Whether it's a place for camping, hiking, mountain biking or kayaking, Arkansas has so much more to offer than just great colleges and southern hospitality. Next time you have a weekend free, take a trip to one of these amazing State Parks and rediscover why Arkansas truly is "The Natural State."
1. Petit Jean State Park
The quintessential Arkansas State Park, Petit Jean is the perfect place for a weekend road trip. Hike down to (and behind) Cedar Falls or bring your mountain bike for paved or wild trails. For the full Petit Jean experience, take a longer hike out to Seven Hollows, then try your hand at rock climbing at Bear Cave while you're in the neighborhood.
2. Mt. Magazine State Park
Home to the highest point in Arkansas, tourism at this State Park really took off after the completing of a 60-room lodge in 2006. From the spacious lodge or nearby cabins, the walk to the top is an easy mile and a half. If you're truly an adrenaline junkie you can try hang gliding off the south side bluff—veteran gliders call it exhilarating, enthralling, and unforgettable.
3. Lake Ouachita State Park
The center of summer fun! Lake Ouachita is perfectly situated just a few miles outside the popular tourist town of Hot Springs, and offers a less-busy alternative to the often crowded Lake Hamilton. The clear, tree-lined lake offers more than 40,000 acres of water for skiing, wake boarding, kayaking and scuba diving, and is dotted with small islands perfect for true tent camping.
4. Lake Fort Smith State Park
While we're on the subject of lakes, Fort Smith Lake State Park offers excellent kayaking and fishing, and great on-site lodging. For those more inclined to hiking, the park is the western limit of the 165-mile Ozark Highlands National Recreation Trail, so don't expect to run out of things to do any time soon.
5. Pinnacle Mountain State Park
For Central Arkansas dwellers, no summer vacation would be complete without at least one trek to the top of Arkansas' most recognizable peak. Topping out at 1,011 feet above sea level, Pinnacle Mountain's 1.5-mile summit trail is no easy climb, but can be completed in a few hours by more athletic climbers. Pack a sandwich (and a hammock!) for an afternoon that's sure to net plenty of Instagram posts.
6. Crater of Diamonds State Park
Yes, you really can find diamonds in the state of Arkansas. Precious stones of up to 40 carats have been uncovered in the fields surrounding Murfreesboro, though stones in the fractions of carats are more common. Who knows? A fortunate road trip and some dedicated digging just may end up being the way you pay off that pesky college tuition.
7. Buffalo River (National Park)
Gorgeous scenery and natural life abounds in this tucked-away gem in Northwest Arkansas. Kayak the northern rapids alone or with a partner, or get a whole group together for a leisurely rafting trip down the calmer southern portion. Yes, GoPros are accepted here.
8. Devil's Den State Park
You couldn't find a more perfect combination of caves, trails, creeks and camping anywhere in the state. Devil's Den is an adventure hiker's dream, with more than 50 miles of marked trails and dozens of unexplored caves along the way. Grab a flashlight, hiking boots and GPS, because you won't want to leave the Ozarks any time soon.
