Talimena Scenic Byway in the fall
10 Reasons to Visit Southwest Arkansas in the Fall
From festivals to farm tours, Arkansas favorites are even better framed by fall color. In light of this, we've gathered Ten Reasons to Visit Southwest Arkansas in the Fall. Enjoy!
- The Talimena in Mena
Whether you ride a motorcycle or want to drive this scenic route, a trip to Mena to experience the impressive views and vistas found along the winding roads of the Talimena National Scenic Byway should have a top spot on your to-do list. The route, which takes you 54 miles along Rich Mountain (home to Queen Wilhemina State Park) and Winding Stair Mountain in the Ouachita National Forest, is beautiful year-round. Fall is even more memorable when the colorful foliage of the Ouachitas surrounds you.
- Meet Famous (and soon to be famous) Filmmakers
An Academy-qualifying platform, the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival showcases more than 100 documentaries from around the world and is one of the longest-running documentary film festivals in the U.S. The festival takes place in October. The atmosphere of the city during the event is magical, as a mix of creative filmmakers and artists from around the world descend on the city for the 10-day festival. Past guests over the years have included Ken Burns, Les Blank and James Earl Jones. A writer from Filmmaker Magazine said it “exceeded my expectations and then some, its programmers bringing in high-quality nonfiction fare – not to mention top-notch filmmakers and colorful characters.” - Hike in Beauty
During the fall, hiking the numerous trails in the Ouachita National Forest is a popular pastime. Here, you can find everything from day hikes to multi-day backpacking routes. One of the longest trails in the region is the famous Ouachita National Recreation Trail, also known as the Ouachita Trail, which spans 223 miles.
- Rock On
Fall hits a high note in southwest Arkansas with MusicFest El Dorado, the region’s largest outdoor music festival, every October.
- Travel Back in Time
Historic Washington State Park in Washington brings the 19th century to life with programs and events held throughout the year. In the fall, visitors can try hands-on workshops like blacksmithing and gardening basics. The park is also home to landmarks such as the Blacksmith Shop, where the legendary Bowie knife was created, along with other historic sites that tell the story of this once-thriving frontier town. - Take on an Epic
Southwest Arkansas is home to three Epic mountain bike trails: The Womble Trail, the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail and sections of the Ouachita National Recreation Trail. Epic routes, as recognized by the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), are known around the world as ‘must-ride’ trails for mountain bikers. Overall, Arkansas has five Epic mountain bike routes, a testament to the incredible terrain in The Natural State that is perfect for biking.
- Championship Crystals
Mount Ida is well known as not only the Quartz Crystal Capital of the World, but also as home to the annual World Championship Crystal Dig. You can compete in this championship event each October, or check out one of the many places to dig for crystals in town any time of year, like Wegner Crystal Mines.
- Suzanne’s Fruit Farm
Owners David and Sylvia Reddin have made visiting Suzanne’s Fruit Farm in Hampton an annual tradition for many. The 155-acre pick-your-own farm has been in business since 1975, and its fall lineup includes family-friendly events like hayride tours and pumpkin harvests. - Camping / Glamping
The favorable weather of autumn in Arkansas makes camping a popular pastime during this season. Southwest Arkansas is home to many state parks, the Ouachita National Forest, Hot Springs National Park, national wildlife refuges, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sites, RV parks, and private campsites. No matter what style of camping or even glamping you like to do, you can find a spot to pitch your tent and reconnect with nature in this region of the state.
- Lumberjacks
Timberfest, an annual tradition in Sheridan, and one of its biggest draws the first weekend of every October, is a lumberjack competition—so popular it’s even been televised on ESPN. Competitors from across Arkansas and the region show up to showcase their skills, celebrating a heritage rooted in the towering pines that define the landscape. While you’re in town, make time for the Grant County Museum, where local history comes to life.