These 10 Natural Areas Are The Best Places To Enjoy Arkansas' Beauty
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Carol Ann Carson
Author
Don’t get us wrong, we love the trails zigzagging through Arkansas’ state parks. If you’re in the mood for a different pace however, you may want to stroll along the trails state’s natural areas. These hikes, both developed and undeveloped, showcase the state’s wilder side. Let’s ditch the crowds and head out into natural state wilderness.
The trail in Byrd Lake Natural Area is a developed, half mile out-and-back hike. Tour this substream to Bayou Bartholomew and enjoy the cypress trees lining the lake. Be sure to catch the spur along the little trail to reach the overlook of the lake.
For directions, use these coordinates.
For directions, use these coordinates.
The preserved land of Longview Saline gets its name from the naturally high amounts of sodium and magnesium salts in the soil. This has created an ecosystem unique compared to other barrens and woodlands. Take advantage of the permitted hunting for crow, quail, turkey, or deer.
For directions, use these coordinates.
For directions, use these coordinates.
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Frolic through the fields of this lovely tallgrass prairie. The liatris and forb wildflowers are thriving in a picture-perfect fashion. This is one of the remaining remnants of what used to be 135,000 acres of prairie land. Hunting is also permitted.
For directions, use these coordinates.
For directions, use these coordinates.
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This little natural area resides in a larger city park in the middle of Bryant. The area is a preserved forest the coastal plains. Escape the urban noise along this canopy covered hike. The paved trail is pleasant one mile round trip.
For directions, use these coordinates.
For directions, use these coordinates.
Enjoy Arkansas' natural swamp land without getting bogged down. The half mile boardwalk tours hikers through the upland pine and oak forest but then descends to the cypress bottomland. Hunting is also permitted.
For directions, use these coordinates.
For directions, use these coordinates.
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Out of all the natural areas we've visited so far, you're probably most familiar with this one. Besides the main focal point of the actual Kings River Falls, the area preserves mixed hardwood forest. Tour the area using the two mile there-and-back trail.
For directions, use these coordinates.
For directions, use these coordinates.
Relax along the streams in the 1,300 acre Slippery Hollow. Many different types of oak thrive in the area's glades. The preserved land is home to the federally endangered Ozark big-eared bat. Non-bat hunting (like deer or turkey) is permitted.
For directions, use these coordinates.
For directions, use these coordinates.
History buffs and nature lovers can come together to enjoy the Louisiana Purchase Natural Area. Besides preserving part of the largest remaining headwater swamp in the Lower Mississippi River Valley, the area is also home to an important commemorative marker. This was the starting point for the 1815 land surveys of the Louisiana Purchase Territory.
For directions, use these coordinates.
For directions, use these coordinates.
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The peculiar name derives from the rock type in the area called Nacatoch Sand Formation. This is the largest intact upland ravine forest in the northern part of the coastal plain region. The area also preserves remnants of blackland prairie.
For directions, use these coordinates.
For directions, use these coordinates.
This area happens to be home to one of the largest concentrations of rare plants in the state. Take in the glades along the 1.2 mile round trip trail. The trail features the Bubbling Springs Hollow. This is the only natural area we've covered today that permits bear hunting.
For directions, use these coordinates.
For directions, use these coordinates.
Tell us about your experience in one of the many Arkansas natural areas in the comments below!
If the Louisiana Purchase Natural Area caught your interest, you may want to check out these trails that lead to historic ruins.
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