Arkansas natural beauty truly knows no bounds. From mountains, to rivers, to valleys, to waterfalls, and caves, our state is a gold mine for these phenomena. While I can’t list them all, I can give you a glimpse into the ones that are truly unique to the Natural State. So, here are seven Arkansas natural wonders that you must add to your bucket list.

1. Pinnacle Mountain (Roland)

Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Arkansas 72135, USA
Larry Jones/Google
Tucked away at the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains, right outside of Little Rock is Pinnacle Mountain. This cone-shaped mountain is unlike any other in the Ozarks. At first glance, you may think it’s a pyramid or perhaps a volcano, but it is only a uniquely shaped mountain that offers spectacular views from the summit.

2. Buffalo National River (Ponca)

Buffalo National River Park Road, Buffalo Nat'l River Pk Rd, Arkansas 72634, USA
Casey Crocker/Google
Located in the Southern region of the Ozark Mountains is the Buffalo National River. This river is the first national river in the United States, and with 135 miles of flow, there is lots to do. You’ll be impressed with the majestic bluffs along the river, and the overlooks offer breathtaking views, making it a unique place to visit.

3. Arkansas Grand Canyon (Jasper)

Arkansas Grand Canyon, AR-7, Jasper, AR 72641, USA
Alyssa McClain/Google
No need to go to the southwest of the U.S. to see the Grand Canyon. We have our own here in Arkansas. This natural wonder can be witnessed from a lookout point right outside of Jasper off Scenic Highway 7. The stunning views of the mountains and valleys attract thousands of visitors each year. So, be prepared to be blown away by this incredible canyon.

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4. Bull Shoals Caverns (Bull Shoals)

Bull Shoals Caverns, 1011 C S Woods Blvd, Bull Shoals, AR 72619, USA
Cory Crowe/Google
Not all our natural wonders are above ground. We have many caves and caverns that offer a truly unique experience. For instance, Bull Shoals Caverns is a living cave formed over 350 million years ago, making it one of the oldest cave systems in the world. Need another reason to visit? You can get married inside this cave at an altar made from crystals.

5. Arkansas Sphinx (Hagarville)

Arkansas Sphinx Parking, Pilot Rock Mountain Rd, Hagarville, AR 72839, USA
Ronnie Hendrix/Google
In addition to the mountains, rivers, valleys, and caves, we have amazing rock formations in Arkansas. But one stands out more than the rest. You’ve heard of the Great Sphinx in Egypt, right? Well, we have our own Sphinx that you can witness by taking a short but challenging hike. This one-of-a-kind rock is tucked inside the Ozark National Forest just outside of Hagarville. And it’s a natural wonder that you must see at least once.

6. Hot Springs National Park (Hot Springs)

Hot Springs National Park, AR, USA
David DeRienzo/Google
The next natural wonder is nestled inside the Ouachita Mountains. Hot Springs National Park is home to, you guessed it, naturally hot springs. With more than 40 springs containing geo-thermal water flowing from sandstone rocks, it is definitely a place to add to your list. The hot springs are believed to have healing properties, but you’ll need to visit one of the nearby bathhouses to experience it.

7. Glory Hole Falls (Ozone)

Glory Hole Falls Trail, Arkansas 72854, USA
Dan Ward / AllTrails
We have many majestic waterfalls in Arkansas. Most have incredible cascades and tiers. But one waterfall stands out amongst the rest, and that is the Glory Hole Falls located inside the Ozark National Forest. Not only does it have a unique name, but the waterfall itself is truly remarkable. It flows through a hole in a cave ledge, created by the creek. This makes the falls a picture-perfect natural wonder.

There are tons of other natural wonders in Arkansas that you must add to your bucket list. But for now, tell us which one is your favorite in the comments below. We’ve also put together a road trip that will bring you to 10 different Arkansas natural wonders. The trip takes about 11 hours of driving so it makes for the perfect long weekend getaway. Before you head out the door for this adventure, take a look at our ultimate road trip packing list, there are lots of items that can help make your trip go as smoothly as possible. 

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Arkansas Natural Beauty

Sara Dager | November 30, 2023

Are there any waterfalls in Arkansas that I should see? 

There are many awe-inspiring waterfalls in Arkansas that you can make the journey to. Some of these can be seen right from the road and others will require you to hike for a bit, but no matter what, the site is well worth the effort:

  • Falling Water Falls in Sand Gap
  • Hemmed-In Hollow Falls in Compton
  • Bear Creek Falls in Bear Creek
  • Balanced Rock Falls in Jasper
  • Lake Katharine Falls in Hafaryville
  • Big Creek Cave Falls in Jasper

What are the best hikes in Arkansas that I can take? 

One of the best ways to take in all of the beauty that the Natural State has to offer is by getting on the trails to take one of these exhilarating hikes in Arkansas:

  • Whitaker Point Trail in Pettigrew
  • Lost Valley Trail in Ponca
  • Bear Cave Trail in Morrilton
  • Lake Sylvia to Crystal Prong Creek via Ouachita Trail in Perryville
  • Falls Branch Trail in Hot Springs
  • Lake Fayetteville Paved Trail in Johnson

Which state parks in Arkansas are the best to visit? 

There are 52 state parks in Arkansas, one for every week of the year if you're a committed adventurer. Here are a few of those parks that really stand out from the crowd:

  • Wooly Hollow State Park
  • Devil's Den State Park
  • Crater of Diamonds State Park
  • Mount Magazine State Park
  • Louisiana Purchase State Park
  • DeGray Lake Resort State Park
  • Daisy State Park

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