5 Hikes With Stunning Views in Arkansas
Arkansas, home of the Ozark Mountains and Hot Springs National Park, has an abundance of hiking trails culminating in gorgeous vistas. Here are my top 5 hikes with the best bang for your buck views
If you are anything like me and my family, you are constantly on the look out for the best scenic views. Whenever we are on a road trip and see an upcoming exit for a scenic lookout, we take the time to stop and appreciate the sites. This is especially true when we begin researching our next big hiking adventure. I blame my love for scenic views on the recent boom of outdoor related social media posts by regular joe's like me, sharing some of the most gorgeous pictures of vistas I have ever seen. The trick is knowing where to go to catch these exceptional views first hand.
Arkansas has a plethora of hikes with exceptional views, but these 5 hikes immediately come to mind when reflecting back on our families hiking adventures last fall.
1. Yellow Rock Trail
Photo: Jon King
This 3 mile hike within Devils Den State Park offers amazing views of the north western portion of the Arkansas Ozark National Forest.
2. Pinnacle Mountain West or East Summit Trails
Photo: Nick Garcia
Although this is technically 2 different trails, they both end on the top of Pinnacle Mountain with views of the Arkansas River and Downtown Little Rock. The West trail is slightly easier than the East trail, with a longer scramble period towards the end of the hike.
3. White Rock Rim Trail
Photo: Nick Garcia
Follow a 2 mile loop around White Rock Mountain and take in the beauty of the Ozark National Forest. Take a break under the covered picnic area towards the end of the hike for a snack break and amazing sunset views.
4. Mount Nebo Rim Trail
Photo: Nick Garcia
The Rim Trail Loop has amazing vantage points to catch a sunrise as well as a sunset. Keep an eye out for deer as they live on the top of the mountain and roam freely throughout the park.
5. Whitaker Point Trail
Photo: Parker Dodson
This is by far the most stunning and unique of all the trails with views on this list. The trail itself is simple and without major obstacles, but the look out is second to none. Whitaker Point or Hawksbill Crag as it is also named due to its resemblance to a hawks bill, juts out over the beautiful valley below. Although we were unable to, we were told that catching a sunrise from the crag is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
In my opinion, Arkansas's natural beauty is still a hidden secret to most people around the country, but it 100% should be added on every adventurers "Must Visit" list.
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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