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Where will you go next?
Mather Lodge at Petit Jean State Park
We have explored a few places in Arkansas. But there are a few that stick out to us. We think everyone should add these special places to your AR bucket list!
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The first one on the list is Petit Jean State Park. Petit Jean State Park is Arkansas' first state park established by Dr. T. W. Hardison in 1923. Built by the hard work of the CCC, the Civilian Conservation Corps, in the 1930s, the park has over 80 historical structures within its boundary. Petit Jean State Park offers astounding views of the Arkansas River Valley from every direction, spectacular views of Cedar Creek Canyon, and the ever-changing view of Cedar Falls. We love Petit Jean for lots of reasons. And every person who's ever visited leaves loving the place and the memories made there.
Cedar Falls at Petit Jean State Park
Cedar Creek Canyon at Petit Jean State Park
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Next, up on the list is the famous Buffalo National River located in northwest Arkansas. The Buffalo National River was established in 1972. This river meanders through the Ozark Mountains and creates what is one of the best places in the state. The National Park Service has five developed campgrounds among the river. Our favorite one is Tyler Bend Campground near St. Joe. This is a 135-mile river that you can float seasonally. Our favorite float is from Tyler Bend to Gilbert. We would recommend going early spring to late fall for the best weather and floating conditions!
Buffalo National River
Buffalo National River
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The third and final place for us is on the Ouachita National Forest near Mt. Ida. The Ouachita National Forest encompasses 1.8 million acres in the Ouachita Mountains in western Arkansas. This national forest was designated in 1907. That is so old! And the landscape is beautiful. We love the Mt Ida area because of the crystals you can search for. You can go to just about anywhere close to Mt Ida and find quartz crystals lying on the ground. The best campground is Charlton located just outside of Mt Ida. This campground has a chilly swimming hole fed by a spring. We recommend coming here in the summertime to enjoy the cool waters, explore the mountains and find a few quartz crystals!
Ouachita National Forest near Mt. Ida
Ouachita National Forest near Mena
Ouachita National Forest near Mt. Ida
These are only our top three places. We have many spots we love to explore in Arkansas and have not seen them all yet. (We'd love to meet someone who has!)
It's important to note that wherever your next adventure takes you be sure to practice Leave No Trace principles. Follow this link to learn more about what Leave No Trace is and what you can do while out exploring to be more like Big Foot!
So be inspired! And go!
Where will you go next?
- Following the Fernweh
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