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Are you looking for the best hiking in Arkansas? Arkansas is a highly underrated state with some of the best trails for hiking, backpacking, and camping. Hiking is one of the best ways to enjoy Arkansas’s natural beauties – expect to find meandering rivers, rocky terrains and landscapes, mountain ranges, pine-oak forests, and lush valleys with some including waterfalls and caves along with mountains offering scenic views.
The best time of the year to go hiking in Arkansas is from September to early May (during Fall especially), as the summers can be very humid and hot. When hiking to waterfalls, know that most are fast-flowing in the wet season. The dry season in Arkansas is usually around the same time as summer/early fall but water levels can vary so always check the amount of rainfall in the area or ask locals if the stream is flowing before visiting.
Here are some of the best hiking trails in this aptly named Natural State:
Yellow Rock Trail
Google Map Location for Yellow Rock Trail
Description: Get ready for the best hiking in Arkansas by exploring Yellow Rock Trail, located south of Fayetteville in Devil’s Den State Park. You’ll pass a small lake and recreational area down the main road on the left. The trail is located in Ozark National Forest and is for people of all skill levels.
Distance & Difficulty: The trail is 3.1 miles/ 5 KM and is of moderate difficulty level.
Time Taken: It’ll take anywhere from 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your fitness.
Dogs Allowed: Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash.
Fee: Free
Best time of year to visit: Late October to early November to see peak fall colors
What to Expect: The upper trail will lead you to the Yellow Rock Bluff, where you’ll see an epic view of the forest below. You can also catch a glimpse of the Lee Creek Valley from Yellow Rock. Enjoy the refreshing wind and breathe in the unforgettable smell of the cool refreshing Ozark musk. It’s an unforgettable experience and one of the best hiking in Arkansas.
Parking/Restroom: There are two parking areas; one at the CCC Overlook (upper trailhead) and the other near Camp Area A (lower trailhead). Restrooms are also available at the Visitor Center or campgrounds.
Hemmed-in Hollow Trail
Google Map Location for Hemmed-in Hollow Trail
Description: Hemmed-in Hollow Trail is labeled one of the tallest waterfalls between the Rocky Mountains and the Appalachian Mountains and drops 200 feet off the bluffs in a secluded canyon. It is located along the Buffalo River near Compton, Arkansas. Experience one of the best hiking in Arkansas and enjoy the beauty of this waterfall by hiking on the hemmed-in hollow trail with an elevation of 1300 feet.
Distance & Difficulty: It’s a 5.7 miles/ 9.2 KMs out and back trail and is considered difficult because of the elevation changes.
Time Taken: It takes 4 hours.
Dogs allowed: Dogs are not allowed within Buffalo River National Park.
Fee: Free
Best time of year to visit: March to November
What to expect: Compton trailhead has two trails, but you’re to follow the one on the left. The trail involves trekking down a steep hill with narrow steps. On your trail, you’ll notice smaller waterfalls and cascades before you reach the mighty Hemmed-in Hollow Falls. You can also access the waterfalls by floating on the Buffalo River if you’re not hiking. Once you get to Hemmed-in Hollow, you can jump in for a swim, enjoy a picnic with snacks, take a few pictures and fortify yourself for the walk back up.
Parking/Restroom: There are several parking areas at Compton Trailhead. However, there are no restrooms.
Goat Trail
Google Map Location for Goat Trail
Description: Here’s another trail that will give you the best hiking in Arkansas. This trail is located in the Buffalo River Wilderness, near Ponca, Arkansas, and is often called the Big Bluff Trail or Centerpoint Goat Trail. Locals simply call it goat trail. It’s one of the most stunning and challenging trails in Arkansas.
Distance & Difficulty: It’s a 6-mile / 9.6 KMs out-and-back trail and is considered hard difficulty.
Time Taken: It takes 4 to 6 hours to complete because of its tough terrain.
Dogs Allowed: Dogs are not allowed in this area.
Fee: No fee
Best time of year to visit: September to May
What to Expect: The trail starts easily from the Centerpoint Trailhead and leads onto the bluff. The path, which is difficult for novice hikers, will take you through steep paths and rocky climbs. Expect to get magnificent views of the Buffalo River and enjoy the scenic view of the vast forest and the numerous rock formations. Just at a turn in the river, hikers can get a stunning view of the first National River. Because of its steep steps and height, the trail is not recommended for children or those who are scared of heights.
Be sure to have good footwear with a good grip for your hike and enjoy hiking on Arkansas’ most dangerous trail.
Parking/Restroom: No restrooms
Whitaker Point Trail
Google Map Location for Whitaker Point Trail
Description: This is one of the most recognizable hiking trails in Arkansas, as photos
of “Hawkbill” of Whitaker Point has graced several magazines and featured in movies. Whitaker Point Trail leads to Hawksbill Crag, located in Newton County in the Ozark National Forest.
Distance & Difficulty: The trail is 2.9 miles / 4.7 KMs out and back and is a moderate difficulty level for all levels of hikers.
Time Taken: It takes an average of 1 hour.
Dogs Allowed: Yes, but they should be on a leash.
Fee: Free
Best time of year to visit: October to November
What to Expect: The road leading to the trailhead is made of gravel and is steep. However, 2-wheel drive vehicles can make it if they drive slowly. The trail leads to a waterfall area before leading to a bluff line. You’d have to be careful as the edges are slippery. The hardest part of the hike is heading back.
Whitaker Point Trail is a stunning trail with wildflowers, waterfalls, and an exceptional view from the rugged cliff of Hawksbill Crag.
Parking/Restroom: No restroom, but there is a parking lot.
North Rim Trail
Google Map Location for North Rim Trail
Description: The North Rim Trail is located in Mount Magazine State Park near Paris, Arkansas. The park has the tallest point in Arkansas, Signal Hall, but it doesn’t offer much in terms of view. While there are several trailheads to complete the North Rim Trail, most hikers start from the Visitor Center and head west along the north rim of the mountain.
Distance & Difficulty: It has two trails; from the Visitor Center, it runs for 2.7 miles / 4.3 KMs (one way) to the Cove Lake Trail parking lot north of the campground. The other is a 4.2-mile / 6.8 KMs loop that starts from across the run and connects to the Mossback Ridge Trail.
Time Taken: It takes about 2 hours to complete and is considered moderate difficulty.
Dogs Allowed: Yes, but they must be on a leash.
Fee: Free
Best time of year to visit: November
What to Expect: The trail involves crossing three small creeks, passing Dill Point (ensure you have a map to see it), and offers some bluff openings to see great views of the Arkansas River Valley. You can also see Ozarks in the distance if the weather is clear. Don’t forget to capture the awesome views with your camera as you hike this trail.
Note that the bluffs may be a bit steep, so be careful. Enjoy the best hiking in Arkansas while you enjoy the panoramic views from the top.
Parking/Restroom: There are multiple trailhead parking options.
Pinnacle Mountain West Summit Trail
Google Map Location for Pinnacle Mountain West Trail
Description: Pinnacle Mountain West Summit Trail is situated right inside Pinnacle Mountain State Park, west of Little Rock, Arkansas. It’s an amazing trail that starts from the park’s picnic grounds and leads right up to Pinnacle Mountain, where you are rewarded with gorgeous views of everything below.
Distance & Difficulty: A 1.5 miles/ 2.4 KMs out and back trail rated difficult.
Time Taken: It takes an average of 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete
Dogs Allowed: Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash.
Fee: Free
Best time of year to visit: March to November
What to Expect: The steep trail starts as a moderately normal mountain trail with stairs for the steeper areas until you are halfway into the trail. As you get closer to the mountaintop, you’d come across some sections of rocks and boulders that may require you to use your hands and feet to navigate them. Expect a spectacular view of Lake Maumelle, the Ouachita Mountains, the Arkansas River Valley, and West Little Rock. Simply retrace your steps or hike down the rugged East Summit Trail to get down. Be ready for the busy crowd, as people usually frequent here because of its proximity to the state capital.
Parking/Restroom: There is a big parking lot. There are also full-service restrooms.
Conclusion
Are you a newbie or an experienced hiker? Arkansas has some of the most diverse trails for hikers of all levels. From Yellow Rock Trail to Pinnacle Mountain West Summit Trail, these trails offer amazing views of the beautiful nature in Arkansas. You can hang out with friends, your partner, or your family and go on to have the best hiking in Arkansas.
