Day trips in Arkansas are a great way to experience little slices of the Natural State. Sometimes those tiny pieces of heaven are just what you need to rejuvenate your soul. Luckily, there are tons of options for epic one-day Arkansas road trips. And we have got the perfect sunrise-to-sunset scenic day trip in Arkansas for you, and it will be packed with adventure. Some of these places are the best places to see the sunrise in Arkansas.

This trip will be 87 miles long and approximately 2 hours of driving time. This means you’ll have lots of time to explore and return home to bed.
Google Maps
If you would like to add more stops to this trip, you can use this interactive map.
1. Hawksbill Crag/Whitaker Point - Kingston, AR
Luis Ramirez/Google
Time is of the essence, so let’s rise early to catch the magnificent Arkansas sunrise at the Hawksbill Crag lookout point.
Hawksbill Crag/Whitaker Point, Co Rd 406, Kingston, AR 72742, USA
ML Baxley/Google
You’ll need to hike the 3-mile out-and-back Whitaker Point Trail to get to the overlook. But once you get there, you’ll witness the most spectacular sunrise you've ever seen in your life. Stay for a while and enjoy the scenic views of the Buffalo National River valley, and you'll love the beautiful waterfalls along the trail.

See what it's like to go on this gorgeous hike:

2. Catalpa Cafe and General Store - Ozone AR
Randall L/TripAdvisor
After a vibrant morning of hiking, you’ll need some fuel for the afternoon adventures. So, stop in at Catalpa Cafe for one of the hearty breakfast meals.

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Catalpa Cafe And General Store, 255 County Road 5351, Ozone, AR 72854, USA
Rory Gilliland/Google
The down-home cookin’ will stick to your ribs and satisfy your craving. Be sure to grab a slice of one of their homemade pies.
3. Lake Dardanelle State Park - Russellville, AR
Thomas Roberts/Google
Now that you’ve eaten, it’s time to have some fun at Lake Dardanelle State Park. The park is great for fishing, boating, swimming, kayaking, and more. Choose your adventure and don’t forget to stop by the visitor center.
Lake Dardanelle State Park, 100 State Park Drive, Russellville, AR 72802, USA
John Townsend/Google
And once you’ve had a full day at the park, find a great spot along the banks of the lake to watch the glorious sunset.

Get a close-up look at Lake Dardanelle State Park:

Thomas Roberts/Google
The best part about this day trip is you can do it in reverse, and the views will be equally stunning. That’s the beauty of Arkansas, from sunrise to sunset, the state is truly spectacular.

So, are you ready for this scenic day trip in Arkansas? Well, lace up those boots, grab the kayak, gas up the car, and let’s go! Or tell us your favorite spots to watch the sunrise and the sunset in the Natural State.

And don’t forget to check out this article about this incredible high-flying adventure.

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More to Explore

Road Trip Worthy Destinations in Arkansas

William Suphan | February 08, 2023

What are the best roadside attractions in Arkansas?

The best roadside attractions in Arkansas include

  • Humpty Dumpty. This model of the egg-shaped nursery rhyme character is located in Eureka Springs.
  • Old Flippin Jail Cell. Located in Flippin, this 12X9-foot jail cell that was built in 1928 was used to hold people arrested for fighting and public drunkenness. 
  • Mr. Peanut. The mascot of its namesake snack company stands near Fort Smith.
  • Popeye’s Garden. See the statue of the famous spinach-eating cartoon character in the tiny town of Alma.

Discover more about the best roadside attractions in Arkansas. 

What are some hidden gem attractions in Arkansas?

Hidden gem attractions in Arkansas include:

  • Moro Bay State Park. Visitors come here for fishing and kayaking through the beautiful cypress groves.
  • Monster Mart. This odd place is a roadside stop in Fouke with a cryptozoological creature on exhibit called the Boggy Creek Monster.
  • Queen Wilhelmina State Park. This is where to go for gorgeous vistas overlooking the verdant forests as far as the eye can see.
  • Daisy State Park. Located at the foothills of the Ouachita mountains, this is a wonderful camping area next to Lake Greeson.

Find out more about these and other hidden gem attractions in Arkansas.

What are the best day trip destinations in Arkansas?

The best day trip destinations in Arkansas include

  • Blue Spring Heritage Center. This 33-acre botanical garden in Blue Spring is a lovely site that is well worth seeing.
  • Cotter. Fishermen come to this area on the White River for some of the best fishing in Arkansas. 
  • Rush. This is an old ghost town that remains from the zinc mining industry and the rotting buildings hold much history.
  • Walnut Ridge. This tiny town has a restaurant on an old plane and holds an annual Beatles festival at the Ridge festival.

Learn more about these and more of the best day trip destinations in Arkansas.

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