We’ve talked before about adventures you can only have in Arkansas, and today we’re talking about incredible journeys. From a truly epic hiking trail to an underground exploration unlike any other, here are 10 incredible journeys you really can’t take anywhere else in the world. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “what are some incredible day trips near me in Arkansas?” then this is the list for you!

1. Hike the Ozark Highlands Trail.
Flickr/OakleyOriginals
You’re going to need to be extra prepared for this journey. The epic Ozark Highlands Trail winds 240 miles through the scenic Ozarks, one of the most remote and impressive mountain ranges in the United States. You can get on the trail at locations like Lake Fort Smith State Park or White Rock Mountain and go as long as you can, as the segments of the trail have lots of places where you can end your adventure.

The Ozark Highlands Trail is pretty much too epic to tell you all about in one paragraph, so you should probably read this article.
2. Drive the Pig Trail.
Flickr/Anna
Highway 23, also known as the Pig Trail, will have you riding through the mountains on one of the best scenic drives anywhere. People flock from all over to drive the Pig Trail, especially bikers, because the road shows you the forest like you’ve never seen it before.
3. Explore a whole new world at War Eagle Cavern.
Flickr/wrcochran
If you've ever wondered, "what are some day trips near me in Arkansas?" the answer might just be to head underground. War Eagle Cavern holds family adventures aboveground, but it’s what’s hiding beneath the earth that makes this attraction unlike any other. There are two options for tours you can take at War Eagle Cavern. You can either do the traditional tour or do the wilder version, called the Spelunker Tour. You’ll need 48-hours notice for that second option, but it’s well worth it if you’re looking to explore a wild cave.
4. Eat your heart out on Arkansas’s Cheese Dip Trail.
Facebook/Dizzy’s Gypsy Bistro
Arkansas is credited with the invention of cheese dip. I know I’ve said it before, but you’re welcome, America. It’s no surprise that the birthplace of that cheesy delight would have a trail devoted entirely to the consumption of cheese dip, and the ten stops on this version of that trail will have you in cheesy heaven.

You can see the spots on the cheese dip trail at this link.
5. Float the Ouachita River.
Flickr/Patrick Lewis
The lower Ouachita isn’t a thrilling whitewater adventure so much as a laidback, somewhat lazy river that will show you the delights of the Ouachitas without an overwhelming amount of effort on your part. If you’re looking for a relaxing float trip that won’t have you gripping your oars too tightly, you can’t do much better than a float on the Ouachita River.

You can learn more about where to float the Ouachita for the laziest results by clicking this link.

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6. Explore Scenic Seven.
Flickr/Arkansas ShutterBug
Arkansas State Highway 7 isn’t called Scenic Seven for nothing. Along the route you’ll find some of the prettiest parts of the Ouachitas and the Ozarks, including the incomparable Arkansas Grand Canyon, which is shown in the picture above.
7. Walk the river in Little Rock.
Flickr/David Hudson
Little Rock’s Big Dam Bridge is the longest bridge in the world that was built specifically for pedestrian traffic. The bridge connects Little Rock and North Little Rock, and will show you views of the Arkansas River that are sure to impress.
8. Take a mountain road trip.
Flickr/Harold Wright
I’ll take some pride in building this particular road trip. The eight hour drive will take you through Arkansas’s two mountain ranges—it’s a tour of the rugged Ozarks and the sloping Ouachitas. You’re sure to be impressed by those mountain vistas and the incredible overlooks you can just pull over to admire.

You can find the itinerary in this article.
9. Feast your eyes on an epic natural wonders road trip.
Flickr/Tonya Stinson
If you’re at all interested in nature, which is a good hobby to have in the Natural State, you’re going to love this natural wonders road trip. From waterfalls to scenic overlooks to geological formations that will knock your socks off, this road trip is the very definition of an incredible journey. You can find your itinerary here.
10. Travel through prehistory at the Toltec Mounds.
Tripadvisor/management
The Plum Bayou culture built extraordinary mounds way back between 650 and 1050 A.D. Today, those mounds still stand as immense and intriguing objects of curiosity and awe for the people who visit Toltec Mounds Archaeological State Park.

We hope we’ve helped provide an answer to the question, “what are some day trips near me in Arkansas?” For more inspiration, you can find a bunch of fabulous road trips in this article. You may also want to try this dreamy fall foliage road trip.

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More to Explore

day trips near me in Arkansas

Beth C. | July 20, 2021

What are some must-visit places in Arkansas?

One of the best ways to experience Arkansas is by getting out there and exploring every square mile. Of course, we've done most of the work for you to pinpoint some of the most visit-worthy places in the state. The following is a list of must-visit places in Arkansas: Murfreesboro, Jonesboro, Paris, Eureka Springs, Blue Spring, Louisiana Purchase State Park, Cotter, Hot Springs, Walnut Ridge, Rush Gold Town, Devil's Den State Park, and Arkansas Peddlers. Have you experienced any of these unique day trips in Arkansas?

Does Arkansas have any natural wonders?

Absolutely! You'll find there are loads of natural wonders throughout Arkansas that are just waiting to be discovered. Some of the most incredible natural wonders include the Crater of Diamonds, Onyx Cave, Mammoth Spring, Lee Creek Valley, Bull Shoals Caverns, Mystic Caverns and Crystal Dome, Crowley's Ridge, Hot Springs National Park, Lake Chicot, Blanchard Springs Cavern, Cedar Falls, Buffalo National River, White Rock Mountain, and Lake Ouachita. Learn more about these natural wonders in Arkansas.

What belongs on my Arkansas bucket list?

Arkansas is a state filled with cultural experiences, natural wonders, and hidden gems. There are so many destinations that belong on your bucket list, and fortunately, we've created a list dedicated to that very topic. From must-try restaurants to breathtaking natural attractions, this list has a little something for every kind of adventurer. Some of the experiences and adventures on our official Arkansas bucket list include the overlooks on Petit Jean Mountain, Six Finger Falls on Richland Creek, Bayou Bartholomew, the Cliff House Inn, the Arkansas Grand Canyon, Devil's Den State Park, Calico County in Fort Smith, Hemmed-in-Hollow Falls, Mount Magazine, Blanchard Springs Caverns, Dondie's White River Queen, and the Buffalo National River.

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Featured Addresses
Ozark Highlands Trail, Arkansas, USA
Arkansas 23, AR-23, Ozark, AR, USA
Ouachita River, United States
Arkansas 7, AR-7, Hot Springs, AR, USA
Little Rock, AR, USA
Toltec Mounds, Arkansas 72142, USA