Arkansas, known as “The Natural State,” offers a wealth of outdoor beauty and recreational opportunities. From serene state parks and vast national forests to unique natural areas and scenic byways, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you discover all the incredible natural attractions Arkansas has to offer.
National Parks and National Recreation Areas in Arkansas
Arkansas is home to some of the country’s most unique and historically significant national parks and recreation areas.
Hot Springs National Park (Hot Springs – Garland County, Arkansas)
Hot Springs National Park, located in the city of Hot Springs, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Known for its thermal springs, visitors can enjoy historic bathhouses, scenic hikes, and the rejuvenating waters.
Buffalo National River (Harrison – Newton County, Arkansas)
The Buffalo National River is a pristine, free-flowing river offering stunning bluffs, lush forests, and diverse wildlife. It’s perfect for canoeing, kayaking, and hiking, making it a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Arkansas State Parks
Arkansas’s state parks offer diverse activities and landscapes, from mountains and rivers to historic sites and lush forests.
Arkansas Post Museum (Gillett – Arkansas County, Arkansas)
Discover the rich history of Arkansas at the Arkansas Post Museum, which provides fascinating exhibits and artifacts.
Bull Shoals-White River State Park (Bull Shoals – Marion County, Arkansas)
Known for its excellent trout fishing and beautiful lake views, Bull Shoals-White River State Park is a favorite for anglers and nature lovers alike.
Cane Creek State Park (Star City – Lincoln County, Arkansas)
This park offers a mix of pine and hardwood forests, wetlands, and a large lake, perfect for fishing, hiking, and kayaking.
Conway Cemetery State Park (Bradley – Bradley County, Arkansas)
Conway Cemetery State Park is a historic site where visitors can learn about Arkansas’s past.
Crater of Diamonds State Park (Murfreesboro – Pike County, Arkansas)
One of the world’s only diamond-producing sites open to the public, Crater of Diamonds State Park lets you dig for your diamonds.
Crowley’s Ridge State Park (Paragould – Greene County, Arkansas)
Nestled atop a unique geological formation, this park offers fishing, hiking, and scenic beauty.
Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area (Wickes – Polk County, Arkansas)
Known for its challenging whitewater rapids, the Cossatot River is a favorite for experienced kayakers and canoeists.
Davidsonville Historic State Park (Pocahontas – Randolph County, Arkansas)
Explore Arkansas’s early history with the archeological remains of one of the state’s first settlements.
Delta Heritage Trail State Park (Helena-West Helena – Phillips County, Arkansas)
This rail-to-trail conversion offers biking and hiking through some of Arkansas’s most beautiful delta landscapes.
Devil’s Den State Park (West Fork – Washington County, Arkansas)
A gem of the Ozarks, Devil’s Den is known for its trails, caves, and scenic vistas.
Hampson Archeological Museum State Park (Wilson – Mississippi County, Arkansas)
This park showcases the late Mississippian cultural period through fascinating artifacts and exhibits.
Herman Davis State Park (Manila – Mississippi County, Arkansas)
A memorial to one of Arkansas’s most decorated World War I soldiers, offering a peaceful, reflective space.
Historic Washington State Park (Washington – Hempstead County, Arkansas)
Step back to explore this preserved 19th-century town with its historic buildings and reenactments.
Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area (Rogers – Benton County, Arkansas)
Arkansas’s largest state park offers extensive hiking, mountain biking, and interpretive programs.
Jacksonport State Park (Newport – Jackson County, Arkansas)
Explore the history of a once-thriving riverport town with its historic courthouse and riverfront views.
Jenkins Ferry State Park (Leola – Grant County, Arkansas)
A Civil War battlefield site offering a quiet, historical retreat.
Lake Catherine State Park (Hot Springs – Garland County, Arkansas)
Featuring a beautiful lake, this park is perfect for fishing, boating, and camping.
Lake Chicot State Park (Lake Village – Chicot County, Arkansas)
Set on Arkansas’s largest natural lake, it’s a prime spot for fishing, boating, and wildlife watching.
Lake Dardanelle State Park (Russellville – Pope County, Arkansas)
A two-part park offering a variety of water-based recreation on Lake Dardanelle.
Lake Frierson State Park (Jonesboro – Craighead County, Arkansas)
A smaller, peaceful park known for its fishing and quiet beauty.
Lake Ouachita State Park (Mountain Pine – Garland County, Arkansas)
Renowned for its crystal-clear waters, perfect for scuba diving, boating, and fishing.
Lake Poinsett State Park (Harrisburg – Poinsett County, Arkansas)
A relaxing getaway with excellent fishing opportunities.
Logoly State Park (McNeil – Columbia County, Arkansas)
Arkansas’s first environmental education state park, offering educational programs and hiking.
Lower White River Museum State Park (Des Arc – Prairie County, Arkansas)
Learn about the history of the White River and its impact on the development of Arkansas.
Millwood State Park (Ashdown – Little River County, Arkansas)
This park is famous for its bass fishing and offers bird watching and hiking.
Mississippi River State Park (Marianna – Lee County, Arkansas)
Experience the mighty Mississippi with camping, fishing, and interpretive programs.
Moro Bay State Park (Jersey – Bradley County, Arkansas)
Located where Moro Bay and Raymond Lake meet, it offers boating, fishing, and a scenic waterfront.
Mount Magazine State Park (Paris – Logan County, Arkansas)
Arkansas’s highest point, offering breathtaking views, hiking, and rock climbing.
Mount Nebo State Park (Dardanelle – Yell County, Arkansas)
Known for its sweeping views of the Arkansas River Valley and beautiful trails.
Old Davidsonville State Park (Pocahontas – Randolph County, Arkansas)
Explore the site of one of Arkansas’s earliest settlements with historical exhibits and outdoor activities.
Ozark Folk Center State Park (Mountain View – Stone County, Arkansas)
Dedicated to preserving the Ozark way of life, with crafts, music, and demonstrations.
Parkin Archeological State Park (Parkin – Cross County, Arkansas)
A prehistoric Native American village site with fascinating exhibits and educational programs.
Petit Jean State Park (Morrilton – Conway County, Arkansas)
Arkansas’s first state park, known for its hiking trails, waterfalls, and stunning views.
Pinnacle Mountain State Park (Little Rock – Pulaski County, Arkansas)
Featuring the iconic Pinnacle Mountain, this park offers hiking, rock climbing, and beautiful vistas.
Plantation Agriculture Museum State Park (Scott – Pulaski County, Arkansas)
Learn about Arkansas’s agricultural history and the cotton industry.
Poison Springs State Park (Camden – Ouachita County, Arkansas)
A Civil War site with historical markers and a peaceful setting.
Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park (Prairie Grove – Washington County, Arkansas)
One of the most intact Civil War battlefields, with reenactments and a museum.
Queen Wilhelmina State Park (Mena – Polk County, Arkansas)
Set atop Rich Mountain, offering stunning views and a scenic lodge.
South Arkansas Arboretum State Park (El Dorado – Union County, Arkansas)
A botanical garden with various native and exotic plant species, perfect for a relaxing walk.
Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park (Scott – Lonoke County, Arkansas)
Home to one of the largest and most significant archeological sites in the Lower Mississippi River Valley.
Village Creek State Park (Wynne – Cross County, Arkansas)
It is a large park offering fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and beautiful natural scenery.
Woolly Hollow State Park (Greenbrier – Faulkner County, Arkansas)
It is a small, peaceful park featuring a spring-fed lake, perfect for swimming and fishing.
DeGray Lake Resort State Park (Bismarck – Hot Spring County, Arkansas)
Offering a full-service resort with a beautiful lake, perfect for boating, fishing, and golfing.
National Wildlife Refuges
Arkansas boasts numerous wildlife refuges, preserving habitats for diverse species of plants and animals.
Bald Knob National Wildlife Refuge (Bald Knob – White County, Arkansas)
A vital habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife, offering excellent bird-watching opportunities.
Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge (Manila – Mississippi County, Arkansas)
Provides critical habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife.
Cache River National Wildlife Refuge (Augusta – Woodruff County, Arkansas)
Known for its rich biodiversity and excellent fishing and hunting opportunities.
Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge (Crossett – Ashley County, Arkansas)
One of the largest green tree reservoirs in the world, offering a haven for waterfowl.
Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge (Dardanelle – Pope County, Arkansas)
Provides habitat for migratory birds, bald eagles, and other wildlife.
Logan Cave National Wildlife Refuge (Siloam Springs – Benton County, Arkansas)
Protects unique cave and spring habitats for endangered species.
Overflow National Wildlife Refuge (Wilmar – Drew County, Arkansas)
Supports a variety of waterfowl, wading birds, and other wildlife.
Pond Creek National Wildlife Refuge (Lockesburg – Sevier County, Arkansas)
A critical habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife.
Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge (Turrell – Crittenden County, Arkansas)
Provides essential habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife.
White River National Wildlife Refuge (St. Charles – Arkansas County, Arkansas)
One of the largest refuges in the state, offering diverse habitats for wildlife and excellent recreational opportunities.
National Forests
Arkansas’s national forests are vast and diverse, offering countless opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Ozark-St. Francis National Forest (Russellville – Pope County, Arkansas)
A vast forest offering hiking, camping, and stunning natural beauty.
Ouachita National Forest (Hot Springs – Garland County, Arkansas)
Known for its beautiful landscapes, hiking trails, and scenic drives.
Other Recreational Areas
These areas provide additional recreational opportunities, from boating and fishing to scenic drives.
Beaver Lake (Rogers – Benton County, Arkansas)
A large reservoir offering excellent boating, fishing, and camping.
Lake Greeson (Murfreesboro – Pike County, Arkansas)
A beautiful lake perfect for fishing, boating, and camping.
Bull Shoals Lake (Mountain Home – Baxter County, Arkansas)
Known for its clear waters, great fishing, and boating.
Norfork Lake (Mountain Home – Baxter County, Arkansas)
A large, clear lake ideal for fishing, boating, and swimming.
Lake Maumelle (Little Rock – Pulaski County, Arkansas)
A major water supply for Little Rock, offering boating and fishing.
National Scenic Byways
Arkansas’s scenic byways offer stunning drives through some of the state’s most beautiful landscapes.
Arkansas Scenic Byway 7 (Harrison to El Dorado – Multiple Counties, Arkansas)
Known for its stunning views, this byway runs through the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains.
Crowley’s Ridge Parkway (Paragould to Helena-West Helena – Multiple Counties, Arkansas)
A scenic route through the unique geological formation of Crowley’s Ridge.
State Natural Areas
Arkansas’s natural areas preserve the state’s unique landscapes and ecosystems.
Kings River Falls Natural Area (Kingston – Madison County, Arkansas)
Featuring beautiful waterfalls and hiking trails.
Rattlesnake Ridge Natural Area (Roland – Pulaski County, Arkansas)
A rocky ridge offering unique habitats and stunning views.
Devil’s Eyebrow Natural Area (Garfield – Benton County, Arkansas)
Known for its steep terrain and rich biodiversity.
Stone Road Glades Natural Area (Lowell – Benton County, Arkansas)
Protecting unique glade habitats.
Lorance Creek Natural Area (East End – Saline County, Arkansas)
Featuring a boardwalk through a beautiful wetland ecosystem.
Arkansas is a treasure trove of natural beauty and diverse recreational opportunities. From its stunning national parks and serene state parks to its rich wildlife refuges and scenic byways, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking to reconnect with nature, Arkansas offers a unique and memorable experience. Explore the Natural State and discover the incredible landscapes and vibrant communities that make Arkansas truly special.
