Arkansas is known for its natural beauty, and there’s no better place to experience it than in the great outdoors. From the rugged Ozark Mountains to pristine lakes, Arkansas offers an abundance of places to hike, canoe, camp and more. Here are a few of my favorite outdoor adventures you should check out when traveling through Arkansas:
Climbing in Horseshoe Canyon Ranch
Horseshoe Canyon Ranch is a great place to climb. There are many different routes and difficulty levels, ranging from 5.4 to 5.13+. The climbs are rated using the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), which was developed by climbers in Yosemite National Park in California over 100 years ago.
The YDS system is based on how difficult each climb is compared to others within its grade range; however, climbers should always consider their own abilities when choosing a route as some climbs may be too advanced for them despite having an appropriate rating.
The majority of the climbing at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch falls within the 5.5-5.9 range; most new climbers will find these easy enough but still challenging enough that they don’t feel bored or disappointed by their experience! If you’re more experienced or want something harder than average, there are still plenty of options available with ratings between 5-11+.
Canoeing the Buffalo River
If you’re looking for a great place to canoe, the Buffalo River is the perfect spot. It is Arkansas’ longest undammed river and runs from northern Arkansas through the Ozark Mountains and into Missouri. The Buffalo River has been designated as a National Park Service site along with being a National Wild and Scenic River by Congress in 1972.
This beautiful river offers many opportunities for fun activities such as fishing, kayaking, hiking trails and camping. Canoeing on this scenic waterway is considered one of the best opportunities for an outdoor adventure in Arkansas!
Camping in Ouachita National Forest
Ouachita National Forest is the largest national forest in Arkansas. It spans over 858,000 acres and is home to over 2,000 miles of trails. The Ouachita National Forest also has access to 500 campsites, with some of them being primitive. As well as all of this, there are many different species of wildlife that make their home here like elk and deer.
Fishing in Lake Dardanelle State Park
Fishing in Lake Dardanelle State Park
Located in Russellville, Arkansas, this is the largest lake in Arkansas and home to more than 25 species of fish. It also has a fishing pier and boat ramp that are open year-round.
Mountain Biking Lake Ouachita Vista Trail
From the trailhead, which is located on the western shore of Lake Ouachita, you’ll follow gravel roads through open fields and pine forests. The trail will eventually lead to a scenic overlook at Turtle Rock where you can enjoy a stunning view of the lake and surrounding mountains.
The next section of the trail passes through wetlands that are home to beavers and waterfowl like mallards, wood ducks and teal. You’ll also see wildflowers like redbud trees in bloom during spring months. As you continue along this easy ride on your bike or horseback (or foot), look for wildlife such as deer or turkey in these pristine natural habitats.
If you’re looking for more adventure off-road biking trails in Arkansas check out our article “Arkansas Mountain Bike Trails – The Best Of Arkansas.”
Birding at Pinnacle Mountain State Park
Pinnacle Mountain State Park is located at the edge of Little Rock, Arkansas. It has a total of 1,800 acres and features a lake and a hiking trail. The park also has an amphitheater where you can enjoy live music in the summertime.
The best time to visit this park is during fall, when the leaves change colors and create beautiful scenery. In springtime, wildflowers bloom along with trees that have new leaves on them. The weather during this time is usually milder than it would be at other times during the year because most of it is still winter but not too hot yet either! There are also less crowds here then say during summer vacations or holidays so if you want something secluded then Pinnacle Mountain might just be right up your alley! You’ll find plenty of space here too which means everyone can feel comfortable whether they like walking through wide open fields or sitting under trees while having picnics with loved ones..
Stargazing at Petit Jean State Park
Petit Jean State Park is the perfect place to go stargazing in Arkansas. It’s located near Morrilton, which is about an hour south of Little Rock and two hours north of Hot Springs.
At night, you can take a guided tour or attend one of their astronomy programs at Petit Jean Lodge. You’ll learn how to navigate using the stars and explore why they’re so important for man’s survival on Earth.
Petit Jean has a campground with both tent and RV sites available, as well as cabins for rent near the lodge ($80-$110 per night). They also have a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner (a must-try is their cinnamon roll pancakes!).
Arkansas is an outdoor adventurer’s dream.
Arkansas is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts. The state has a wide variety of outdoor activities to choose from, including hiking and biking trails, horseback riding, camping areas, lakes and rivers – you name it! There’s even an abundance of parks and trails that offer spectacular views of the Ozarks’ beautiful landscape.
Arkansas offers something for everyone: If you’re looking to spend time with your family outdoors but don’t want to break the bank on pricey gear or costly day trips out of town, Arkansas is an excellent choice for enjoying some quality time together as an activity-oriented group.
In fact, this guide will show you how easy it is to plan your next vacation or weekend getaway in Arkansas by sharing insider tips on where to stay (so you can take advantage of every minute), what transportation options are available (so getting around won’t be stressful), as well as fun activities that will make your trip worthwhile – all while saving money!
Conclusion
We hope this list helps you plan your next trip to Arkansas and experience all that it has to offer. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the state’s natural beauty and history.