The 9 Secret Parks Of Arkansas You've Never Heard Of But Need To Visit

Encompassing 135 acres in North Little Rock, Emerald Park has bluffs and views of the Arkansas River that will knock your socks off. Whether you’re out for a hike or a stroll, this underrated park is a great place to find scenic beauty just minutes away from Arkansas’s largest city.

Emerald Park is located on West Scenic Drive in North Little Rock.

If you’re looking for dinosaurs hiding in the Boston Mountains, look no further than the city park of the tiny town of Mountainburg. Mountainburg’s population is only about 624 people, and their small, dinosaur-filled city park is just about as charming as charming comes.

You can find Mountainburg City Park by driving through Mountainburg on Highway 71. Seriously, you can’t miss it.

If you were secretly hoping there would be a park with a tiny castle on this list, you’re in luck. Works of art are hiding all over Fayetteville’s Wilson Park, and the castle itself was designed by a sculptor. If you like combining art with your afternoon in the park, Wilson Park is a must visit.

Wilson Park is located at 675 North Park Avenue in Fayetteville.

Two Rivers Park is located where the Arkansas and Little Maumelle Rivers meet, and there are places to launch your canoe if you feel like floating or fishing. There are lots of trails at Two Rivers Park, so whether you’re a cyclist or a hiker, you can find a way to explore.

Two Rivers Park is located at 6900 Two Rivers Road in Little Rock.

Horsebarn Trail is a 1.3-mile trail, and attached to that trail is Horsebarn Park. With a lovely stream, a quiet play area, and a lovely little rain garden, the small park is a great place to take in a little nature right near Rogers’ famously busy Pinnacle Hills area.

Horsebarn Park is located at 423 South Horsebarn Road in Rogers.

Craighead Forest Park is big: 692 acres in all. This Jonesboro park really does have a lot of forest, with plenty of hiking trails and some great scenic spots. You’ll also find a fishing lake and playgrounds there, along with all the amenities you’d expect from such a huge city-run park.

Craighead Forest Park is located at 4910 South Culberhouse Road in Jonesboro.

Bell Park is a gorgeous city park located in Greenwood. With a stone amphitheatre, a huge glass pavilion, and lots of walking trails, this scenic park is an ideal place to relax or have an epic event. From a relaxing afternoon playing discgolf to an upscale event, Bell Park is stunning and multi-faceted.

Bell Park is located at 1050 Bell Park Road in Greenwood.

Compton Gardens is 6.5 acres of native plants and prairie. The gardens connect with Crystal Bridges Trail, making Compton Gardens the perfect place to take a scenic walk in the woods, in one of the most populous areas and most popular up-and-coming cities in Arkansas.

Compton Gardens is located at 312 North Main Street in Bentonville.

Black Bass Lake Park is a 200-acre park developed and maintained by Eureka Springs Parks & Recreation. Black Bass Lake is nine acres and is surrounded by a mile-long trail. Though it’s not as centrally located as Eureka’s Basin Spring Park or as popular as Lake Leatherwood, Black Bass Lake Park is an underrated gem that you need to experience.

Black Bass Lake Park is located at 1303 County Road 204 near Eureka Springs.