Hiking & Backpacking
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Find Your Path Hiking and Backpacking in Arkansas
Arkansas hiking trails wind through mountains, forests and river valleys, inviting you to slow your pace and take in the scenery.
Whether you’re setting out for an afternoon trek or a weeklong backpacking trip, every trail leads to something worth discovering.
Hiking in Arkansas offers a front-row look at The Natural State’s wild beauty. Walk the Summit Trails at Pinnacle Mountain State Park for sweeping views near Little Rock, explore the waterfalls along the Lost Valley Trail near Ponca or follow shaded forest paths at Devil’s Den and Petit Jean state parks. From short scenic strolls to full-day hikes, each trail reveals a quiet overlook, a hidden creek or a chance to simply breathe in the mountain air.
For those who crave longer journeys, Arkansas delivers some of the best backpacking in the South. The Ouachita National Recreation Trail stretches 223 miles across rugged peaks, while the Ozark Highlands Trail travels through remote forests and along the Buffalo National River. Hobbs, Mount Magazine and Queen Wilhelmina state parks offer marked campsites and backcountry access for multi-day treks. With hundreds of miles of connected trails and views that shift from hardwood ridges to misty valleys, hiking and backpacking in Arkansas turn every step into part of the adventure.
Trip Ideas
5 Fun Family-Friendly Hiking Trails in Arkansas
These five family-friendly hikes in Arkansas are perfect for beginners and those more experienced alike. See waterfalls, views and more.
Hiking With Man’s Best Friend at Lake Dardanelle State Park
Lake Dardanelle State Park, located in Russellville, Arkansas, provides a quiet and relaxing setting to enjoy the outdoors with the entire family, including man’s best friend. The park features a large amount of pet-friendly space including open grassy fields, picnic areas, and the Meadowbrook Trail, an easy ¾-mile walk through a wooded section of the park.
Devil's Den State Park CCC Interpretive Trail Virtual Guided Hike
Devil’s Den State Park, nestled in Lee Creek Valley of the northwest Arkansas Ozarks, was selected as a state park site in the 1930s.
Hiking
A wide scope of hiking possibilities can be found at Arkansas State Parks, offering a memorable and dynamic route to experience the beauty of Arkansas.
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