An Epic Trails Itinerary Through Northwest Arkansas

Epic Trails is more than an acclaimed hiking and backpacking show. It’s a call to action and an award-winning outdoor travel series that explores some of the most breathtaking trails and wild spaces across the globe. When the production crew came to Northwest Arkansas to film Episode 1 of Season 8, they uncovered lush forests, wild rivers, rugged rock faces and quiet stretches of open sky. Their journey took them deep into the Ozarks, where small towns brim with character and outdoor experiences are around every bend.

You can take the same trip, following their journey trail for trail and town for town. This itinerary is packed with real stops from their production schedule plus a few helpful tips to make your trip smooth, scenic and unforgettable.

Travel Day: Make Your Way to the Ozarks

Start your journey with a scenic drive into the Ozark Mountains and get a taste of what’s to come. Make your way to Eureka Springs, a Victorian-era town full of quirky charm and wooded hillsides. Stay overnight at Loblolly Pines Adventure Camp and enjoy dinner under the trees or in one of the town’s many locally loved restaurants.

Day 1: Eureka Springs to Harrison

Spend the morning exploring Eureka Springs’ historic downtown, with winding streets, hillside shops and hidden staircases. Then shift into gear for a mountain biking adventure on the Passion Play Trail, a well-designed system tucked into the Ozark terrain with stunning views and smooth flow. After the ride, head to Harrison and check into a cozy cabin near town that’s close to your next day’s trailhead.

Day 2: Hiking and Camping in Buffalo River Country

Start your day with a stop at Buffalo Outdoor Center in Ponca to grab gear, trail tips or last-minute supplies before hitting the trail. From there, head to Centerpoint Trailhead for one of the most iconic hikes in the region. Follow the path to Big Bluff for panoramic views over the Buffalo National River, an International Dark Sky Park. Then set up camp at Steel Creek Campground where you'll fall asleep beneath towering cliffs and some of the clearest night skies in the region.

Day 3: Lost Valley and Local Eats

After breaking camp, head to Lost Valley Trail, a peaceful and scenic hike that's perfect for slowing down and soaking in the natural beauty of the Ozarks. The path winds through dense forest, alongside streams and past rocky overhangs, offering plenty of opportunities to pause and take it all in. After your hike, head into Jasper for lunch and a slice of pie at the Ozark Cafe, a local staple that’s been feeding adventurers since 1909. Spend the evening unwinding at nearby lodging and resting up for tomorrow’s climb.

Day 4: Climbing and Wildlife

Drive into the hills to Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, where dramatic rock walls and wide-open meadows set the stage for a full day of climbing. Try the Via Ferrata, a guided climbing route that uses metal rungs and cables to help you scale the cliffs while safely clipped in. Or challenge yourself on the sandstone walls with a guide or your own gear. Keep your eyes peeled for elk as you head back. Boxley Valley is home to Arkansas’ only wild elk herd, and they often graze near the road.

Day 5: Ghost Towns and Scenic Roads

Head back toward Jasper and spend the day exploring the area’s past with a self-guided ghost town tour. Wander through abandoned buildings and quiet paths that offer a look at life in the Ozarks long ago. Afterward, stretch your legs on the Morning Star Loop, a peaceful trail with sweeping views, then settle in for a relaxed evening at Gaston’s White River Resort, known for its riverside setting and fresh trout dishes.

Day 6: One Last Trail and Cast

Squeeze in one last adventure before heading home. Start the morning with a hike to Big Bluff for sweeping vistas and a quiet moment to reflect on the journey. Then cast a line in the White River, where the trout are always biting and the river offers a peaceful send-off. It’s the perfect end to a trip that mixes effort with awe in equal measure.

Travel Day: Return Home

Pack up, load the car and take one last look at the landscape that’s carried you through the week. With fresh air in your lungs, trail dust on your boots and memories still settling in, the road home feels a little different. This may have started as someone else’s itinerary, but by now, the story is yours, and it’s only the beginning. 

Watch the Epic Trails Episode: Backpacking Arkansas

Viewers can access all episodes of Epic Trails Season 8 beginning July 31, 2025, on FanDuel Sports Network, PBS, and OutsideTV channels.