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. Backpackers may select from trails that range from a leisurely one day hike to others that take a month or more to complete. The state's nationally designated wilderness areas are rugged and physically challenging, usually with no established wilderness hiking trails. However, these make excellent hiking areas for hikers who wish to choose their own path. For those who prefer self-guided or interpretive-guided trail experiences, a variety of choices are also available.

Devil's Den State Park

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's 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's 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 the state's Corps of Engineers recreation areas, National Forest areas, National Parks, and State Parks. All of these hiking trails are perfect for one day hikes in the outdoors. The seclusion that characterizes a trip on Arkansas's trails gives families the chance to be together. Children can learn many new things accompanying their parents on one day hikes away from the quick pace of day-to-day life. Perhaps the best thing about hiking is that it can be enjoyed any time of the year. Every season offers something special in the outdoors and you need no special equipment--just a good pair of shoes and the desire to breathe clean, fresh air.

(click on a number for trail info)

Arkansas State Parks

1. Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area
2. Bull Shoals-White River State Park
3. Crater of Diamonds State Park
4. Crowley's Ridge State Park
5. DeGray Lake Resort State Park
6. Delta Heritage Trail
7. Devil's Den State Park
8. Lake Catherine State Park
9. Lake Charles State Park
10. Lake Chicot State Park
11. Lake Dardanelle State Park
12. Lake Ouachita State Park
13. Logoly State Park
14. Louisiana Purchase State Park
15. Mammoth Spring State Park
16. Millwood State Park
17. Moro Bay State Park
18. Mount Magazine State Park
19. Mount Nebo State Park
20. Davidsonville Historic State Park
21. Petit Jean State Park
22. Pinnacle Mountain State Park
23. Queen Wilhelmina State Park
24. Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park
25. Village Creek State Park
26. White Oak Lake State Park
27. Withrow Springs State Park
28. 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

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