There’s no doubt that Arkansas has the best state parks in the nation. But from Pinnacle Mountain to Devil’s Den, it’s easy to pick a favorite and miss the opportunity to visit all of the 52 state parks our state has to offer. Today’s focus is on the state parks that are a little out of the way but well worth the trip. Let’s pack our bags, find the good playlist, and hit the road, because here are eight lesser-known state parks in Arkansas that’ll blow your mind:

1. Moro Bay State Park - Jersey
6071 Hwy 600 S, Jersey, AR 71651, USA
TripAdvisor/Rob R.
We'll begin in the southeast region of the state at Moro Bay State Park. This relaxing lakeside getaway is less frequented than other lake-featuring parks like Bull Shoals. Check out the Moro Bay Ferry exhibit to see the historic tugboat before taking a rented pedal boat out on Raymond Lake. Learn more about Moro Bay State Park in this article.
2. Mark's Mills Battleground State Park - New Edinburg
Marks' Mills State Park, New Edinburg, AR 71660, USA
TripAdvisor/redheadedmama
Prairie Grove isn't the only park focused on the battles of the Civil War. One of the others, Mark's Mills, commemorates one of the battles that was part of the Union Army's Red River Campaign. To reach the park, use this map. Read more on the Arkansas State Parks website.
3. Daisy State Park - Kirby
103 E Park Rd, Kirby, AR 71950, USA
TripAdvisor/mcworldvaluemeal
To no fault of it's own, Daisy is in the middle of three of the state's most popular parks. Most folks head to Cossatot, Crater of Diamonds, or DeGray Lake Resort without realizing they've missed this treasure. Enjoy camping alongside Lake Greeson and float along the Little Missouri River. Learn more on the official website.
4. Delta Heritage Trail State Park - Helena-West Helena
5539 US 49, West Helena, AR 72390, USA
Google/Josh Sutton
Situated along the far east of the state, Delta Heritage Trail is part of the national "rails to trails" initiative. What had been the Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way will soon be the longest bike and pedestrian trails in the state at 84.5 miles. Read more about the Delta Heritage Trail and its future plans in this article.

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5. Woolly Hollow State Park - Greenbrier
82 Woolly Hollow Rd, Greenbrier, AR 72058, USA
TripAdvisor/management
This smaller state park is known for its popular biking trail, Ender’s Fault but there's plenty more to do than just cycle. Enjoy Lake Bennett or learn about the area's first settlers at the Woolly Cabin. It's dog-friendly, too!
6. Millwood State Park - Ashdown
1564 AR-32, Ashdown, AR 71822, USA
Google/Artificial Reality
Fishing enthusiasts should already be familiar with Millwood, after all it is a popular spot for bass tournaments. The park does have more to offer than just fishing though. Rent pedal boats or hydro bikes to tour the lake or enjoy wildlife spotting along the trails before setting up camp. Learn all about Millwood State Park in this helpful article.
7. Cane Creek State Park - Star City
50 State Park Rd, Star City, AR 71667, USA
Google/Drew Looknfishy
This state park is made up of two distinct regions, the West Gulf Coastal Plain and Mississippi Delta. Take advantage of the trails in the wooded coastal plain area or stay on the 1,675-acre delta lake. You'll also be in the area of the world's largest bayou, Bayou Bartholomew. Learn more on the official website.
8. Conway Cemetery State Park - Bradley
Conway Cemetery Historic State Park, 33°06'07.1"N 93°41'00.9"W, Bradley, AR 71826, USA
Google/Bobby Bryan
Perhaps the most unique state park, Conway Cemetery is hiding in the southwestern corner of the state. The historical park features the grave site of Arkansas' first governor, James Sevier Conway. The drive to the park is probably the longest for just about everyone but Conway Cemetery is an easy visit to knock off your 52 state park bucket list. To reach the park, use these coordinates.

 

Is there another underrated state park that deserves a shout-out? Let us know in the comments! If you’re trying to visit all 52 state parks in the great state of Arkansas, you should take a trip to the oldest state park first.

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State Parks to Visit in Arkansas

Tori Jane | January 23, 2022

What are some of the best state parks in Arkansas?  

Well, that depends on your definition of “best”, but for this case, we’ll share with you some of the most beloved state parks by locals. Arkansas is home to 52 state parks, so it can seem a little intimidating to figure out which to explore first. It may behoove you to check out the most popular ones first; after all, they’re extremely popular for a reason, right? The most popular state park in Arkansas is Pinnacle Mountain State Park, famous for its amazing mountain hikes and spectacular landscapes. Village Creek State Park is also ultra-popular, especially among mountain bikers. There are some spectacular lake views, too! Other much-beloved state parks include Crater of Diamonds State Park, Ozark Folk Center State Park (for those who prefer something a little different), and Lake Catherine State Park, which is home to some breathtaking waterfalls. To read more about our awe-inspiring state parks, check this article out!  

What are the best hiking trails in Arkansas?  

According to our friends at AllTrails, there are more than 800 amazing trails to choose from. Much like we did in the previous paragraph, to decide which ones are “best”, we’ll go by the most popular and highly rated trails. The 2.9-mile Whitaker Point Trail, located in the Ozark National Forest, is the single most popular hiking trail in Arkansas. It’s a spectacular adventure with some of the best views in the whole state! The Centerpoint to Goat Trail along the Buffalo National River is longer, at 5.9 miles, and a little more challenging – but it’s just as worth it, we promise! Also along the Buffalo National River is the beautiful Lost Valley Trail, which is shorter than the Centerpoint to Goat Trail at 2.3 miles in length (and it’s a bit easier, too). We also highly recommend the Glory Hole Waterfall Trail, which is under two miles long and contains some of the most fairy-tale scenes in the state.  

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