Hiking Trails in Central Arkansas: Are you a hiking enthusiast? Do you live in Central Arkansas or are you planning to visit soon? If so, you’re in luck! Central Arkansas is home to some of the best hiking trails in the state, offering breathtaking views of the natural beauty that surrounds us. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best hiking trails in Central Arkansas that you won’t want to miss.
10 Best Hiking Trails in Central Arkansas
- Pinnacle Mountain State Park
Pinnacle Mountain State Park is a must-visit for any hiking enthusiast. This park is located in west Little Rock and offers over 15 miles of hiking trails that range in difficulty from easy to strenuous. The park’s signature trail is the Summit Trail, which is a 1.5-mile hike to the top of Pinnacle Mountain. The trail is steep and challenging, but the panoramic views from the top are well worth the effort.
In addition to the Summit Trail, Pinnacle Mountain State Park offers several other trails, including the West Summit Trail, the Base Trail, the Kingfisher Trail, and the East Quarry Trail. Each trail offers a unique hiking experience, and all of them are well-marked and well-maintained.
- Ouachita National Forest
The Ouachita National Forest is a vast wilderness area that covers over 1.8 million acres in central Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma. This forest offers numerous hiking trails that range in difficulty from easy to strenuous. Some of the most popular trails in the forest include the Eagle Rock Loop Trail, the Winding Stair Mountain Trail, and the Ouachita Trail.
The Eagle Rock Loop Trail is a 26.8-mile loop that takes hikers through some of the most beautiful and remote areas of the Ouachita National Forest. This trail is rated as strenuous and requires a high level of fitness and experience. The Winding Stair Mountain Trail is a 7.2-mile hike that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This trail is rated as moderate and is suitable for hikers of all levels.
- Petit Jean State Park
Petit Jean State Park is one of the most popular outdoor destinations in Arkansas. Located in central Arkansas, this park offers over 20 miles of hiking trails that wind through forests, canyons, and streams. One of the most popular trails in the park is the Cedar Falls Trail, which is a 2.5-mile hike that leads to a stunning 95-foot waterfall.
Other popular trails in Petit Jean State Park include the Seven Hollows Trail, the Boy Scout Trail, and the Bear Cave Trail. Each of these trails offers a unique hiking experience and a chance to explore the natural beauty of central Arkansas.
- Lake Catherine State Park
Lake Catherine State Park is located near Hot Springs, Arkansas, and offers over 10 miles of hiking trails that wind through forests, along streams, and up mountains. One of the most popular trails in the park is the Falls Branch Trail, which is a 2.2-mile hike that leads to a beautiful waterfall.
Other popular trails in Lake Catherine State Park include the Horseshoe Mountain Trail, the Dam Mountain Trail, and the Slunger Creek Trail. Each of these trails offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and a chance to explore the natural beauty of central Arkansas.
- Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs National Park is a unique destination that offers a blend of outdoor adventure and spa relaxation. This park is located in downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas, and offers over 26 miles of hiking trails that wind through forests, along streams, and up mountains.
One of the most popular trails in Hot Springs National Park is the Hot Springs Mountain Trail, which is a 1.7-mile hike that leads to the top of Hot Springs Mountain.
- Mount Nebo State Park
Mount Nebo State Park is located in the Arkansas River Valley and offers over 14 miles of hiking trails that wind through forests, canyons, and along ridges. The most popular trail in the park is the Rim Trail, which is a 3.5-mile loop that offers stunning views of the valley below.
Other popular trails in Mount Nebo State Park include the Bench Trail, the Waterfall Trail, and the Summit Park Trail. Each of these trails offers a unique hiking experience and a chance to explore the natural beauty of central Arkansas.
- Lake Ouachita Vista Trail
The Lake Ouachita Vista Trail is a 45-mile trail that winds around the beautiful Lake Ouachita. This trail offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains and is suitable for hikers of all levels.
The Lake Ouachita Vista Trail is divided into several sections, with each section offering a different hiking experience. Some of the most popular sections of the trail include the Denby Point Trailhead, the Shangri-La Trailhead, and the Crystal Springs Trailhead.
- Woolly Hollow State Park
Woolly Hollow State Park is located near Greenbrier, Arkansas, and offers over 6 miles of hiking trails that wind through forests, along streams, and up hills. The most popular trail in the park is the Huckleberry Trail, which is a 2-mile hike that offers stunning views of the park’s namesake, Woolly Hollow.
Other popular trails in Woolly Hollow State Park include the Loblolly Trail, the Sinkhole Trail, and the Lake Trail. Each of these trails offers a unique hiking experience and a chance to explore the natural beauty of central Arkansas.
- Blanchard Springs Caverns
Blanchard Springs Caverns is a unique destination that offers a blend of hiking and underground exploration. Located in the Ozark National Forest, Blanchard Springs Caverns offers several hiking trails that wind through the forest and lead to the cave entrance.
The most popular hiking trail in Blanchard Springs Caverns is the Dripstone Trail, which is a 1.2-mile hike that leads visitors through the caverns and past stunning formations such as stalactites and stalagmites. Other popular trails in the area include the Discovery Trail and the Rim Trail.
- Lake Dardanelle State Park
Lake Dardanelle State Park is located in Russellville, Arkansas, and offers over 10 miles of hiking trails that wind through forests, along the lake, and up hills. The most popular trail in the park is the Meadowbrook Trail, which is a 1.5-mile hike that leads visitors through the park’s wetlands and past a variety of wildlife.
Other popular trails in Lake Dardanelle State Park include the Old Post Road Trail, the Spadra Trail, and the Piney Bay Trail. Each of these trails offers a unique hiking experience and a chance to explore the natural beauty of central Arkansas.
Conclusion
Central Arkansas is a paradise for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. From the rugged wilderness of the Ouachita National Forest to the stunning views of Pinnacle Mountain, there is no shortage of hiking trails to explore in this beautiful part of the state. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, there is a trail in Central Arkansas that is perfect for you. So grab your hiking boots and get ready to discover the natural beauty of central Arkansas.
Similar Articles
