Top 14 Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Arkansas

• Location: Ozark National Forest, northwest of the state
• Map Location
• Best time to visit: late spring to early fall

My favorite highlights…

• Going on an incredible sunrise hike where we started off walking with a headlamp then finally arriving to photograph the jaw-dropping views at the crag when the sun started to rise. It was a very special experience! 
• Discovering this beauty spot during the fall, when the foliage was a stunning cascade of oranges, reds, yellows, and browns, was truly breathtaking!

2. Hot Spring and Hot Springs National Park

Hot Springs is a quaint and easy-on-the-eye city located in the centre of the state. I love the historic architecture, interesting specialty shops which sell unique souvenirs and artisan-made products and the restaurants which serve up tasty Southern cuisine with locally made ingredients.

The biggest draw here is easily the natural hot springs, around which the town was built and formally established in 1851. These thermal springs have a reputation for being therapeutic, attracting tourists and wellness-seekers for centuries who come to bathe in the mineral-rich waters.

I highly recommend exploring the historic Bathhouse Row which is home to two working wellness spas (Quapaw Baths & Spa and Buckstaff Bathhouse), the very tastefully refurbished boutique Hale Hotel, a brewery and a visitors center and museum where you can learn about the history of the town.

The Hot Springs National Park – an area first protected in 1832 – is a unique attraction that includes the historic downtown area of the town. I loved the interesting landscapes here, which feature the Ouachita Mountains, ancient forests, pretty streams, and of course, the legendary hot springs that emerge from the ground, forming small pools and streams between the rocks on the rugged terrain. During the winter months, seeing the steam rising from them is a particularly scenic sight!

I highly recommend exploring the miles of hiking tails here (including the popular Upper Dogwood Trail and Goat Rock Trail which leads to a scenic overlook), viewing the picturesque Display Spring located near the Grand Promenade and seeing the Instagram-worthy Hot Water Cascade located at the north end of Bath Row where the geothermal water falls down the mountainside in a stunning display!

• Address: 101 Reserve St, Hot Springs, AR 71901
• Map Location
• Best time to visit: spring to fall but bathing in the thermal springs here during the winter is a special experience! 

My personal highlights…

• Visiting the Superior Bathhouse Brewery located on the historic Bathhouse Row, I loved how it uses the spring water in their craft brewing process! I highly recommend trying the tasty soft pretzels, fried cauliflower and the Foul Play Oatmeal Stout! Alternatively they had main meals and cider, wine and soft drinks on offer. 
• Bathing in the communal pools at Quapaw Baths & Spa and then going for a clay wrap and a relaxing Quapaw Signature Facial. 
• Hiking the 1.7 mile Hot Springs Mountain Trail which took me on a very scenic round trip from the base of Hot Springs Mountain in the downtown Hot Springs to the summit where I took the elevator to the top of Hot Springs Mountain Tower for superb panoramic views!

3. The Ozarks

This area, now world-famous for its natural beauty thanks to the popular Netflix series Ozark, is truly extraordinary. While some places I’ve mentioned are located within the Ozarks, I couldn’t resist highlighting the entire region. The Ozarks span southern Missouri, northern Arkansas, and small parts of Oklahoma and Kansas, encompassing the Ozark Mountains, expansive lakes, stunning plateaus, ancient forests, and winding rivers.

It’s also a very popular vacation spot with excellent facilities, offering a wide range of accommodations, from luxury boutique hotels to cabin rentals and rustic campgrounds. The area increasingly attracts families, eco-tourists, and adventure seekers with its huge array of activities, including hiking, mountain biking, zip-lining, caving, kayaking, paddle-boarding, canoeing, boating, swimming, rafting, and tubing (which was my favorite)!

For the best attractions within the Arkansas section of the Ozarks, I highly recommend exploring the quaint town of Eureka Springs, known for its Victorian buildings, art galleries, charming shops, and therapeutic mineral-rich hot springs. Don’t miss the breathtaking, family-friendly Blanchard Springs Caverns, and be sure to visit the Ozark Folk Center State Park, where I enjoyed fascinating craft demonstrations and live folk music!

• Location: northern part of the state
• Map Location
• Best time to visit: spring to fall

My favorite highlights… 

• Hiking part of the scenic, long-distance backcountry Ozark Highlands Trail, known for offering some of the best trail scenery in the entire country, was an unforgettable experience! I started at the Cherry Bend Trailhead, and after nine miles and two days, I finally reached the tranquil beauty of Hurricane Creek which was worth it! 
• Staying at the tranquil Mountain Harbor Resort & Spa. I especially loved their relaxing onsite Turtle Spa, great range of family-friendly activities and the scenic trails in the surrounding Ouachita National Forest. 
• Visiting the Instagram-worthy architectural marvel Thorncrown Chapel which was built of wood and glass by E. Fay Jones and completed in 1980. 

4. Buffalo River

This natural beauty spot located with the Ozark Mountains is seriously wow-inducing! This unpolluted and free-flowing river attracts adventure seekers, families and nature lovers has three distinct wilderness areas – the Upper Buffalo Wilderness, Ponca Wilderness, and Lower Buffalo Wilderness – and is the first-ever designated National River of the United States.

Upper Buffalo Wilderness is home to steep cliffs, rugged landscapes, deep valleys and the tallest waterfall located between the Rockies and the Appalachians (the Hemmed-In-Hollow Falls) and the Ponca Wilderness is home to spectacular attractions such as the Big Bluff and Roark Bluff as well as awesome hiking trails and more challenging sections for more advanced kayaking and canoeing.

Finally the Lower Buffalo Wilderness is my personal favorite as this is where I found the more leisurely part of the river (the currents are slower here)! I loved just floating down the river in a tube and then camping out in the rolling hills and forests overnight. 

I also love the wide range of activities available both on the river and in the surrounding area, including kayaking, canoeing, float trips, tubing, rafting, swimming, picnicking, hiking, camping, wildlife spotting, rock climbing, and cave tours. The middle and lower sections of the river are generally safer for swimming, but always be safety-conscious – there are no lifeguards on duty here!

• Location: runs through the Ozark Mountains in the northern part of the state
• Map Location
• Best time to visit: summer

My favorite highlights…

• Seeing an incredible birds-eye-view of the forest on a zip-line at the Buffalo Outdoor Center in the nearby town of Ponca.
• Kayaking down the river and camping overnight at the family-friendly Steel Creek Campground. I loved the views of the Roark Bluff, the scenic river, the picnic tables and the calm swimming spots here!
• Hiking the Lost Valley Trail which took me on just over two miles on an easy loop around the scenic Upper Buffalo River Area. I loved taking in the gorgeous valley scenery which consisted of cliffs, the interesting Cobb Cave and the stunning Eden Falls.

5. Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway

Appealing to nature lovers and photographers alike, this stunning 35-mile road trip, known as Highway 21, is located in the Ozark National Forest. It offers breathtaking views of the unspoiled Ozark Highlands, featuring rugged terrain, winding rivers, thick forests, and majestic mountains.

The road starts near the town of Clarksville and ends near the town of Boxley. Along the way, you can try spotting wildlife from the safety of your car, including black bears, elk, white-tailed deer, and coyotes. The road is open year-round, but snowfall in the winter can make it a bit more challenging to navigate.

I highly recommend stopping at the Ozone Recreation Area which has picnic tables and wonderful views, the picturesque Haw Creek Falls, the Kings River Overlook which offers panoramic views, the iconic Hawksbill Crag and the stunning Boxley Valley (pictured above). 

• Location: Highway 21, Clarksville (northwest of the state)
• Map Location
• Best time to visit: early spring to fall

My highlights…

• Staying overnight at the nearby Long Pool Recreation Area which was a gorgeous spot located along the Big Piney Creek. I loved going swimming in the calm spots here and exploring the surrounding hiking trails.
• Going on a slight detour and exploring the incredible Pedestal Rocks Scenic Area, seeing and photographing the Instagram-worthy and unique rock formations made it worth it! 

6. Hamilton Lake

I have to mention this gorgeous spot – a large, tranquil man-made lake covering nearly 7,200 acres, located in the Ouachita Mountains near the town of Hot Springs. Just a 15-minute drive away, it’s easy to combine a visit to both places or even plan a twin vacation. The area offers a fine range of accommodations around the lake, including condos, cabins, family-friendly resorts, quaint inns, and campgrounds.

The lake is also a recreational hotspot, with popular activities including boating, kayaking, canoeing, jet skiing, paddle-boarding, swimming, waterskiing, and tubing. On dry land, you can enjoy hiking, biking, golfing, and picnicking on the grassy shorelines.

I also highly recommend visiting the beautiful Garvan Woodland Gardens, where you’ll find landscaped botanical gardens, scenic trails, waterfalls, and charming—but noisy—peacocks!

• Location: Hot springs, center of the state 
• Map Location
• Best time to visit: summer

My personal highlights…

• Going on a sunset dinner cruise on the vintage-style paddle-wheel boat the Belle of Hot Springs Riverboat. The views of the picturesque lake were even more stunning this time of day! 
• Camping overnight at the nearby Brady Mountain Resort and Marina, which had great facilities like fire rings and boat rentals in the marina. I loved waking up to the lake and mountain views each morning – bliss!

7. Catherine’s at Bell Gable, Fayetteville

Located in Fayetteville at the base of the Ozark Mountains, this romantic hidden gem on a private estate is a favorite among photographers. The quaint and photogenic Gothic chapel, with its charming details, is a true delight! I especially loved the cascading waterfall in the gardens, which added to the magical atmosphere.

This unique building was handcrafted over 10 years by architect Albert Skiles and features stained glass windows, a carved wooden door, and pointed arches. Outside, it’s surrounded by tranquil gardens, woodlands, and a pretty pond.

The chapel is located on private grounds and is primarily used for weddings and vow renewals, but you can inquire about visiting through their website.

• Address: Catherine’s at Bell Gable 2140 N Stone Chapel Ln, Fayetteville, AR 72703
• Map Location
• Best time to visit: all year round

My personal highlights…

• Photographing the dreamy spot for my Instagram gallery.

8. Devil’s Den State Park

Located in the Ozarks, this protected expanse of nearly 2,500 acres was declared a state park in 1933. Found near the town of West Fork, close to Fayetteville, it boasts gorgeously rugged landscapes featuring cliffs, scenic overlooks, caves, winding creeks, a small lake, and (outside the dry season) waterfalls.

The park attracts nature lovers, families, and outdoor adventure seekers with its variety of accommodations—from campsites to historic cabins—and a wide range of amenities and activities, including scenic hiking trails, mountain biking, boating, kayaking, canoeing, pedal boats, rock climbing, cave exploration, picnicking, and wildlife watching. The park is home to white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, armadillos, bats, and owls. However, swimming is not encouraged here.

I highly recommend exploring Devil’s Den, an intriguing series of deep rock crevices, the mysterious Devil’s Den Cave, the serene Twin Falls, and the tranquil Devil Den Lake, which spans eight acres and is flanked by the beautiful Ozark National Forest.

• Location: Ozarks Mountains, northwest part of the state
• Map Location
• Best time to visit: late spring to fall

My highlights… 

• Photographing the breathtaking surrounding Ozark Mountains from the Yellow Rock Overlook which I reached via the three mile Yellow Rock Trail. 
• Staying overnight in a historic native cabin which was made of stone and wood, although it was very basic it made a nice change to my usual tent camping! 
• Going on a free ranger-led guided tour on the Devil’s Den Trail and learning all about the fascinating history and geology of the park.

9. Ozark – St. Francis National Forest

These two beautiful protected forests, the Ozark National Forest and the St. Francis National Forest, are collectively known as the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, covering over 1.16 million acres! This vast public land is primarily located in the famous Ozark Mountains in the northern part of the state.

I personally love this spot for hiking, camping, scenic drives, and wildlife-watching, but other activities include mountain biking, boating, and cave exploring. Don’t miss the breathtaking Mount Magazine (the highest peak in the state), the fascinating Blanchard Springs Caverns, the scenic Ozark Highlands Trail, and the popular recreational hub at Bear Creek Lake.

I also enjoyed swimming in the area, with popular spots including the Blanchard Springs Recreation Area, Mirror Lake, and Big Piney Creek.

• Location: along the Mississippi River, both the north and the eastern part of the state
• Map Location
• Best time to visit: summer but fall is also very beautiful with colorful foliage.

My favorite highlights…

• Going on a guided tour of Blanchard Springs Caverns and watching moving water still carving its way through the cave and the enticing formations of stalactites and stalagmites! 
• Camping overnight at the picturesque Redding Recreation Area Campground, I love the scenic views and easy access to Mulberry River (which has gentle rapids). 
• Hiking the scenic and peaceful Glory Hole Falls Trail which was a two mile trail which lead me to the unique and very photogenic Glory Hole Waterfall where water flowed through a large rock overhang!

10. Petit Jean State Park

Located in central Arkansas, just to the west of the town of Morrilton and not far from Conway, is this scenic state park which was first established in 1923 and covers an area of over 3,400 acres. It’s protected landscapes consist of thick forests, cliffs, canyons, scenic overlooks, caves, two lakes and a winding river and I personally loved the jaw-dropping views here! 

There’s no shortage of awesome activities to get involved with here including hiking, mountain biking, camping, boating, kayaking, picnicking, swimming (in the seasonal outdoor pool near Camp Area A), wildlife-watching (black bears, bald eagles and white-tailed deer live here), cave exploring, viewing waterfalls, scenic drives, rock climbing, and joining the fabulous ranger-led programs and nature walks. Swimming isn’t permitted in the lakes or creeks though. 

Appealing to vacationers, adventure lovers and photographers (the outlooks and landscapes are truly breathtaking!) there’s also a great range of family-friendly accommodation in Petit Jean State Park from rustic style campsites to historic cabins and even the large 24-room Mather Lodge. 

I highly recommend exploring the eye-catching Cedar Falls and Overlook, Bear Cave which is home to huge rock formations, Lake Bailey which is a gorgeous spot for boating, the historic Davies Bridge and the nearby scenic natural pool the Blue Hole. Also make time to explore some of the excellent hiking trails, some of the best include Signal Hill Trail, Bear Hollow Trail, and Benefield Loop.

• Location: 1285 Petit Jean Mountain Rd, Morrilton, AR 72110
• Map Location
• Best time to visit: late spring to early fall

My personal highlights… 

• Driving along and up Highway 154 led me to Petit Jean Mountain. Here I saw stunning panoramic views of the Arkansas River Valley below and visited the historic grave of Petit Jean, a site tied to the legend of a young French woman who disguised herself to secretly follow her lover on an expedition, only to fall ill and, according to the tale, be buried on the mountain after her true identity was revealed!
• Seeing incredible views from the Palisades Overlook (its signposted from Mather Lodge).
• Exploring the Rock House Cave a large sandstone shelter where I saw the fascinating ancient Native American rock art (known as petroglyphs) at the end of the short Rock House Cave Trail.

11. Mount Magazine State Park 

I’m a big fan of this breathtaking natural beauty spot which has the reputation of being one of the best outdoor destinations in the state! Located in Logan County near the town of Paris, this protected area was declared a state park in 1938 and covers an area of nearly 2,234 acres. It uniquely sits on the top of beautiful Mount Magazine which is also the state’s highest point standing at 2,753 feet above sea level. 

The scenery is truly breathtaking (especially during fall my favorite season here) and consists of panoramic mountain views, rugged cliffs, ancient forests, winding streams, and scenic overlooks where you can gaze at the picturesque Arkansas River Valley below.

Attracting vacationers, families, nature lovers, outdoor adventurists and photographers it offers accommodation such as campsites, rustic historic cabins and the tastefully modern Mount Magazine Lodge which offers upscale accommodation, a large restaurant and an indoor swimming pool.

I love that there’s a huge range of activities such as hiking, rock climbing, rappelling, hang-gliding, camping, picnicking, wildlife-watching, mountain biking, scenic drives, birdwatching, photography and serene nature walks. 

I also suggest exploring the breathtaking Cameron Bluff Overlook with its panoramic views, hiking the scenic Signal Hill Trail to the state’s highest point, enjoying the stunning vistas from Inspiration Point, and venturing along the diverse Bear Hollow and picturesque Benefield Loop Trails, all while soaking in the park’s dramatic rock cliffs and beautiful natural surroundings.

• Address: Mount Magazine State Park, 16878 Highway 309 South, Paris, AR 72855
• Location: western part of the state
• Map Location
• Best time to visit: late spring to fall

My personal highlights…

• Hiking to the top of Mount Magazine summit via the wooded and tranquil Signal Hill Trail.
• Butterfly watching in the park’s wildflower meadows during the summer. Lots of butterflies species reside here and I managed to spot a beautiful giant swallowtail! 

12. DeGray Lake Resort State Park

This beautiful protected area is unique as it’s the only resort state park in Arkansas. It is situated on a peninsula that extends into DeGray Lake, a large 13,800-acre man-made reservoir. The park’s location is particularly scenic, nestled at the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains, near the towns of Bismarck and Arkadelphia.

Vacationers, families, nature lovers, and adventure seekers are all attracted to the park, as it provides a wide range of accommodations, excellent facilities, and activities such as hiking, biking, golfing, boating, snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, pedal boating, horseback riding, tennis, basketball, camping, birdwatching, spa services, and educational and organized programs run by the park rangers.

I particularly loved the sandy beaches which had designated swimming areas and also the huge range of places to stay including tents, cute yurts (pictured above), RV sites, cabins and the large three-star DeGray Lake Resort Lodge. All the campsites were family-friendly and some were pet-friendly too. 

• Address: DeGray Lake Resort State Park, 2027 State Park Entrance Rd, Bismarck, AR 71929
• Location: Southwestern part of the state
• Map Location 
• Best time to visit – summer to make the most of all the recreational facilities

My favorite highlights… 

• Going on a very reasonably priced guided sunset cruise which was led by the rangers of the park and we learnt all about the history of the area, the wildlife as well as being able to photograph the gorgeous lake views which glowed orange this time of the day!
• Staying at the cozy DeGray Lake Resort Lodge which made a nice change from camping! I loved the restaurant which had beautiful views of the lake, the modern well-equipped guest rooms (ours had a private patio with lovely views of the woods) and the onsite swimming pool, hot tub and spa! 
• Hiking the scenic Island Trail which was easy path which looped around a small pretty island accessible via a small footbridge on the lakefront in the resort (near the main lodge). I loved the tranquil atmosphere, and trying to spot the birds which reside here. I only saw the ducks and geese but herons, bald eagles and woodpeckers also live on the island.

13. Ouachita National Recreation Trail

This is a popular long distance rough and rugged trail which extends 223 miles through the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas and Oklahoma and its length means it attract more serious hikers. The Ouachita National Recreation Trail is the longest backpacking trail within the Ouachita National Forest, covering its entire length from Talimena State Park in Oklahoma to Pinnacle Mountain State Park in Arkansas.

The scenery here consists of mountain ridges, thick forests, breathtaking river valleys, and scenic vistas and it takes around 14 to 24 days to complete the entire trail. It took me 22 days and the options for staying overnight included primitive campsites, dispersed camping along the trail (but of course you have to follow the Leave No Trace code) and there were also some shelters and designated campgrounds along the way where I was thankful for the extra facilities! 

I personally loved this trail as it’s more challenging than a lot of the trails I’ve hiked and it took me through rough and rugged terrain, diverse landscapes and past interesting wildlife (I didn’t spot all of them but black bears, coyotes, white-tailed deer, bobcats, racoons, chipmunks and bald eagles all live in the area). It’s a remote spot so I also love the solitude this trail offered and sometimes even a day passed without seeing anyone at all – for me that was bliss! 

• Location: the trail begins at Talimena State Park in Oklahoma and ends at Pinnacle Mountain State Park near Little Rock, Arkansas
• Map Location
• Best time to visit – late spring to early fall

My favorite highlights…

• Camping alongside Lake Ouachita for the scenic lake views, being able to cool off with a swim in the lake and stargaze at night.
• Seeing the intriguing remains of the early settlers and logging industry along the trail which included creepy old abandoned mines (my favorite!), old cemeteries and even the remains of old stone built houses and cabins which date back from the late 1800s and early 1900s! 

14. The Old Mill, Little Rock

This is a charming and romantic hidden gem and one my favorite spots in the state that’s a little off the beaten track. Located in T.R. Pugh Memorial Park in the city of North Little Rock, it was built in 1933 by developer Justin Matthews to look like an old water mill. 

Although it’s not as historic as it looks, I love the tranquil and magical atmosphere here and that it was used for the opening scenes of the 1939 classic Gone with the Wind movie. In fact it’s the last surviving structure from the film.

Surrounded by immaculate gardens and water features, its listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a popular venue for weddings and photoshoots. Guided tours, which last about 30 minutes, are available for groups of ten or more people with prior arrangement. 

• Opening times – open every day from 8 a.m. until sunset.
• Address: The Old Mill, T.R. Pugh Memorial Park, 3800 Lakeshore Drive North Little Rock, AR 72116
• Location: central part of the state
• Location Map

My favorite highlights…

• Photographing the very Instagram-worthy spot for my online gallery.