With Mississippi River as its boundary, the US state of Arkansas is an ideal tourist destination for everyone looking for exciting treks, a scenic stroll around the beautiful landscape, exploring the wild caves and steep mountain terrain, or visiting the hot springs and lakes. If you’re a fitness maniac, trekking this rugged territory will not only boost your immune system but it will also help you develop a habit to keep moving forward, come what may. Ideal for both amateur and experienced trekkers, Arkansas’s wide options of training facilities will keep you spellbound. For your convenience, we’ve compiled a list of some of the top hiking and trekking spots in Arkansas, USA, that you should consider checking out.
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1. Eagle Rock Loop
A 28.2-mile (45.3km) trail located near Langley in Arkansas, this trekking and hiking point is an ideal juncture for experienced trekkers who love some serious adventures through hardwood and pine forests, pristine stream crossings and iconic mountain peaks! Accessible year-round, this hiking adventure offers a spellbound experience of the Ouachita Mountains and an amazing trek to remember. There are 5 trail-heads which offer a multitude of hiking options. There’s the Albert Pike Recreation Area off Highway 369, Little Missouri Falls on Forest Road 25, 4 miles (6.3 km) west of Little Missouri Falls on Forest Road 25 and on the east of Bard Springs Recreation Area on Forest Road 106 via bike or on foot.
Eagle Rock Loop
Address: Langley, AR 71952, United States
Website: Eagle Rock Loop
2. Fossil Flats Trailhead
Fossils Flats Trailhead is a five-mile (eight-kilometer) long hiking and trekking joint, with difficulty level ranging from easy to moderate, and one can avail mountain biking or horseback riding. There are various creeks and you can go canoeing or paddle boating or just run. The trek is located in the Devil’s Den State Park housing the glorious Ozark Mountains lying northwest of Arkansas. Since it’s not crowded, you can spot various wildlife like beavers, bats, and armadillos. The view from Lee Creek is worthy of all the difficulty involved to trek and though there is a big rock formation, it is an easy trek that can be completed within three hours.
Fossil Flats Trailhead
Address: 11333 AR-74, West Fork, AR 72774, United States
Website: Fossil Flats Trailhead
Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 8am - 8pm; Sun - Thu: 8am - 5pm
3. Whitaker Point Trailhead
Ideal for everyone, this 3-mile (4.8-kilometer) loop trekking is a must-try for beginners and experts alike, which takes about 2.5 hours to complete. One can spot wildflowers and trees and it is ideal for all skill levels. Trail point is South of Ponca, Ark. There are beautiful waterfalls, small creeks and the view from the hilltop is truly breathtaking. You can bring your pet dog but they must be on a leash and the lush river and steep mountains might seem scary at times.
Whitaker Point Trailhead
Address: Co Rd 5, Kingston, AR 72742, United States
Website: Whitaker Point Trailhead
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
4. Pedestal Rocks & Kings Bluff Trailhead
Posted by Douglas Neidholdt on Tuesday, 17 December 2019
Approximately 4.6 miles (7.4 kilometers) of moderate trekking and hiking is the Pedestal Rocks & Kings Bluff Trailhead situated near Pelsor, Arkansas. The best time to visit this trail is around April to September. It offers two exciting trail loops, one is if you are entering from the parking lane and it leads into the woods and then it splits into two; the trail on the right starts the Kings Bluff Loop, while the one which goes straight leads the trail to the Pedestal Rocks Loop. The main attraction of the Pedestal Rocks Loop is the Pedestal Rocks which was formed as a result of water and wind erosion, thus sculpting these small, mushroom-shaped columns and small caves. There are various camping and lodging services available and it is ideal for all sorts of trekkers. The hike takes about five to six hours to complete the loop.
Pedestal Rocks & Kings Bluff Trailhead
Address: AR-16, Sand Gap, AR 72856, United States
5. Cedar Falls at Seven Hollows Trailhead
A unique and natural trek found in Petit Jean State Park features reminiscent of ancient ruggedness of rustic mountains along with state-of-the-art facilities. There is a number of facilities like lodge service, cabins, natural bridges and restaurants, gift shops, swimming pool, and pavilions, thus forming an ideal picnic spot as well. The trek leads through forests and meadows, over canyons, and along streams. The 4.5-mile (7.2-kilometer) long trail takes its name from the seven small streams where one can view the amazing Cedar Falls, Seven Hollows, Bear Cave, the Grotto and other formations like carpet rocks and turtle rocks that run through the area, all of which have carved their own hollows. The Seven Hollows Trail is toward the west end of Petit Jean State Park and trailhead is on Highway 154.
Seven Hollows Trailhead
Address: Petit Jean Mountain Rd, Morrilton, AR 72110, United States
Website: Seven Hollows Trailhead
6. Big Bluff Goat Trail
Roughly four to five hours of a loop to complete this 6-mile (9.6-kilometer) hike, the Big Bluff and its narrow Goat Trail is one iconic experience to take. View the extravagant Buffalo River. The trailhead is located 3 miles (4.8 kilometres) north of Ponca on Hwy 43, Centerpoint Trail. An ideal spot for an experienced hiker with a good physique, you will enjoy better owing to the very steep mountainous curve along the way. The Big Bluff is an hour’s hike from the Centerpoint Trailhead. The Goat Trail is the narrow ledge trail that moves to the Centerpoint Trail and takes you out onto Big Bluff. These are a haven for some of the oldest junipers, dating nearly a century old. People and children with vertigo must avoid this place as it gets risky near the edge of the ledge.
Big Bluff Goat Trail
Address: Compton, AR 72624, United States
Website: Big Bluff Goat Trail
7. Redding/Spy Rock Loop Trailhead
The Redding/Spy Rock Loop Trailhead is an 8.3-mile (13.3-kilometer) long hike in the Ozark region of Arkansas, which can be completed within a day and is ideal for people looking for an easy to moderate trekking experience. The trek starts at the Redding Campground. The trail crosses the Mulberry River, which offers a spectacular view of its vastness. Facilities like flush toilets, showers, access to clean drinking water, fishing and activities like canoeing are provided for a small fee.
Redding/Spy Rock Loop Trailhead
Address: Ozark, AR 72949, United States
Website: Redding/Spy Rock Loop Trailhead
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
8. Centerpoint Trailhead
The reward at the bottom of Centerpoint trailhead, Compton, AR. Completely unedited. I love you, Arkansas.
Posted by Elizabeth Cheek on Thursday, 9 April 2015
This must-trek trail point is the Centerpoint Trailhead, where the entire hike is rich in flora and fauna. It can be completed with trails like Chimney Rock Trail or Sneed’s Creek Trail. It also connects to the Goat Trail. The trek is ideal for experienced hikers who love challenges. The hike runs for about 10 miles (16 kilometers) in total and it is an ideal backpack trail.
Centerpoint Trailhead
Address: Compton, AR 72624, United States
Website: Centerpoint Trailhead
9. Lake Ouachita Vista Trail
Lake Ouachita Vista Trail is a 45-mile (72-kilometer) long hiking and mountain biking trail along the Lake Ouachita’s shore. The elevation is roughly 145 meters (475 feet). One can access the hot spring, or go boat riding at the early hours on Lake Ouachita and enjoy a marvelous view. Outdoor activities like fishing, cycling or just taking a walk by the hilly terrains are the most sought-after activities. The trail rises from the Denby trailhead to the top of Hickory Nut Mountain. This trail route has also been named an Epic Ride by the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA).
Lake Ouachita Vista Trail
Address: 1320-1338 Blakely Dam Rd, Royal, AR 71968, United States
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
10. Indian Rock House Trailhead
Indian Rock House Trailhead is a delightful trek that leads through forests and meadows, over canyons, and along streams. The difficulty level is easy and anyone can take this trek but it tends to be a little exhausting once you climb up the hill on your return. This 3.5-mile (5.6 km) trailhead has many attractions like the large sinkhole, a small marvelous waterfall off the bluff, a cave, a small bedrock and Pebble Springs.
Indian Rock House Trailhead
Address: Hwy 268 E, Yellville, AR 72687, United States
Website: Indian Rock House Trailhead
Plan your hiking expedition
Trekking and hiking are not only beneficial for overall physical well being, but they also stimulate us to explore more. As the treks get difficult we get out of our comfort zones and aim to broaden our horizon. So, what are you waiting for? Make your bookings in this amazing trekker’s paradise in Arkansas before it gets crowded.
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