When thinking of haunted places, spooky hiking trails in Arkansas are probably the last places that come to mind. However, haunted places in Arkansas come in all shapes and sizes – including hiking trails. The creepiest hikes in Arkansas, though, have got to be those within the Plum Bayou Mounds Archaeological State Park (formerly called the Toltec Mounds Archaeological State Park), as they encircle the ruins of a village that vanished without a trace. Read on to learn more about this creepy hike in Arkansas.

Plum Bayou Mounds Archaeological State Park (formerly the Toltec Mounds Archaeological State Park) is located in the small community of Scott.
arkansasstateparks.com
It is one of Arkansas’ most famous historical sites and that’s because it’s the largest and most complex mound site in the entire state.
Due to its historic significance, the park has been deemed a National Historical Landmark.
Joe H/All Trails
This is an honor given to only four sites in the Arkansas State Park system.
The property that now makes up the park was once the home of a group of people known as the Plum Bayou Culture.
Father Along/Flickr
The Plum Bayou people were very intelligent, industrious, and had established their own community here.
The group inhabited the area between 650 A.D. and 1050 A.D.
Joe H/All Trails
That makes their story a significant part of the history of The Wonder State.
Shrouded in mystery, archeologists and historians have been unable to trace the group’s origins.
wikimedia.org
Initially, it was thought they were related to the Toltec tribes of Mexico; however, that theory was quickly ruled out.

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What’s more, the mysterious group abandoned the site around 1050 A.D.
arkansasstateparks.com
Which is how it became one of the most abandoned places in Arkansas.
Today, no remnants of the actual residents exist. Instead, 18 mounds are all that remain of the Plum Bayou Culture.
Heather R. Nelson/All Trails
Instead, 18 mounds are all that remain of the Plum Bayou Culture.
As if an entire village disappearing without a trace isn’t creepy enough, park-goers have had some strange experiences within the park.
Kyle Tuinstra/Flickr
Visitors have reported hearing phantom footsteps as well as seeing orbs and ghosts roaming about the park.
If you’re the type who seeks out scary spots rather than avoid them, you’ll be glad to know that the park’s two trails lead straight to the (paranormal) action.
Father Along/Flickr
All of the park’s inexplicable occurrences have taken place near the mounds. Coincidentally, the park’s two trails – the Knapp Trail and Plum Bayou Trail – both lead past the mysterious mounds.
A mix of natural beauty, history, and eeriness...
arkansasstateparks.com
...the creepiest hike in Arkansas is perfect for adventure-seekers of all sorts!

 

Have you ever been to Plum Bayou Mounds Archaeological State Park, which as you have read is arguably a significant piece of Arkansas history? If so, what did you think? Did it creep you out? We’d love to read about your experience here in the comments section below.

For more info, call Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park at (501) 961-9442.

This isn’t the only creepy place in Arkansas. There are lots of places that will make your hair stand on end, and this route leads straight to them.

For more adventures in Arkansas, check out this video about the 10 best things to do in the state:

 

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Adventures in Arkansas

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | January 27, 2023

Where can we find other abandoned places in Arkansas?

Abandoned places in Arkansas (as well as spooky hiking trails in Arkansas in deserted places) are just about everywhere, each revealing a different mystery about what happened there in times gone by. Check out a few of these on this fascinating abandoned places road trip:

 

What are some haunted spots in Arkansas?

There are quite a few haunted spots in Arkansas and they draw people who like paranormal activity from all over the state and further field. If you dare, test your nerves at a few places like the following:

 

Where can we find scenic trails in Arkansas?

There are so many stunning scenic trails in Arkansas that you can explore any time of the year. For your next adventures, consider some of the following:

 

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Toltec Mounds, Arkansas 72142, USA