature lovers, households and out of doors journey seekers with its nice vary of lodging – from campsites to historic cabins, facilities and actions on supply together with scenic climbing trails, mountain biking trails, boating, kayaking, canoeing, pedal boats, mountain climbing, exploring caves, picnicking and wildlife watching – white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, armadillos, bat and owls stay right here! Swimming within the park just isn’t inspired although.

I extremely suggest exploring Devil’s Den which is an intriguing sequence of deep rock crevices, mysterious Devil’s Den Cave, the serene Twin Falls and tranquil Devil Den Lake which is unfold throughout eight acres and flanked by the gorgeous Ozark National Forest.

• Location: Ozarks Mountains, northwest a part of the state
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• Best time to go to: late spring to fall

My highlights… 

• Photographing the breathtaking surrounding Ozark Mountains from the Yellow Rock Overlook which I reached through the three mile Yellow Rock Trail. 
• Staying in a single day in a historic native cabin which was made from stone and wooden, though it was very primary it made a pleasant change to my traditional tent tenting! 
• Going on a free ranger-led guided tour on the Devil’s Den Trail and studying all concerning the fascinating historical past and geology of the park.

9. Ozark – St. Francis National Forest

These two lovely protected forests, Ozark National Forest and the St. Francis National Forest and collectively they’re often called Ozark – St. Francis National Forest and so they cowl an enormous space (over 1.16 million acres)! The public land is primarily situated within the well-known Ozark Mountains within the north of the state.

I personally love this spot for climbing, tenting, scenic drives and wildlife-watching however different actions on supply right here embody mountain biking trails, boating and cave exploring. I counsel not lacking the breathtaking Mount Magazine (the very best peak in the entire state), the fascinating Blanchard Springs Caverns, the scenic Ozark Highlands Trail, and the favored leisure hub Bear Creek Lake. 

I additionally beloved swimming right here and in style locations to swim included the Blanchard Springs Recreation Area, Blanchard Springs, Mirror Lake and Big Piney Creek.

• Location: alongside the Mississippi River, each the north and the japanese a part of the state
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• Best time to go to: summer time however fall can be very lovely with colourful foliage.

My favourite highlights…

• Going on a guided tour of Blanchard Springs Caverns and watching shifting water nonetheless carving its manner by the cave and the engaging formations of stalactites and stalagmites! 
• Camping in a single day on the picturesque Redding Recreation Area Campground, I like the scenic views and easy accessibility to Mulberry River (which has mild rapids). 
• Hiking the scenic and peaceable Glory Hole Falls Trail which was a two mile path which lead me to the distinctive and really photogenic Glory Hole Waterfall the place water flowed by a big rock overhang!

10. Petit Jean State Park

Located in central Arkansas, simply to the west of the city of Morrilton and never removed from Conway, is that this scenic state park which was first established in 1923 and covers an space of over 3,400 acres. It’s protected landscapes encompass thick forests, cliffs, canyons, scenic overlooks, caves, two lakes and a winding river and I personally beloved the jaw-dropping views right here! 

There’s no scarcity of superior actions to get entangled with right here together with climbing, mountain biking, tenting, boating, kayaking, picnicking, swimming (within the seasonal out of doors pool close to Camp Area A), wildlife-watching (black bears, bald eagles and white-tailed deer stay right here) , cave exploring, viewing waterfalls, scenic drives, mountain climbing, and becoming a member of the fabulous ranger-led applications and nature walks. Swimming isn’t permitted within the lakes or creeks although. 

Appealing to vacationers, journey lovers and photographers (the outlooks and landscapes are really breathtaking!) there’s additionally a fantastic vary of family-friendly lodging in Petit Jean State Park from rustic type campsites to historic cabins and even the big 24-room Mather Lodge. 

I extremely suggest exploring the eye-catching Cedar Falls and Overlook, Bear Cave which is house to very large rock formations, Lake Bailey which is a beautiful spot for boating, the historic Davies Bridge and the close by scenic pure pool the Blue Hole. Also make time to discover among the wonderful climbing trails, among the greatest embody Signal Hill Trail, Bear Hollow Trail, and Benefield Loop.

• Location: 1285 Petit Jean Mountain Rd, Morrilton, AR 72110
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• Best time to visit: late spring to early fall

My private highlights… 

• Driving alongside and up Highway 154 led me to Petit Jean Mountain. Here I noticed beautiful panoramic views of the Arkansas River Valley under and visited the historic grave of Petit Jean, a web site tied to the legend of a younger French lady who disguised herself to secretly observe her lover on an expedition, solely to fall ailing and, in response to the story, be buried on the mountain after her true identification was revealed!
• Seeing unimaginable views from the Palisades Overlook (its signposted from Mather Lodge).
• Exploring the Rock House Cave a big sandstone shelter the place I noticed the fascinating historical Native American rock artwork (often called petroglyphs) on the finish of the quick Rock House Cave Trail.

11. Mount Magazine State Park 

I’m a giant fan of this breathtaking pure magnificence spot which has the fame of being among the best out of doors locations within the state! Located in Logan County close to the city of Paris, this protected space was declared a state park in 1938 and covers an space of practically 2,234 acres. It uniquely sits on the highest of gorgeous Mount Magazine which can be the state’s highest level standing at 2,753 ft above sea stage. 

The surroundings is really breathtaking (particularly throughout fall my favourite season right here) and encompass panoramic mountain views, rugged cliffs, historical forests, winding streams, and scenic overlooks the place you’ll be able to gaze on the picturesque surrounding Arkansas River Valley.

Attracting vacationers, households, nature lovers, out of doors adventurists and photographers it affords lodging equivalent to campsites, rustic historic cabins and the tastefully trendy Mount Magazine Lodge which affords upscale lodging, a big restaurant and an indoor swimming pool.

I like that there’s an enormous vary of actions equivalent to climbing, mountain climbing, rappelling, hang-gliding, tenting, picnicking, wildlife-watching, mountain biking, scenic drives, birdwatching, pictures and serene nature walks. 

I additionally counsel exploring the breathtaking Cameron Bluff Overlook with its panoramic views, climbing the scenic Signal Hill Trail to the state’s highest level, having fun with the beautiful vistas from Inspiration Point, and venturing alongside the various Bear Hollow and picturesque Benefield Loop Trails, all whereas soaking within the park’s dramatic rock cliffs and delightful pure environment.

My private highlights…

• Hiking to the highest of Mount Magazine summit through the wooded and tranquil Signal Hill Trail.
• Butterfly watching within the park’s wildflower meadows through the summer time. Lots of butterflies species reside right here and I managed to identify a stupendous big swallowtail! 

12. DeGray Lake Resort State Park

Another in style tenting vacation spot is the beautiful DeGray Lake Resort State Park. Located on DeGray Lake off the Caddo River, overlooking the gorgeous Ouachita Mountains, this place is a gem!

Visitors can hike, camp, and use the wonderful leisure services beside the lakeshore and shady woodland websites.

This vacation spot offers you much-needed leisure away from the hustle and bustle. The lake Resort has climbing trails, guided horseback and biking trails, boat leases, and way more.

13. Ouachita National Recreation Trail

This tough and rugged path extends 223 miles by the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas and Oklahoma. Ouachita National Recreation Trail is the longest backpacking path amidst the Ouachita National Forest, spanning 192 miles.

Throughout the path, you’ll discover many highway crossings and entry factors, making planning your journey straightforward. While the hikers love the rugged landscapes, nature lovers can benefit from the tranquil surroundings! 

14. The Old Mill, Little Rock

This is a captivating and romantic place to spend the day and benefit from the peaceable surroundings! You would possibly acknowledge it as the placement for the opening scenes of the basic Gone with the Wind film.

Unsurprisingly, this location is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a well-liked venue for weddings and photoshoots.

This Nineteenth-century-style mill is open daily from 8 a.m. till sundown. Guided excursions, which final about half-hour, are additionally obtainable for ten or extra folks and are situated within the T.R. Pugh Memorial Park on the nook of Fairway Avenue and Lakeshore Drive in North Little Rock.