Take This Arkansas Road Trip To The 9 Most Eye-Popping Wildflower Fields
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Carol Ann Carson
Author
There’s no better way to celebrate spring than by taking an awesome wildflower road trip. This flower-powered tour will be the perfect chance to see the Natural State in an explosion of color. Let’s frolic through these nine flower fields in Arkansas that are bursting with wildflowers.
Don't feel like you have to tackle the whole thing in a day. Pick an area closest to you or take a weekend to explore each field. Use this Google Map for detailed directions.
1. Cherokee Prairie Natural Area - Charleston
Cherokee Prairie, 5948-7290 State Hwy 60, Charleston, AR 72933, USA
The first two stops can be enjoyed at the same time since their right next to each other. Both were originally part of the 135,000-acre Cherokee Prairie Complex that covered the valley. This area is the larger of the two and has an excellent mix of colorful wildflowers.
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2. H.E. Flanagan Prairie Natural Area - Charleston
Flanagan Prairie Natural Area, 9298-9052 N Grand Prairie Rd, Charleston, AR 72933, USA
This one is the smaller remnant of the Cherokee Prairie Complex but is still an Instagram-worthy stop. The 500-acre natural area has an jaw-dropping field of Blazing Star flowers.
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3. Baker Prairie Natural Area - Harrison
Baker Prairie Natural Area, W Burls Way, Harrison, AR 72601, USA
Baker Prairie is a small preserved piece of what was once a 5,000-acre tallgrass prairie covering Harrison. The natural area has two loop trails and a nifty cell-friendly audio tour.
4. Middle Fork Barrens Natural Area - Lonsdale
Middle Fork Barrens Natural Area, Lonsdale, AR
The shale glades, woodlands, and barrens of Middle Fork is a wonderful mix of habitats. In addition to the river and forest of the area, Middle Fork also has lovely fields of white and purple wildflowers.
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5. Allsopp Park Trail - Little Rock
Allsopp Park Road, Allsopp Park Rd, Little Rock, AR, USA
If you're wanting more structure than just an open field, head to Little Rock for a family-friendly hike. Allsopp Park Trail is surrounded with lovely wildflowers and is perfect for dogs or bikes.
6. Downs Prairie Natural Area - De Valls Bluff
Downs Prairie Natural Area, Prairie County, AR 72041, USA
The Downs Prairie Natural Area is positively filled with beautiful Indian paintbrush wildflowers. There's also a surprisingly large amount of evening-primrose and white wild indigo. In addition to being colorful, this field is also quite musical. The area has the largest population of an threaten species of cricket, whose chip can be heard up to 400 meters away!
7. Byrd Lake Natural Area - Pine Bluff
Byrd Lake Natural Area, Unnamed Road, Pine Bluff, AR 71601, USA
One of the more unique places to see the blooming wildflowers of Arkansas is at Byrd Lake. The bayou is punctuated with giant cypress trees as well as swatches of yellow wildflowers. There's a short paved trail that tours the natural area that's perfect for young ones.
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8. Terre Noire Natural Area - Arkadelphia
Terre Noire Natural Area & Prairie Ridge Preserve, 4895 AR-51, Arkadelphia, AR 71923, USA
If you'd like to see the gorgeous flora and fauna of a true blackland prairie, head to Terre Noire. This natural area has a ton of purple wildflowers from blazing star to coneflowers. It's also home to a fairly rare bird, the Bachman's sparrow.
9. Rick Evans Grandview Prairie - Columbus
AGFC Rick Evans Grandview Prairie Nature Center, 1685 Hempstead 35 Rd N, Columbus, AR 71831, USA
We'll end this road trip with one of our favorites, Rick Evans Grandview Prairie. The nearly 5,000-acre prairie is perfect for curious explorers since it's also home to a fantastic education center.
Where’s your favorite place to enjoy flower fields in Arkansas? It’s too small to be added to this list but we do love the red clover fields in Hackett! Share your favorites with us in the comments!
Another flower-powered trip to take is to see Arkansas flower fields at this massive tulip garden.
You Won’t Want To Miss Tiptoeing Through The Tulips At This Arkansas Garden
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More to Explore
Wildflowers In Arkansas
Where can you find Arkansas spring flowers?
Spring flowers in Arkansas are pretty much everywhere at our wonderful state and national parks, city parks, and even some very special wildflower farms. Here are a few places to find Arkansas spring flowers that we enjoy:
- Sacred Hollow Farm, Lowell, AR: Most of the time, we are encouraged NOT to ick wildflowers so it doesn't hurt the delicate ecosystem of state forests, parks, and natural areas, but not at Sacred Hollow. Each year you can expect over 100 varieties of wildflowers over 3 acres - and the best part is that you can pick them to take them home! This U-pick wildflower farm is one of our favorite places to get fresh flowers because the picking is just as much fun as the giving.
- Bull Shoals-White River State Park, Lakeview, AR: You may know this spot as a wonderful trout fishing state park, but the hiking trails are pretty amazing too, especially in the spring when wildflowers are in bloom. Our favorite is the Gaston Wildflower Garden Trail. As the name would suggest you are in for a wildflower treat. You'll wander through three acres of vibrant flowers where songbirds, butterflies, and big furry bumble bees dance all day. This cool garden trail is maintained by the North Central Arkansas Master Naturalists, who make sure to seed the area with a bounty of flower varieties.
- Lake Wedington Shore Trail, Fayetteville, AR: Lake Wedington is a pristine beauty in the Ozark National Forest. It is simply a heavenly spot for kayaking, fishing, swimming, and of course, walking among the wildflowers. There are even designated mountain biking trails so you can enjoy a nice ride through the forest. The wildflower trail, however, is something special. Imagine beautiful white daisies growing among the bright bold black-eyed Susans with delicate irises keeping a low profile down near the ground. There is even a calming waterfall to enjoy as you listen to the sounds of nature.
We've barely touched on the number of hiking trails in Arkansas where you can enjoy spring and summer wildflowers. Check out even more of our favorites. Be sure to swing by AllTrails+ to grab some trail maps.