12 Under-Appreciated State Parks In Arkansas You're Sure To Love
By Catherine Armstrong|Updated on February 12, 2022(Originally published February 06, 2022)
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
There are 52 state parks to visit in Arkansas, and each offers its own unique attractions. With so many beautiful places to see in the Natural State, it’s easy to overlook a few. Even when visiting some of the more popular parks, one can forget just how lucky we are to live in this gorgeous place. Take a look at these 12 state parks, and plan a visit to some of them soon!
Wooly Hollow State Park is a great blend of history and nature. You'll see Wooly Cabin, where the area's first settlers lived. Then, explore Lake Bennett. You can rent a paddle boat, swim, fish and more. Fishing boats are also available for rent so that you can search the whole 40-acre lake for the perfect angling spot. More than 10 miles of trails keep hikers and mountain bikers happy all afternoon.
This beautiful valley of the Ozark Mountains offers unparalleled beauty. Rent a canoe and paddle around on the eight-acre Devil's Lake, hike along any one of the many trails that take you through lush forest, and explore the many caves in the region.
Admittedly, this park doesn't look like much when you first arrive. It's basically a plowed field. But this field is special; it covers an area that was once one of the world's largest diamond-bearing volcanos. First, visit the Diamond Discovery Center to learn about this place and get some tips on prospecting. Then, get digging! You could find real diamonds, and they're yours to keep.
The view from Mount Magazine should be on everyone's Arkansas bucket list. Plan to spend the day hiking and picnicking, and see what ranger-led opportunities are available during your visit. This park is very popular for rock climbers. If you're not a climber yourself, you might enjoy watching them! You might also see hang gliders here.
In 1803, Thomas Jefferson purchased the Louisiana Territory from France, which doubled the size of the United States. Years later, a survey of the 900,000 acres was conducted, starting in Arkansas. The National Historic Landmark of the first survey point is right here in this state park. Walk down the boardwalk to located the survey marker and read about why this place is so important in U.S. history. Enjoy the beauty of the swamp as well!
This stunning resort is on an island near Bismarck, a little oasis in the Diamond Lakes region. The 13,800-acre DeGray Lake offers so much recreation that you'll want to spend an entire week here, fishing, boating and exploring by boat, kayak and paddleboard. If you enjoy golf, you've got to check out the 18-hole course.
Nestled in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains, this pretty park sits on the banks of Lake Greeson. Spend the day fishing, hiking or mountain biking. Rent a kayak to explore the lake. You can even take a guided kayak tour. Stay overnight at the campground, or in the yurt.
Stay overnight in one of he nice cabins at this park so that you'll have even more time to enjoy its beauty. Hike the four trails. (Three of them take you right to this gorgeous waterfall.) Explore the lake, too. Go swimming, fishing and boating. You can even take a guided lake tour!
This place is an angler's paradise with plenty of bass, bream, crappie and other fish species. Plan an overnight camping trip here, then explore by renting a canoe or kayak. You'll also find a visitor center with more information.
This gorgeous state park definitely deserves your attention. Not only is it an excellent place for fishing and water sports, it's a great place to connect with nature while spending time with loved ones. Camp at one of 20 campsites, or stay in one of the fairly new cabins here - they're 1,100 square feet and include all the amenities of home.
This might be the most beautiful state parks to visit in Arkansas. Hiking trails lead you through this place of natural wonders, which include Bear Cave, The Grotto, The Natural Bridge and more. You'll see sweeping views and enjoy camping, swimming, hiking, picnicking and exploring.
At this little park, you'll find three remaining mounds - the tallest in Arkansas. This quiet place was inhabited by native people between 650 AD and 1050 AD. Take the walking tour; you can choose the barrier-free path that's just 3/4 mile, or the turf trail that takes you 1.6 miles. You can also take a Guided Archeological Site Walking Tour for just a few dollars.
What is your favorite of the state parks to visit in Arkansas?
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State Parks To Visit In Arkansas
Sara Dager|February 11, 2022
What are the best outdoor adventures in Arkansas?
Known as the Natural State, enjoying the outdoors and breathing in fresh air is synonymous with Arkansas. There are so many awesome adventures that you can get up to in the many types of terrain that the state has to offer. You can enjoy fishing, rafting, canoeing, or swimming in one of the many gorgeous lakes. Or you can hike, bike, or four wheel ride through the many mountains. Or investigate a cave as the next question dives into more. Here is a list of some of some of our favorite outdoor activities to enjoy in Arkansas.
Where can I hike to a cave in Arkansas?
With over 2,000 known caves (and probably many more unknown,) in Arizona, it is pretty easy to find some awesome hikes both to and through caves in the state. Lace up your boots and make sure you're otherwise dressed appropriately and step out onto the Bear Cave trail in Morrilton or the Lost Valley Trail in Kingston. If you want to add some extra majesty to your hike with a waterfall you can hike out to Big Creek Cave Falls in Jasper, or Belle Star Cave Falls in Mansfield. Check out this article for some more neat cave hikes.
What are the most picturesque hiking trails in Arkansas?
There is an unbelievable amount of hiking to be done in Arkansas. In fact, if you took a different hike every day for two years you still wouldn't have hit all of the trails that are out there waiting to be explored. The Yellow Rock Trail at Devils Den State Park leads to impressive overlooks of the park that will take your breath away. Another jaw dropping hike is through the Seven Hollows Trail at Petit Jean State Park, keep an eye out for the rock formations that resemble turtles! If you are looking to see some of the best views in Arkansas, this article should be a big help.
