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Arkansas is full of surprises. You never know what you'll see next or where you'll find yourself. The scenery is beautiful, and there are plenty of activities for everyone. You can go hiking, camping, fishing, swimming, and more!
If you're looking for something new this summer, why not explore the Ouachita Mountains? You'll be surprised at what you find!
The Ouachita Mountains are a wonder of nature, and they're just waiting to be explored.
Whether looking for a new park or returning to an old favorite, it's easy to find something that will keep everyone entertained.
Here are 10 of our favorite places to explore in the Ouachita mountains:
1. Explore the trails at Lake Catherine State Park—the lake itself is beautiful, but there are also plenty of trails through the woods around it.
Two of my favorite trails are the Slunger Creek Trail and the Horseshoe Mountain Trail.
The Slunger Creek Trail is an ADA-accessible, paved trail that guides you to walk among the bank of Slunger Creek. The stream itself is beautiful, but the main star in the springtime is the wildflowers that flourish along the whole path. The wildflowers of the Ouachita Mountains have an array of colors, such as purple, yellow, white, and red, that create a magnificent collage to feast your eyes upon during this leisurely walk each spring.
The Horseshoe Mountain Trail is a true gem. This is a moderately hard hike, as you do have to walk up to the ridge line of Horseshoe Mountain. The view from the top is spectacular, and the interesting environment on top will drop your jaw in awe. An open oak savanna graces the ridge of this mountain. This spectacular spot makes you feel as if you've wandered back in time. The tall grasses and wildlife that scatter this area are wanderers of their own.
An awe-inspiring experience awaits you at the trails of Lake Catherine State Park.
2. Meander at Garvan Woodland Gardens.
This spectacular garden changes from season to season to feature Arkansas's best flora. From the tulips in the springtime to the Christmas light display each December, this spot is nothing short of breathtaking. And the adventure here takes a turn when you discover a treehouse and a beautiful chapel.
3. Take a sunset boat ride on Lake Ouachita at Lake Ouachita State Park —this lake is the largest in Arkansas, so there's plenty of room for everyone!
Lake Ouachita has many access points, which include US Army Corps of Engineers sites and an Arkansas State Park. The state park has guided boat programs throughout the year. And the sunset at Lake Ouachita is an unforgettable experience!
4. Explore Hot Springs National Park in downtown Hot Springs.
The national park was established in 1921 and has an expansive history that includes medicine, baseball, and gangsters. Talk about a wild ride! Hot Springs National Park has many historic sites, spectacular views, and baths you are still able to reserve and use today. The visitor services are incredible, with multiple gift shops, exhibit halls, and interpretive programming throughout the year. During the spring, there are blossoming trees all around. While in the area, be sure to stop by the Superior Bathhouse Brewery, which uses the water from the springs to create its craft beer!
5. Go digging for crystals at Mt Ida, Arkansas.
Mount Ida, Arkansas, is the quartz crystal capital of the world, and for good reason. The Ouachita Mountains were formed by tectonic plates pushing up against each other to create tall peaks and deep valleys. Fun fact: it is the only mountain range in the contiguous United States that runs east to west. Quartz crystals were created when hot water was deposited during the closing stages of the Ouachita mountains forming anywhere from 280 to 245 million years ago. Pressure made these highly sought-after rocks.
There are many places to go digging for these quartz crystals in the Ouachitas, but my favorite is at Crystal Vista in the Ouachita National Forest. Located on top of Gardner Mountain on county road 2247 and only about 10 miles outside of Mt Ida, this now public mine is an easy place to access and gather crystals from the top of the soil.
Pro tip: Wear some clothes you don't mind getting dirty!
6. Take in the spectacular views at an old fire watch tower in the Ouachita National Forest.
Tall Peak Fire Tower is located in Polk County, Arkansas in the Ouachita National Forest. This historic Civilian Conservation Corps structure was built in 1938. To access it today, you must hike about 4 miles, out and back, to see it. But the view is spectacular. It's the perfect place to watch the sunset and watch the light dance across the tops of the beautiful mountains.
7. Camp at Charlton Recreation Area.
Charlton Recreation Area is located near Royal, Arkansas, on Highway 270. This wooded campground has access to the picturesque Walnut Creek. This spring-fed creek makes the perfect swimming waters in the area. The swimming area is held back by a dam constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935. Trails and interpretive panels are waiting for you to explore once you've meandered the day-use area. And 46 campsites provide the perfect place to recharge and rejuvenate after a day of adventure.
8. Watch the sunset at Flatside Pinnacle in the Flatside Wilderness Area.
Near Perryville, Arkansas, and along the Ouachita Trail, this jagged peak rises above the valley below to extend into the mountain air. This is one of my favorite places to watch the sunset in the state.
The first time I hiked to this mountain was on a backpacking trip with my brother, Corey, and college best friend, Emily. Corey made us book it to catch the sunset on top of Flatside Pinnacle. We hiked for what felt like 10+ miles that day and slept in a tent on top. We watched the sun set against the Ouachita Mountains and then watched the sunrise the next morning. It was an unforgettable experience. And one of the many times I thought, "Wow, I'm so glad to be here."
Another great memory of Flatside Pinnacle is with one of my good friends, BT. We took a hike to the Crystal Prong just down the trail from Flatside Pinnacle. We took Aspen, my dog, and she was so thrilled when we reached the Crystal Prong. It was February, but she ran and leaped her Labrador legs into the water as soon as she spotted the crystal clear stream. We watched the mountains atop Flatside Pinnacle after returning back to BT's Jeep and reflected on past visits. I now reflect on that visit with BT. I took a Polaroid photo of BT with Flatside Pinnacle in the background. It's a treasured memory.
So go make your own memory at Flatside Pinnacle.
9. Hike a section of the Ouachita Trail (or hike the whole thing!).
The Ouachita Trail spans from Oklahoma to Arkansas through the Ouachita Mountain range. It's a 223-mile National Recreation Trail. It's the longest trail in the Ouachita National Forest.
Many people each year set out to thru-hike the entire trail. I've hiked sections of this trail before.
Another fond memory of mine pops into my mind with my brother, Corey, on another backpacking trip. We took a hike up to the Black Fork Wilderness Area near Mena, Arkansas. We watched the sunset at another amazing spot on that trip. Again, the jagged Ouachita Mountains were there to witness another memory.
The Ouachita Trail has many access points and ends at Pinnacle Mountain State Park in Little Rock, Arkansas. It's the perfect way to get a taste of an authentic Arkansas adventure--deep within the forest where you may not see another person. The water is clear, the inclines are steep, and the views are epic.
10. Go fly fishing on the Little Missouri River.
Fly fishing is a recent obsession of mine. And the Little Missouri River is a long-term obsession of mine. This federally designated wild and scenic river meanders through the steep and rugged Ouachita mountain terrain. The pristine water and beautiful crystal quartz that scatter the bank of the river are easily accessible near the Albert Pike Recreation Area and Little Missouri Falls Day Use Area. The Eagle Rock Loop also lets hikers enjoy the beautiful views of the river.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission stock trout in this river each year. Smallmouth bass also resides there year-round. It makes the perfect place to learn how to fly fish and to get a unique experience similar to that of streams in the western United States.
Want to experience Arkansas authentically? Book your stay at a campsite, cabin or lodge to experience the Ouachita Mountains for yourself.
As with every excellent trip, you have to put in the work to know the great details and plan out all the things you want to do. Part of the fun of the trip is the preparation before you head out on the adventure.
I hope you use this to help plan your Ouachita Mountains adventure! May you discover the beautiful mountain air and parts of yourself along the way.
Following the Fernweh
Inspire + Go!
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