1. Hawksbill Craig/ Whitaker Point
This is an iconic Arkansas hike. Nearly every adventure and hiking book of Arkansas will feature a picture of Hawksbill Craig. It features a short in-and-out hike with a waterfall that flows really only after it has just rained. The real star of the show is at the end, the Craig itself, which overlooks several hills and valleys.
2. Twin Falls
This is a stunning double waterfall where two creeks meet and drop about 20 feet into a rock pool, then flow down to join Richland Creek. This waterfall can be found after about a two-and-a-half mile hike from the campground. It follows Richland Creek and is especially nice in the spring right after a hard rain.
3. Sandstone Castle
Also in the Richland Creek wilderness, there is a system of sandstone rock formations that have some small caves in them. They only go back a couple of yards, but they are pretty neat to check out, especially because of the view it has on the valley below.
4. Forked Mountain
This place is essentially a large rocky mountain right on the outskirts of the Ouachita Mountains. It’s only a few minutes away from Highway 7 near Hot Springs, so getting to it is not that difficult. It features a short but steep hike up the mountain, a small cave and a wonderful view of the Ouachita’s.
5. Peti Jean Mountain
Peti Jean is just a fun place to explore. It has many trails, waterfalls and caves, and is a great place for taking larger groups on day-hikes.
6. Goat’s Bluff Trail
Goat’s Bluff is a huge bluff overlooking the Buffalo River. It is one of my favorite places on the river and the view is absolutely terrific. Getting to it is somewhat of a trick, as the trail dives from the trailhead down a thousand or so feet just to get to the trail from the parking area. This strenuous of a hike, however, is definitely worth the view.
7. Rush, Arkansas
Rush is an abandoned mining town in north Arkansas. It’s right on the Buffalo River as well, so there is a lot to take in. It was built in the early 1900s around several zinc mines that were found in the area. The place has some really cool, old buildings left from the era, as well as blocked-off mine entrances.
8. Glory Hole Falls
This is a short hike to a waterfall that goes right through a rock face! The trail follows a small stream, which eventually plummets through a hole in a cliff, down 20 feet, and into a rocky half-open cavern.
9. Hemmed in Hollow
Hemmed in Hollow is a waterfall along the Buffalo River that is over 200 feet high! It’s the tallest waterfall in the central U.S. and is quite the spectacle when flowing.
10. Floating a river
And finally, there are many rivers in Arkansas to put a canoe on and float. The Buffalo River, the Mulberry River and the Spring River just to name a few. Any of them make a nice, pleasant day trip, especially when the summer gets especially hot.
