Walk Along The Same Path As The State's First Explorers At This Historic Arkansas Trail
By Carol Ann Carson|Published April 16, 2019
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Carol Ann Carson
Author
Arkansas native, Carol Ann Carson, has written for OnlyInYourState for three years now. She resides in Western Arkansas' Mountain Frontier but calls NWA home as well. The graduate of University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, Carol Ann earned her B.A. in English and will soon be pursing her M.A. in Library Science. She loves exploring the trails around the Buffalo National River and has yet to find a waterfall that wasn't her favorite.
History buffs and outdoor enthusiasts can come together to enjoy this gorgeous river trail. Rumored to be the one of the campsites of Hernando de Soto, the DeSoto Bluff Trail is fascinating hike to retrace early explorer’s steps. Let’s learn a little as we stroll along this peaceful trail.
While you're in Arkadelphia be sure to stop at 1000-, 1146 N 10th St., Arkadelphia, AR 71923. The road leads to a short and sweet hike along the DeSoto Bluff Trail.
The family-friendly hike is a wonderful way to retrace the steps of explorers throughout the centuries.
The trail was named after Hernando de Soto, who was thought to have camped with his soldiers atop the bluff. Historians have disproved the rumor but other explorers have indeed used the trail. In 1804, explorers George Hunter and William Dunbar actually did trek along the bluff as part of President Thomas Jefferson's Grand Expedition of Discovery after the Louisiana Purchase. Even before that the area was utilized by the Caddo tribe.
Even though the trail is paved (which we do love for smaller family members) it's easy to immerse yourself in the trail's history. The mile-long hike will have you feel like you're one of the first explorers in the area.
This path through the bluffs not only attracted early explorers, but magical folk as well! A small gnome has made his home in a tree alongside the trail. If your small Arkansans aren't totally enthralled with the history then a friendly hunt for the DeSoto gnome might re-spark their interest.
It's easy to see why explorers were drawn to this area when you look out to the bluff's sweeping views.
Drinking in the view of the Ouachita River is a wonderfully refreshing reward from all the trail's history lessons. The naturally- and historically-rich DeSoto Bluff Trail will easily be one of your family's favorite trails.
Have you hiked the DeSoto Bluffs? Share your experience with us in the comments below! Share your photos of the trail in our Facebook Group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why there’s nothing better than Arkansas’ stunning nature.
To continue following in history’s footsteps, tackle one of these ancient trails.
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