Who knew one state could have so many of the greatest trails on Earth? Arkansas is filled with marvelous trails that lead to dazzling waterfalls and awe-inspiring bluffs. Keep in mind as we share the greatest trails that all experience levels have been included so don’t try to plan a harrowing, 30-mile trail if you’re more of a park-and-we’re-here kind of hiker. Lace-up those boots and grab some water, because here are nine of the best hiking trails in Arkansas to add to your bucket list this year.
- Womble Trail - Oden
AllTrails/Jessica Jackson The whopping 32-mile Womble Trail may be rated as hard but it is so worth the effort. The steep hike will take you along the bluffs of the Ouachita River and a lookout point from Gaston Mountain. Hiking is welcomed but it’s also quite popular for mountain biking.
- Pack Rat Falls Trail - Clarksville
Flickr/Jonathan Ball This moderate, yet pleasantly short trail is located in the Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area. The trail leads to Pack Rat Falls, a fantastic 24 ft. waterfall. With a little bit of supervision this makes for a great family hike.
- Glory Hole Waterfall Trail - Deer
Facebook/Arkansas Wanderlust This 1.8-mile trail leads to the Glory Hole Waterfall, one of Arkansas’ more interesting falls. The trail is moderate due to a sharp decline to reach the falls, so keep in mind it’s all uphill on the way back.
- Hurricane Creek Trail - Hagarville
Facebook/Arkansas Wanderlust Hurricane Creek Trail is a moderate 16-mile hike that leads to some breathtaking scenery. The trail passes by a large shelter cave, Blue Hole Cascades, as well as the 29 ft. Hurricane Falls.
- Gulpha Gorge Trail - Hot Springs
AllTrails/John Clopton This easy trail is just over a mile long. The steep stroll features interesting rock formations and a natural garden of wildflowers. The trail meets up with Goat Rock Trail which should also be taken so you can reach the Goat Rock viewpoint.
- Goat Trail - Ponca
Flickr/Thomas Shahan Just outside of Ponca, the Goat Trail leads to jaw-dropping view of Big Bluff overlooking the Buffalo River. The trail is about 6 miles and is not for children or anyone afraid of heights. The ledges along the trail get pretty steep at 350 ft. in the air.
- Sam’s Throne Trail - Mt. Judea
Flickr/Jonathan Ball Sam’s Throne is a 2-mile moderate trail that will make you feel ant-sized compared to the massive rocks. The trail can be hiked or rock climbed. Reward yourself for conquering the throne by rappelling off afterwards.
- Hemmed in Hollow Trail - Compton
AllTrails/Brielle Cole Another hard but totally worth it trail, Hemmed in Hollow rewards hikers with a fantastic single-drop, 209 ft. waterfall. The trail is a steep 6 miles but can be cut short for those floating in from the Buffalo River.
- Rock House Cave and Lookout Trail - Morrilton
AllTrails/David Harvey Explore the massive rock shelter used by Native Americans more than 500 years ago. The shelter features cave art that can still faintly be seen. The 4-mile moderate loop also features “turtle” rocks along the path.
Did your favorite trail get inexcusably left off the list? Give that trail the shout out it deserves in the comments below!
AllTrails/Jessica Jackson
The whopping 32-mile Womble Trail may be rated as hard but it is so worth the effort. The steep hike will take you along the bluffs of the Ouachita River and a lookout point from Gaston Mountain. Hiking is welcomed but it’s also quite popular for mountain biking.
Flickr/Jonathan Ball
This moderate, yet pleasantly short trail is located in the Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area. The trail leads to Pack Rat Falls, a fantastic 24 ft. waterfall. With a little bit of supervision this makes for a great family hike.
Facebook/Arkansas Wanderlust
This 1.8-mile trail leads to the Glory Hole Waterfall, one of Arkansas’ more interesting falls. The trail is moderate due to a sharp decline to reach the falls, so keep in mind it’s all uphill on the way back.
Hurricane Creek Trail is a moderate 16-mile hike that leads to some breathtaking scenery. The trail passes by a large shelter cave, Blue Hole Cascades, as well as the 29 ft. Hurricane Falls.
AllTrails/John Clopton
This easy trail is just over a mile long. The steep stroll features interesting rock formations and a natural garden of wildflowers. The trail meets up with Goat Rock Trail which should also be taken so you can reach the Goat Rock viewpoint.
Flickr/Thomas Shahan
Just outside of Ponca, the Goat Trail leads to jaw-dropping view of Big Bluff overlooking the Buffalo River. The trail is about 6 miles and is not for children or anyone afraid of heights. The ledges along the trail get pretty steep at 350 ft. in the air.
Sam’s Throne is a 2-mile moderate trail that will make you feel ant-sized compared to the massive rocks. The trail can be hiked or rock climbed. Reward yourself for conquering the throne by rappelling off afterwards.
AllTrails/Brielle Cole
Another hard but totally worth it trail, Hemmed in Hollow rewards hikers with a fantastic single-drop, 209 ft. waterfall. The trail is a steep 6 miles but can be cut short for those floating in from the Buffalo River.
AllTrails/David Harvey
Explore the massive rock shelter used by Native Americans more than 500 years ago. The shelter features cave art that can still faintly be seen. The 4-mile moderate loop also features “turtle” rocks along the path.
You must be famished after all that hiking! Take a trip or two to this tiny town that has the most delicious restaurants.
And if you know of a local restaurant, hiking trail, or another hidden gem you think we should know about, nominate it for a chance to be featured!
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Address: Womble Trail, Arkansas, USAAddress: Pack Rat Falls, Hagarville, AR 72839, USAAddress: Glory Hole Falls Trail, Clarksville, AR 72854, USAAddress: Ozark Highlands Trail, Arkansas, USAAddress: Hot Springs National Park, AR 71901, USAAddress: Goat Trail, Yellville, AR 72687, USAAddress: Sams Throne, Arkansas 72655, USAAddress: Hemmed-In Hollow, Arkansas 72624, USAAddress: Rock House Cave, 364-294 Red Bluff Dr, Morrilton, AR 72110, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best hiking trails in Arkansas May 11, 2020 Jackie Ann Are there any other places I should go hiking in Arkansas? With over 300 miles of hiking trails peppered throughout the state, there’s plenty of hiking trails to keep you occupied. For rocky bluffs and sweeping tree-top views, the North Rim Trail at Mount Magazine State Park is ideal. The trail clocks in at just over two miles and features incredible views of the Arkansas River Valley. The 4.5-mile Seven Hollows Trail at Petit Jean State Park is another beautiful trail that will lead you into a deep hollow with sights that include the Natural Stone Arch, the famous Turtle Rocks, and the Grotto along with a lovely little waterfall. What are the best outdoor adventures in Arkansas? Arkansas is chock-full of adventures that will keep the outdoor adventurer occupied for the entire year. Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself with a rocky hiking trail or do some cave exploration, Arkansas offers something for everyone. One of the most popular outdoor adventures in Arkansas in Mountain biking. Arkansas’ rocky terrain and miles of trails lend to a perfect setting for mountain biking, and one of the best spots if the Upper Buffalo Trail System. This epic trail system features 40 miles of single track trails that wind through the Ozark National Forest and includes beautiful views, towering cliffs, and tons of wildlife viewing opportunities. For a more laid-back adventure, Beaver Lake is ideal for families with kids of all ages. The 28,000-acre lake is ideal for boating, swimming, fishing, and is a popular spot for kayaking or stand up paddle boarding along the crystal clear waters. What are the most remote places in Arkansas? With so many rugged mountains and forests, it’s easy to find a remote spot in Arkansas. One of the most remote places in Arkansas is in the Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge. Located in south-central Arkansas, the 64,902-acre refuge is the world’s largest green tree reservoir and filled with natural beauty. Not only does the refuge provide a home for countless migratory and resident waterfowl, but it’s also home to a massive population of woodpeckers and bald eagles.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best hiking trails in Arkansas
May 11, 2020
Jackie Ann
Are there any other places I should go hiking in Arkansas? With over 300 miles of hiking trails peppered throughout the state, there’s plenty of hiking trails to keep you occupied. For rocky bluffs and sweeping tree-top views, the North Rim Trail at Mount Magazine State Park is ideal. The trail clocks in at just over two miles and features incredible views of the Arkansas River Valley. The 4.5-mile Seven Hollows Trail at Petit Jean State Park is another beautiful trail that will lead you into a deep hollow with sights that include the Natural Stone Arch, the famous Turtle Rocks, and the Grotto along with a lovely little waterfall. What are the best outdoor adventures in Arkansas? Arkansas is chock-full of adventures that will keep the outdoor adventurer occupied for the entire year. Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself with a rocky hiking trail or do some cave exploration, Arkansas offers something for everyone. One of the most popular outdoor adventures in Arkansas in Mountain biking. Arkansas’ rocky terrain and miles of trails lend to a perfect setting for mountain biking, and one of the best spots if the Upper Buffalo Trail System. This epic trail system features 40 miles of single track trails that wind through the Ozark National Forest and includes beautiful views, towering cliffs, and tons of wildlife viewing opportunities. For a more laid-back adventure, Beaver Lake is ideal for families with kids of all ages. The 28,000-acre lake is ideal for boating, swimming, fishing, and is a popular spot for kayaking or stand up paddle boarding along the crystal clear waters. What are the most remote places in Arkansas? With so many rugged mountains and forests, it’s easy to find a remote spot in Arkansas. One of the most remote places in Arkansas is in the Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge. Located in south-central Arkansas, the 64,902-acre refuge is the world’s largest green tree reservoir and filled with natural beauty. Not only does the refuge provide a home for countless migratory and resident waterfowl, but it’s also home to a massive population of woodpeckers and bald eagles.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
With over 300 miles of hiking trails peppered throughout the state, there’s plenty of hiking trails to keep you occupied. For rocky bluffs and sweeping tree-top views, the North Rim Trail at Mount Magazine State Park is ideal. The trail clocks in at just over two miles and features incredible views of the Arkansas River Valley. The 4.5-mile Seven Hollows Trail at Petit Jean State Park is another beautiful trail that will lead you into a deep hollow with sights that include the Natural Stone Arch, the famous Turtle Rocks, and the Grotto along with a lovely little waterfall.
What are the best outdoor adventures in Arkansas?
Arkansas is chock-full of adventures that will keep the outdoor adventurer occupied for the entire year. Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself with a rocky hiking trail or do some cave exploration, Arkansas offers something for everyone. One of the most popular outdoor adventures in Arkansas in Mountain biking. Arkansas’ rocky terrain and miles of trails lend to a perfect setting for mountain biking, and one of the best spots if the Upper Buffalo Trail System. This epic trail system features 40 miles of single track trails that wind through the Ozark National Forest and includes beautiful views, towering cliffs, and tons of wildlife viewing opportunities. For a more laid-back adventure, Beaver Lake is ideal for families with kids of all ages. The 28,000-acre lake is ideal for boating, swimming, fishing, and is a popular spot for kayaking or stand up paddle boarding along the crystal clear waters.
What are the most remote places in Arkansas?
With so many rugged mountains and forests, it’s easy to find a remote spot in Arkansas. One of the most remote places in Arkansas is in the Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge. Located in south-central Arkansas, the 64,902-acre refuge is the world’s largest green tree reservoir and filled with natural beauty. Not only does the refuge provide a home for countless migratory and resident waterfowl, but it’s also home to a massive population of woodpeckers and bald eagles.
