Bucket List for Fall in Arkansas
Fall is when The Natural State more than lives up to its name. The season stretches wide across forests, mountains, rivers and ridgelines, turning familiar places into something unforgettable as Arkansas’ trees erupt in color.
From the Ozarks to the Delta, fall is a perfect time of year to hit the trails, paddle quiet coves, or simply stand still and watch the light move through the trees.
Arkansas’ fall color typically begins in the Ozark highlands in late September to early October, gradually moving south and east through early to mid-November. Elevation, latitude and tree species drive the timing and natural progression of peak color.
While there is no shortage of incredible fall destinations across Arkansas, these locations deserve a spot on your Arkansas fall bucket list. Some are well known, while others offer a different angle on fall beauty — quieter trails, unexpected views, or unique ecosystems.
Ozarks
Whitaker Point (a.k.a. Hawksbill Crag)
In the Upper Buffalo Wilderness, this sandstone outcrop juts out like a beak over the forest floor, offering one of the most iconic views in the state. The hike is moderate, the payoff is massive, and in the fall, the surrounding canopy glows with deep reds and amber. (Be careful on the trail’s steep and exposed ledges, especially with children in tow.)
Hobbs State Park–Conservation Area
The largest state park in Arkansas, Hobbs protects more than 12,000 acres of Ozark forest along the shores of Beaver Lake in Rogers. Trails wind through quiet hardwood stands, open glades and ridgelines that light up with color. It’s also home to a Monument Trail, where carefully built singletrack gives mountain bikers a front-row seat to the changing season.
Ozark Highlands Trail
Stretching more than 200 miles from Lake Fort Smith to the Buffalo National River, the OHT offers rugged backpacking, scenic day hikes, and plenty of solitude. In fall, the Sylamore section is especially picturesque with limestone bluffs rising above maple-lined hollows.
Elk Viewing
Elk roam the forests and open fields of Boxley Valley near the Buffalo National River. Adding to the rich fall color is a wild soundscape of bull elk bugling across the valley during the fall rut (October–November). Park at one of the roadside pull-offs on Highway 43 or 21 near Ponca to see and hear it unfold. Best viewing times are dawn and dusk.
Arkansas & Missouri Railroad
Hop aboard a vintage passenger train and watch the Boston Mountains roll by on routes between Springdale, Van Buren, and Fort Smith that pass through tunnels and over trestles. In fall, it’s like riding through a postcard.
Spring River
With stunning scenery, mild weather, and fewer crowds than the summer months, the Spring River near Hardy during fall is an excellent time for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and enjoying the vibrant colors of the changing leaves.
Pedestal Rocks Scenic Area
Towering sandstone columns and sweeping views make this loop trail a memorable autumn stop near Witts Springs.
Sugar Loaf Mountain Island
Located in the middle of Greers Ferry Lake, this island stands 1000 feet tall, offering panoramic views atop one of the nation's first designated National Scenic Trails. Don’t confuse it with Sugarloaf Mountain in nearby Heber Springs, although both are excellent to visit in fall.
Jamestown Crag
In Batesville, the crag boasts more than 100 rock climbing routes, bolted and ready for climbing. A trail system loops around the bluff line for excellent hiking, biking and unforgettable views of the valley below. Primitive campsites located around the property give visitors a close-up of fiery fall leaves.
Arkansas River Valley
Arkansas Wine Country
Fall foliage enhances the beauty of the rolling hills and vineyards in Arkansas Wine Country. Late summer and early fall are prime times to witness the grape harvest and visit the winery tasting rooms.
Mount Magazine State Park
Near Paris, Arkansas’ highest point delivers wide-open views of the Petit Jean River Valley and a vibrant canvas of color in fall. Hike the Signal Hill Trail, stay in a bluff cabin and watch the clouds roll through.
Mount Nebo State Park
Mount Nebo, near Dardanelle, rises dramatically above the Arkansas River Valley, with scenic drives, stone overlooks and cabin views that put you right in the color. It’s also home to one of Arkansas’ Monument Trails, a world-class network of singletrack that blends handcrafted design with natural flow and unforgettable views.
Petit Jean State Park
An iconic waterfall, canyon trails, and historic CCC-era stonework are only part of the park's appeal. In fall, the entire mountain transforms. From the Red Bluff Drive overlook to the rim trails above Cedar Creek, this is where fall shows off.
Arkansas Scenic 7 Byway
One of the most scenic drives in the nation, Scenic 7 runs from the Louisiana border to Bull Shoals Lake near the Missouri state line, passing through both the Ouachita and Ozark Mountains.
Arkansas River Valley Nature Center
This Arkansas Game and Fish Commission nature center in Fort Smith sits next to Wells Lake, a popular spot for fishing and picnics. The trail, featuring wayside exhibit signs that highlight the environment and history of the lake and surrounding property, is wheelchair-accessible and perfect for enjoying on a fall day.
Central Arkansas
Pinnacle Mountain State Park
In the state's capital city of Little Rock, you’ll find hikes with big payoffs. From the summit, fall color sweeps across the Arkansas River Valley. The West Summit Trail is especially beautiful in October, as are the park’s Monument Trails.
Wye Mountain
West of Roland, this quiet ridge is great for a peaceful fall drive or a slow hike through color-drenched hardwoods. Ideal for cyclists looking for open roads and quiet views.
Ouachitas
Cossatot River State Park–Natural Area
A rugged, remote river corridor framed by oak and hickory forests, this natural area is ideal for paddling, hiking, and photography during fall, especially when water levels are up.
Gulpha Gorge Trail and Hot Springs Mountain Tower
Well-maintained trails and an observation tower provide easy-access vistas and family-friendly hiking close to the city center of Hot Springs.
Talimena National Scenic Byway
Drive this breathtaking 54-mile byway winding through the Ouachita Mountains, with numerous overlooks such as Blue Haze Vista and Acorn Vista.
Flatside Pinnacle
A lesser-known but rewarding summit, the hike to the summit is picture perfect with expansive views of the surrounding Ouachita forest.
Little Missouri Falls
A photogenic waterfall surrounded by short hiking trails, the falls are great for immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of nature.
Caney Creek Wilderness Area
A quieter area featuring less-trafficked trails and beautiful creeks, the wilderness area has 14,460 acres featuring secluded forest scenic overlooks, flowing streams and hiking trails.
Ouachita National Recreation Trail
This 223-mile hiking trail is one of the state’s premier backpacking routes, crossing rugged terrain and offering solitude for day hikers and thru-hikers alike.
Queen Wilhelmina State Park
Perched on Rich Mountain near Mena, this park features historic lodges, panoramic views, and the popular Lover’s Leap Trail.
Delta
Crowley’s Ridge Parkway
Stretching from Jonesboro to Helena-West Helena, this unique geologic ridge rises from the Delta to deliver height, hardwood color, and small-town history in every direction.
Delta Heritage Trail State Park
Explore this rails-to-trails path cutting through bottomland forest and alongside the White and Mississippi rivers in eastern Arkansas. Fall is ideal for biking the trail’s longer stretches, when cooler weather makes the ride more comfortable and the changing leaves line the way.
Arkansas Post National Memorial
Near Gillett, this quiet riverside site blends American history with subtle Delta color. Less traffic, wide skies, and rich color along the water make it a must-see.
Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge
Cypress knees, bayous, and bottomland hardwoods turn bronze and gold in late fall near Crossett. Migratory birds know the appeal. It’s a place where the season moves slower, and so should you.
Lake Chicot State Park
Cypress trees rise from a massive oxbow lake in Lake Village, their knees and trunks glowing orange in the autumn light. Paddle out or watch the day unwind from the bank. Either way, it’s unforgettable.
Timberlands
White Oak Lake State Park
Quiet fishing spots, peaceful trails, and reflective fall color on still water make this a hidden gem near Camden.
Poison Springs Battleground State Park
This small historic site near Chidester is surrounded by timberland forest that peaks in late fall. It’s great for history buffs and quiet reflection in a colorful woodland setting.
Logoly State Park
Known for its mineral springs and environmental education center, Logoly offers trails through mixed forest. Near Magnolia, the park also has all-terrain track chairs, making its trails more accessible to visitors with mobility challenges.
Millwood Lake
The lake’s backwaters and oxbows are flanked by hardwoods and bald cypress, offering late-season color and excellent birdwatching. Located near Ashdown, it’s also a solid paddle or fishing destination.
Plan Your Fall Escape
No matter where you go — a trailhead, a riverbank, or a gravel road — fall in Arkansas is about slowing down and seeing more. The color doesn’t last forever, but the feeling will. Start planning your trip now.
