Day Hikes

The Time Is Always Right!

Day hikers can choose from wilderness hiking trails that take less than an hour to walk to those requiring all-day excursions. The state’s nationally designated wilderness areas are rugged and physically challenging, usually with no established trails. However, these make excellent hiking areas for hikers who wish to choose their own path. There are also other options such as self-guided or interpretive-guided trail experiences.


The six physiographic regions of Arkansas offer a variety of wilderness hiking experiences ranging from a view from the top of an Ozark or Ouachita mountain to the fragrance of pine forests which abound in the rolling hills of South Arkansas' Gulf Coastal Plain. Towering pines, lush hardwoods, large lakes, flowing waterways, fertile delta highlands, abundant wildflowers and a variety of wildlife provide many opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy experiencing Arkansas' beauty by exploring the state's plentiful natural
resources.

NOTE: Due to the extensive number of hiking trails in Arkansas, this website lists only a typical sampling of trails in each area of The Natural State.

One Day or Less

Arkansas has over 250 wilderness hiking trails scattered through U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recreation areas, U.S. National Forest areas, National Parks, and State Parks. All of these hiking trails are perfect for one day treks. Perhaps the best thing about hiking is that it can be enjoyed any time of the year. Every season offers something distinctive and you need no special equipment--just a good pair of shoes and the desire to breathe clean, fresh air.

 

Arkansas State Parks

1. Bull Shoals-White River State Park
2. Cane Creek State Park
3. Cossatot River State Park
4. Crater of Diamonds State Park
5. Crowley's Ridge State Park
6. Daisy State Park
7. Davidsonville State Park
8. DeGray Lake Resort State Park
9. Delta Heritage Trail
10. Devil's Den State Park
11. Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area
12. Jacksonport State Park
13. Lake Catherine State Park
14. Lake Charles State Park
15. Lake Chicot State Park
16. Lake Dardanelle State Park
17. Lake Fort Smith State Park
18. Lake Frierson State Park
19. Lake Ouachita State Park
20. Lake Poinsett State Park
21. Logoly State Park
22. Louisiana Purchase State Park
23. Mammoth Spring State Park
24. Millwood State Park
25. Moro Bay State Park
26. Mount Magazine State Park
27. Mount Nebo State Park
28. Parkin Archeological State Park
29. Petit Jean State Park
30. Pinnacle Mountain State Park
31. Poison Springs Battleground State Park
32. Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park
33. Queen Wilhelmina State Park
34. Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park
35. Village Creek State Park
36. White Oak Lake State Park
37. Withrow Springs State Park
38. Woolly Hollow State Park

U.S. Corps of Engineers

29. Beaver Lake Area
30. Blue Mountain Lake Area
31. Bull Shoals Lake Area
32. DeGray Lake Area
33. Greers Ferry Lake Area
34. Lake Dardanelle Area
35. Norfork Lake Area
36. Merrisach Lake Area
37. Ozark Lake (Reed Mountain Park) Area
38. Toad Suck Ferry (Cadron Settlement) Area

National Park Service

39. Arkansas Post National Memorial
40. Buffalo National River
41. Hot Springs National Park
42. Pea Ridge National Military Park

U.S. Forest Service

42. Albert Pike Recreation Area
43. Alum Cove Recreation Area
44. Bear Creek Lake Area
45. Big Brushy Recreation Area
46. Blanchard Springs Caverns
47. Charlton Recreation Area
48. Cove Lake Recreation Area
49. Crystal Recreation Area
50. Jessieville Visitor Information Center Area
51. Lake Sylvia Recreation Area
52. Lake Wedington Recreation Area
53. Little Missouri Falls Recreation Area
54. Mount Magazine Recreation Area
55. Pedestal Rocks Area
56. Shady Lake Recreation Area
57. Spring Lake Recreation Area
58. White Rock Mountain Recreation Area