Family-Friendly Road Trips in North Central Arkansas
1 /
North Central Arkansas doesn’t ease you into adventure—it throws the door wide open. This region’s mix of rivers, forests, bluffs and winding backroads sets the stage for the kind of road trip your family won’t forget. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, floating a lazy stretch of river, or climbing to a view that makes you stop mid-sentence, there’s something here for every age—and every energy level.
From zip lines to fishing holes, scenic trails to small-town eats, these destinations offer plenty of ways to get outside, try something new and make the most of your time together. Pick one for a weekend escape, or choose a couple for a week full of fun.
Heber Springs
Lakes, rivers and excellent trout fishing
Where to go: Greers Ferry Lake, Little Red River, Greers Ferry Dam and Visitor Center, Collins Creek, Sugarloaf Mountain, Magness Lake, Greers Ferry National Fish Hatchery, Big Creek Natural Area, Bridal Veil Falls.
Don’t miss: Sandy Beach, home to an annual and spectacular fireworks show and the annual cardboard boat races. This five-acre beach has more than 1,500 feet of shoreline of white sand and crystal clear water. The beach provides a fantastic playground for all ages along the pristine shore of Greers Ferry Lake.
Nearby: Fairfield Bay and Greers Ferry
1 /
Mountain View
Music, mountains, caverns and forests
Where to go: Ozark Folk Center State Park, Blanchard Springs Recreation Area, OK Trading Post horse trail riding, Mellon’s Country Store, Syllamo Mountain Bike Trail, Arkansas Craft Gallery, Barkshed Recreation Area, Stone Drive-In, downtown square, Mirror Lake, Sylamore Trail Rides, Sylamore Creek, North Sylamore Creek Trail, Ozark National Forest.
Don’t miss: Blanchard Springs Caverns, a living cave with glistening stalactites, stalagmites, columns and flowstones still changing as minerals are deposited on them by dripping water. Stroll through large, beautifully lighted rooms with handrails and paved trails or take the wild cave tour.
Nearby: Calico Rock and Batesville
1 /
Buffalo National River
Floating, hiking, cabins and scenic beauty
Things to Do: Ghost town at Rush Historic District; Tyler Bend Visitor Center, Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, Buffalo River Canopy Tours, Ponca Elk Education Center,
Don’t miss: The unique offerings of the upper, middle and lower sections of the Buffalo. The nation’s first national river meanders through the Ozarks for almost 135 miles and offers towering limestone bluffs, easy water and whitewater rapids, historic homesteads, canoe/kayak outfitters, campsites, hiking and horseback riding trails and cabin rentals.
Nearby: Ponca, Jasper, Compton, Boxley, Gilbert, St. Joe and Yellville
1 /
