14 Must-See Hiking Trails in Arkansas

The Fossil Flats Trailhead, Devil’s Den State Park, West Fork, AR

This trail gets its name from the flat exposed rock in the creek bed. Along the trail you will see evidence of early settlers as well as many fossils in the creek bed. Hikers and riders have the choice of a three, four, or five-mile trail.

The Hawksbill Crag Trail, Ozark National Forest, Russellville, AR

This three-mile, round-trip trail is also known as the Whitaker Point Trail. It ends at Hawksbill Crag, one of the most photographed locations and spots in Arkansas.

The Seven Hollows Trail, Petit Jean State Park, Morrilton, AR

This is a 4.5-mile trail that boasts unique features like a natural stone arch and signs of pre-historic bluff-dwelling by Native Americans.

The Lost Valley Trail, Buffalo National River, AR

This 2.2-mile, round-trip trail is one of the most popular tails in Arkansas. Wildflower and medicinal plant enthusiasts are especially fond of this trail as it features a wide variety of species, including, mayapple, bloodroot, and crested iris.

The Big Bluff & The Goat Trail, Buffalo National River, AR

This trail is six miles round-trip and offers a world-class geological experience with a panoramic view of the Buffalo River. Big Bluff, at 550 feet, is the tallest sheer bluff face between the Rocky and Appalachian Mountains.

The North Rim Trail, Mount Magazine State Park, Paris, AR

This 2.2-mile trail is 17 miles south of Paris and follows the north rim of Mount Magazine to Cameron Bluff Overlook Drive. Get your cameras ready because these windswept bluffs overlook the Arkansas River Valley and the Ozark Plateau, just a small part of the breathtaking landscape found in the Natural State.

The Hemmed-In Hollow Trail, Buffalo National River, AR

Starting from Compton Trailhead, the Hemmed-In Hollow Trail is a five-mile round-trip hike. This downhill hike is not recommended for those who tire easily or for young children.

The Ouachita National Recreation Trail, Ozark National Forest, Russellville, AR

Spanning 192 miles across its entire length, this is the longest trail in the Ozark National Forest. This trail takes visitors from forested mountains to valleys, causing a wide range in elevation.

The Little Missouri River Trail, Crater of Diamonds State Park, Murfreesboro, AR

This 1.2-mile trail is the longest wheelchair accessible trail in southwest Arkansas, with half of the trail being paved. On this trail, you will get a scenic view of the Little Missouri River as you from the campground through the woods.

The Louisiana Purchase Boardwalk, Louisiana Purchase State Park, Holly Grove, AR

This is a 3.8-mile round-trip trail that features a 950-foot boardwalk leading to the beginning point of where the Louisiana Purchase was surveyed. This historic walk is wheelchair accessible and serves as an excellent spot to photograph Arkansas wildlife.

Will Apple’s Road Trail, Mount Magazine, Paris, AR

Wagons used this trail in the 1800s to haul produce down Mount Magazine to the valley below. This 1.6-mile trail features the ruins of a 1920s swimming pool, historic homes sites, and escaped domestic flowers.

The Village Trail, Parkin Archeological State Park, Parkin, AR

This three-quarter-mile trail takes you back in time 500 years when the village was inhabited by Native Americans. As you walk the Village Trail you will be exposed to what is left of the chief’s mound and the moat that was built for defense.

The Winthrop P. Rockefeller Boy Scout Trail, Petit Jean State Park, Morrilton, AR

This is a 12-mile trail that follows and connects portions of almost every other trail at Petit Jean. This long and difficult trail features all the different habitats that make up the park’s ecosystem.

The West Summit Trail, Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Roland, AR

This 1.5-mile, round-trip trail is rocky but takes visitors to the top of Pinnacle Mountain. This mountaintop-view offers one-of-a-kind scenery with views of West Little Rock, the Arkansas River Valley, the Ouachita Mountains, and Lake Maumelle.

Key Insights at a Glance

• Arkansas has many well-traveled hiking trails due to its beautiful natural landscapes.
• The Fossil Flats Trail in Devil's Den State Park features exposed rock and fossils.
• The Hawksbill Crag Trail in Ozark National Forest ends at a popular photography spot.
• The Seven Hollows Trail in Petit Jean State Park is known for its wildflowers and medicinal plants.
• The Lost Valley Trail in Buffalo National River offers a geological experience and panoramic views.
• The Big Bluff & The Goat Trail in Buffalo National River features windswept bluffs overlooking the Arkansas River Valley.
• The North Rim Trail in Mount Magazine State Park offers scenic views of the Ozark Plateau.
• The Ouachita National Recreation Trail in Ozark National Forest is the longest wheelchair accessible trail in southwest Arkansas.
• The Louisiana Purchase Boardwalk in Louisiana Purchase State Park is a historic trail with wheelchair accessibility.
• The Will Apple’s Road Trail in Mount Magazine showcases Native American village ruins.
• The Village Trail in Parkin Archeological State Park connects various habitats in Petit Jean State Park.
• The West Summit Trail in Pinnacle Mountain State Park offers mountaintop views of the surrounding landscapes.