ROAD TRIP: 26 PLACES TO VISIT IN ARKANSAS
The state of Arkansas is well known for its national state parks and hiking trails that lead to gorgeous waterfalls, mountains, and breathtaking views. Here are places to visit in Arkansas, when you take a road trip to this beautiful state. You can start in Jasper and finish off in Eureka Springs City.
1| Scenic Point in Jasper
Scenic Point gives one of the best views in the area of Jasper just 30 minutes drive from Ponca City. When you stand at this point you will see the magnificent view of Buffalo River Canyon. The gift shop here has some nice souvenirs.
Address: Scenic Point, Jasper, AR 72641
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2| Buffalo National River
The Buffalo National River is the must go to destination for people who love canoeing, kayaking, camping, and hiking. Over a million people visit the river every year for picnics, fishing as well as bird watching. Buffalo River Pruitt in Jasper is one of the loved places for swimming. Buffalo River Trail-head Pruitt, just a short distance from the swimming area, is one of the popular trails along Buffalo River. For more information on all trails, campsites, boat rentals, and other water activities visit the official website of Buffalo National River.
Address: Buffalo River Pruitt, Buffalo National River, Jasper, AR 72641
3| Twin Falls near Camp Orr
The Twin Falls site is one of the most photographed places in Arkansas especially after a rainy day when there is enough water pouring down. During summer, it might not be worth going down as the falls are dry and not that captivating. The falls are not easy to find; the best way to get there is to look for Camp Orr, which is a Boy Scout Camp in Jasper and not very far from Ponca. If it is raining in this area, take extreme care; the road is very steep and if you have gone down to the falls you might find it hard to drive back up the hill as the road is very gravel and gets muddy when it rains.
Address: Camp Orr, Buffalo National River, Camp Orr Rd, Jasper, AR 72641
Here is a Road Trip Planner Checklist for you to download and print.
4| Ponca
Ponca is a lively community in Arkansas. It is located on Arkansas’s Highway 43, 16 km west of Jasper. Ponca is loved by tourists because it is close to Buffalo National River and has beautiful parks, horse riding, and hiking trails. It also offers cave and boat tours, elk watching, a beautiful museum, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and other water sports. If you want to go underground at Mystic Caverns, take Highway 7, it’s 30 minutes away, between Jasper and Harrison.
Address: Ponca, Arkansas 72742
5| Hawksbill Crag Trail / Whitaker Point
The Hawksbill Crag Trail is also known as Whitaker Point right at Ozark National Forest south of Buffalo River. Whitaker Point is one of the most photographed places in Arkansas, especially in spring. If you are coming from Ponca, take Highway 43 going south, then Highway 21 and finally County Road 5.
Address: Hawk’s Bill Crag Trail, Ozark National Forest, Co Rd 5, Kingston, AR 72742
6| Bowers Hollow Falls
You will find Bowers Hollow Falls in Ozark National Forest near the Buffalo area in Arkansas. The Bowers Falls is 3.2 km wide and stands at a height of approximately 17 meters. You will need to get yourself good hiking boots to get to this spot.
Address: I could not find the address for Bowers Hollow Falls but the GPS coordinates are: 4″N 93°26’04., 355115
7| Glory Hole Water Falls
You will find the Glory Hole Falls near Swain, Newton County, Arkansas. People are mesmerized by the pouring of the creek through a 7.6 meter cave hole.
Address: Glory Hole Falls, Ozark National Forest, Ozone, AR 72854
8| Ozark National Forest
The forest has beautiful hiking trails, as well as camping sites. For more information on Ozark National Forest and what do there, visit their website.
Address: Ozark–St. Francis National Forest, Russellville, AR 72801
9| Catalpa Swinging Bridge
This swinging bridge at Mulberry River is in Johnson County between Oark and Catalpa. Nearby you will find the famous Catalpa Cafe and Ozark Cafe. The bridge is located just 8 miles south of Ozark National Forest via Co. Rd 5351.
Address: Catalpa Swinging Bridge, Ozark National Forest, 7294-7998 Fr 1003, Ozone, AR 72854
10| Mount Magazine State Park
Mount Magazine is the tallest mountain in Oklahoma. People come from all over America to hike the mountain and enjoy magnificent views. Other activities around this area include rock climbing, horse riding, rappelling and mountain biking. The State Park has a visitors center with a picnic area and restrooms. For more information on Mount Magazine and the State Park, visit their website here.
Address: Mount Magazine State Park, Ozark National Forest, 577 Lodge Dr, Paris, AR 72855
11| Ouachita National Forest
The Ouachita National Forest is found to the west of Arkansas. Before being changed to Ouachita in 1926, the forest was called Arkansas National Forest. There are hiking trails and horse riding trails in this area, the most popular being Ouachita National Recreation Trail. For more information on Ouachita National Forest click here.
Address: Ouachita National Forest, Hot Springs, AR 71902
12| Three Sticks Monument
Three Sticks Monument is another attraction you will find as you drive through Ouachita National Forest. It is near the Ouachita Mountains.
Address: Three Sticks Monument, Ouachita National Forest, Hodgen, OK 74939
13| Ouachita Lake
The lake is located near Hot Springs and is the largest lake in Arkansas. The lake is surrounded by Ouachita National Forest, 45 miles southeast of the forest via roads AR-88 and AR-298. There are picnic areas at the lake, as well as two swimming areas, places to rent boats and walking trails. The park visitor center includes exhibits, a store, and a gift shop.
Address: Lake Ouachita, Arkansas
14| Shady Lake Spillway Waterfall
Shady Lake is a popular small lake in Ouachita National Forest that includes a gorgeous waterfall spillway as well as campsites, hiking trails, swimming areas, a boat ramp, and a playground. It’s great for families.
Address: Shady Lake Recreation Area, Ouachita National Forest, Mena, AR 71953
15| Hot Springs
Hot Springs is a vibrant city in the Ouachita Mountains in Arkansas. There are several hot springs around this area.
Address: Hot Springs, Arkansas
16| Arkansas Alligator Farm
The zoo has 200 alligators, as well as cougars, turtles, turkeys, chickens, lemurs, wild boars, bobcats, and other interesting animals. Visitors are allowed to touch and feed the animals. An alligator feeding show includes educational material about the animals. For more information on the farm visit their website here.
Address: Arkansas Alligator Farm, 847 Whittington Ave, Hot Springs National Park, AR 71901
17| Hot Springs National Park
You cannot go to Hot Springs and not experience the thermal natural pools at Hot Springs National Park. For more information on the springs and other things to do in the area click here.
Address: Hot Springs National Park, Hot Springs, AR 71901
18| Oaklawn Racing & Gaming
Oaklawn Racing & Gaming is a horse race track in Hot Springs National Park that was opened in 1904 and takes place from January to April. The facility is made of glass and can seat 26,200 people. Parking is available for 5,000 cars. While there you can dine at Carousel Terrace and Oaklawn Club.
Address: Oaklawn Racing & Gaming, 2705 Central Ave. Hot Springs, AR 71901
19| Lake Catherine and Lake Hamilton
Lake Hamilton and Lake Catherine are two reservoirs of the Ouachita River south of Hot Springs created for hydroelectric power generation and recreational uses. The state created Lake Catherine State Park in 1935.
Address: Lake Catherine State Park, 1200 Catherine Park Rd, Hot Springs, AR 71913
20| Garvan Woodland Gardens
Garvan Gardens has botanical gardens and found on Arkridge Road. It is located near Lake Hamilton.
Address: Garvan Woodland Gardens, 550 Arkridge Rd, Hot Springs, AR 71913
21| The Old Mill
The Old Mill in Little Rock is a recreation of the water-powered grist mill of the 1880s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was featured in the opening scene of Gone With The Wind. Click here for more information on the Old Mill.
Address: The Old Mill, 3800 Lakeshore Dr, North Little Rock, AR 72116
22| Petit Jean State Park
Petit Jean State Park has Petit Jean Mountain that has hiking trails in the beautiful forest and the mountain. People go to this area for dramatic and beautiful views of Arkansas, as well as enjoy the pools and boat rides provided at the park. For more information on what to do in this area, here is their website.
Address: Petit Jean State Park, 1285 Petit Jean Mountain Rd, Morrilton, AR 72110
23| Lake Dardanelle State Park
Lake Dardanelle State Park is served in two areas. The Russellville site has aquariums, a gift shop and historic displays promoting the culture of the area. The Dardanelle area site has 18 campsites fully equipped with picnic facilities. Both sites of the State Park have playgrounds, boat ramps, pavilions, and trash areas.
Address: Lake Dardanelle State Park, 100 State Park Dr, Russellville, AR 72802
24| Mount Nebo State Park
Mount Nebo State Park is another gem in the state of Arkansas near Lake Dardanelle. Mount Nebo sits at 1,350 feet overlooking Arkansas River Valley.
Address: Mount Nebo State Park, 16728 State Hwy 155, Dardanelle, AR 72834
25| Devil’s Den State Park Visitor Center
This park is located in the Ozark Forest and is very popular for its hike trails, lake tours, canoeing, and other outdoor activities. For more information on the Devil’s Den State Park, click here.
Address: Devil’s Den State Park Visitor Center, Ozark National Forest, 120812 W Devils Den Rd, Winslow, AR 72959
26| Eureka Springs
Eureka Springs is a very historic city that is located to the northwest of Arkansas. There are so many things to do in Eureka Springs you will need to spend a full day here. I wrote a full article on 25 Things to do in Eureka Springs, that people are finding very useful.
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