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arkansas
Arkansas, known as the Natural State, boasts some of the most spectacular and diverse hiking opportunities in the southeastern United States. From the rugged Ozark Mountains in the north to the rolling Ouachita Mountains in the west, Arkansas delivers dramatic bluffs, crystal-clear rivers, towering waterfalls, deep canyons, and vast wilderness areas that feel worlds away from everyday life.
A few highlights from this state’s most popular hiking trails include:
- Hawksbill Crag (Whitaker Point) in the Ozark National Forest – the iconic rocky outcrop with jaw-dropping panoramic views over the Buffalo National River valley
- Lost Valley Trail in Buffalo National River – an easy family favorite featuring Eden Falls, a massive bluff shelter cave, and a natural bridge
- Big Bluff via Centerpoint Trail (including the thrilling Goat Trail) – one of the highest and most dramatic overlooks in the Buffalo River area
- Hemmed-In-Hollow Falls – the tallest waterfall between the Rockies and the Appalachians, plunging 209 feet into a lush gorge
- Cedar Falls Trail in Petit Jean State Park – a steep descent to Arkansas’s most photographed 95-foot waterfall with misty plunge pools
- Pedestal Rocks and King’s Bluff Loop in the Ozark National Forest – spectacular sandstone pedestals, bluffs, and waterfall overlooks
- Signal Hill and North Rim trails on Mount Magazine – reaching Arkansas’s highest point at 2,753 feet with sweeping valley vistas
- Yellow Rock Trail in Devil’s Den State Park – CCC-built path to massive boulders and Lee Creek Valley panoramas
- Glory Hole Waterfall – a rare cascade pouring through a natural rock “glory hole” into a hidden grotto
- Alum Cove Natural Bridge – an impressive sandstone arch with small waterfalls in a peaceful Ozark setting
Whether you’re a beginner looking for gentle lakeside loops and accessible boardwalks, or an experienced hiker craving strenuous backcountry adventures with river crossings and steep scrambles, Arkansas has trails suited to every skill level. Families will love short, rewarding paths like Lost Valley and Mirror Lake, while backpackers flock to multi-day routes such as the Eagle Rock Loop and segments of the Ozark Highlands Trail and Buffalo River Trail.
In addition to breathtaking natural scenery, Arkansas hiking often weaves in history and culture. Many trails pass through remnants of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) era, including stonework, shelters, and lodges at Petit Jean, Devil’s Den, and Mount Magazine. Others explore Native American rock art at sites like Rock House Cave or pioneer history along the Buffalo National River.
Hiking here is more than exercise—it’s an immersive way to experience the state’s rich ecosystems: lush hardwood coves, rare cedar glades, wildflower meadows in spring, blazing fall foliage, and abundant wildlife from elk in the Buffalo River corridor to black bears in the Ozarks. Trails like the interpretive paths at Blanchard Springs Caverns and the Ozark National Forest offer educational insights into geology, botany, and conservation.
Whether you’re chasing epic overlooks, cascading waterfalls, hidden caves, or simply the peace of a pine-scented forest, Arkansas delivers unforgettable outdoor adventures and showcases why it truly earns its nickname—the Natural State.
Trail Locations in arkansas
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Trails in arkansas
Alum Cove Natural Bridge Trail
Newton County
Short hike to impressive natural sandstone bridge.
Bear Cave Trail
Washington County
Easy family walk to fascinating boulder cave.
Benefield Loop Trail
Logan County
Scenic loop with rare plants and high-elevation views on Mount Magazine.
Blanchard Springs Accessible Trail
Stone County
Paved path to stunning spring emergence and waterfall.
Boy Scout Trail
Conway County
Extended loop connecting Petit Jean's major highlights.
Buffalo River Trail - Ponca to Steel Creek
Newton County
Bluff views along the iconic Buffalo National River.
Butterfield Hiking Trail Segment
Washington County
Historic stagecoach route through rugged Ozark terrain.
Butterfly Falls Trail
Washington County
Short scramble to a hidden waterfall in Devil's Den.
Cameron Bluff Campground Trail
Logan County
Relaxed nature walk from Mount Magazine campground.
CCC Interpretive Trail
Washington County
Historic path showcasing Civilian Conservation Corps craftsmanship.
Cedar Falls Trail
Conway County
Classic descent to Arkansas's most photographed 95-foot waterfall.
Centerpoint to Big Bluff Trail
Newton County
Thrilling Goat Trail scramble to massive river overlook.
Cove Lake Trail
Logan County
Challenging descent from Mount Magazine to scenic lake.
Devil's Canyon Scenic Area Trail
Crawford County
Rugged canyon trek to towering waterfalls.
Eagle Rock Loop
Montgomery County
Arkansas's longest loop with river crossings and rugged terrain.
Erbie to Cedar Grove Trail
Newton County
River corridor hike featuring historic cemetery and pioneer sites.
Fossil Flats Trail
Washington County
Multi-use trail system with stacked loops for varied adventures.
Glory Hole Waterfall Trail
Newton County
Unique waterfall pouring through a rock hole into a grotto.
Greenfield Trail
Logan County
Peaceful forested loop with valley overlooks on Mount Magazine.
Hemmed-In-Hollow Falls Trail
Newton County
Steep descent to the tallest waterfall between Rockies and Appalachians.
High Banks Twin Falls Trail
Crawford County
Remote twin cascade with turquoise pools in deep forest.
Horsehead Lake Trail
Johnson County
Peaceful lake loop through mature Ozark forest.
Indian Rockhouse Cave Trail
Newton County
Explore massive bluff shelter cave in Buffalo NR.
Jacks Branch Loop
Stone County
Multi-use loop through Ozark forest near Blanchard Springs.
King's Bluff Loop Trail
Van Buren County
Awe-inspiring bluff with waterfall views in Ozark NF.
Kings River Falls Trail
Madison County
Scenic riverside walk to cascading natural waterfall.
Lake Fort Smith Trail
Crawford County
Lakeside loop connecting to the Ozark Highlands Trail.
Lost Valley Trail
Newton County
Easy family hike to Eden Falls, cave, and natural bridge.
Mary Ann Richter Overlook Trail
Conway County
Easy access to distant mountain and valley vistas.
Mirror Lake Trail
Stone County
Paved path to scenic lake and Blanchard Springs waterfall.
Morning Star Interpretive Loop
Marion County
Family-friendly historic mining loop with interpretive displays.
Mossback Ridge Trail
Logan County
Ridge hike with panoramic valley and lake views.
North Rim Trail
Logan County
Bluff-edge hike with sweeping views from Arkansas's high point.
North Sylamore Creek Trail
Stone County
Scenic creek-side trek with ridges and limestone bluffs.
Ozark to Pruitt Trail
Newton County
Scenic river segment with overlooks and pioneer remnants.
Pedestal Rocks Trail
Van Buren County
Loop to massive rock pedestals and bluff overlooks in Ozark NF.
Pinnacle Mountain West Summit Trail
Pulaski County
Steep climb to panoramic views near Little Rock.
Redding Spy Rock Loop Trail
Newton County
Scenic loop to panoramic bluff overlook.
Rock House Cave Trail
Conway County
Short spur to ancient pictographs in massive cave shelter.
Rough Trail - Buffalo NR
Newton County
Rugged backcountry with challenging terrain and primitive conditions.
Rush Mine Level Trail
Marion County
Historic ghost town exploration through abandoned zinc mines.
Sam's Throne Trail
Newton County
Climb to dramatic rock formation overlook in Ozark NF.
Seven Hollows Trail
Conway County
Loop through ancient geology with natural bridge and Turtle Rocks.
Signal Hill Trail
Logan County
Reach Arkansas's highest point at 2,753 feet with valley views.
Steel Creek Overlook Trail
Newton County
Short climb to panoramic Buffalo River views.
Stout's Point Overlook Trail
Conway County
Brief walk to historic gravesite and sweeping valley panorama.
Whitaker Point Trail
Newton County
Iconic Hawksbill Crag overlook with panoramic Ozark views.
White Rock Mountain Trail
Crawford County
Summit loop with expansive Ozark panoramas.
Will Apple's Road Trail
Logan County
Historic mountain road with valley overlooks.
Winding Stairs Trail
Newton County
Backcountry adventure with river crossings and solitude.
Yellow Rock Trail
Washington County
CCC-built path to stunning overlook of Lee Creek Valley.