10 Undisturbed Towns To Visit In Arkansas

Arkadelphia's Desoto Bluff Trail rises above the Ouachita River with a quiet view over wooded banks and calm water. Hot Springs folds Lake Hamilton, the Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail, and thermal waters into one town. Eureka Springs keeps the Christ of the Ozarks high on Magnetic Mountain with Onyx Cave only a few miles from its center. Mountain View sits near Blanchard Springs Recreation Area and the Ozark National Forest. Bella Vista spreads around seven lakes and the glass-and-steel Cooper Memorial Chapel. Each of these Arkansas towns holds an undisturbed feature of its own.

Arkadelphia

This small town resides in the center of the state on the Ouachita River. Paddleboarding and canoes are popular activities on this river because of its calm waters. On land is the Desoto Bluff Trail. This walking trail, which is only a quarter mile long, gives a great view up high of Desoto Bluff and the river below, lined with trees. Uncover some of Arkadelphia's own history by observing historical markers around town. Highlights include a salt kettle from 1814 that made regional salt, an American Civil War Confederate monument, and a Veterans Memorial.

Hot Springs

Also on the Ouachita River is Hot Springs. The river and nearby Lake Hamilton offer kayaking, jet skiing, and various types of boating. Hot Springs National Park presents a different aquatic experience. Visit bathhouses and sit in the thermal water sourced directly from the hot springs. There is also the Retroverse Museum, which holds costumes, props, dolls, and figurines from favorite childhood (and adult) stories like Star Wars, Batman, and other popular comics. For additional outdoor adventure, rent a bike to see more in less time on the Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail. The trail starts in downtown and is about an eight-mile round trip. Witness the town's Sculpture Garden and cruise through Monarch Butterfly Garden on the scenic bike ride.

Eureka Springs

Eureka Springs rests in the Ozark Mountains in northwestern Arkansas. Here, there are two rivers and three lakes. These bodies of water allow swimming, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and paddleboarding. Hikers will find many trails throughout the Ozark Mountains and can also see the Christ of the Ozarks Statue. This statue was completed in 1966, comprises 340 tons of concrete, and rises 67 feet high up on Magnetic Mountain. Only six miles from the town center is Onyx Cave. Here, the tours beneath the ground will display distinctive formations and wildlife. Step out of the woods to catch the outdoor theater in town, where The Great Passion Play has been showing since 1968.

Mountain View

Plenty of outdoor activities take place in this northern Arkansas town in the Ozark National Forest. The forest here features a waterfall, offers great camping, and allows exploration of live caves that host mineral deposits and crystal formations. Blanchard Springs Recreation Area, just outside Mountain View, offers hiking, camping, swimming in North Sylamore Creek, trout fishing at Mirror Lake, and tours of Blanchard Springs Caverns. The downtown music scene is also quite active. There are music festivals throughout the year, free live music in the downtown square every Friday and Saturday, and bluegrass music in an outdoor park on nice days.

Batesville

Batesville is in northern Arkansas on the White River at the base of the Ozark Mountains. The river is a popular place for trout fishing. The best rock climbing is a few minutes away at Jamestown Crag, where climbers have access to more than 100 climbing routes that include the bolts. Watch some action at the nearby Batesville Motor Speedway, where stock cars race on dirt courses. In downtown, there is Maxfield Park, built and decorated with repurposed buildings and other objects found during the rebuilding. The half-acre park has a children's playground, a stage for music, and a waterfall.

Siloam Springs

This town is on the northwestern border of the state. The Illinois River bestows visitors with many activities. Siloam Springs Kayak Park on the river offers rapids for riders seeking thrills, while others can enjoy calmer waters or walking trails along the river. In addition, the City Lake Park will delight bikers by giving them access to many miles of trails and a skills course dedicated to bicycles. Go to the Siloam Springs Museum for the town's history of the Sager Family, who were German immigrants and the first white settlers to Siloam Springs. See some of their furniture at the museum, then head over to John Brown University to see their cabin.

Bella Vista

Bella Vista dwells near Arkansas' northern border. The Branchwood Nature Trail goes through the Ozark Hills, and a waterfall can be seen on the Tanyard Creek Nature Trail. Choose from seven lakes for excellent trout and largemouth bass fishing. Two of the lakes have a no-wake policy for those looking for calmer waters. Next to Lake Norwood, among the trees and appearing as if it has sprouted from the forest itself, is the Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel. Opened in 1988, the chapel glows with natural light that pours through the walls and the 15 Gothic-style arches of the structure, which is made from steel, glass, and native limestone. There is also the Bella Vista Historical Museum, where one will discover the town's history and how its lakes, golf courses, and recreation areas were developed.

Heber Springs

This town sits in a valley beneath Sugarloaf Mountain, which rises 690 feet and offers a broad view of the town. Winding around Heber Springs is the Little Red River, which has incredible trout fishing. At Greers Ferry Lake, there is cliff diving and clear waters for scuba diving. Behold the 90 feet of water falling at Bridal Veil Falls, where there is also an access to go behind the falls. Visit Spring Park in downtown Heber Springs, where seven historic natural springs are housed in springhouses.

Jasper

Jasper is in northwestern Arkansas, in an area of the Ozark National Forest that is less populated. The Little Buffalo River flows through the town and around many limestone cliffs. Hundreds of elk meander along the river in an undisturbed part of nature. Canoeing and floating are popular pastimes on the river, but there is some white water for those who want action. Jasper also exhibits its distinctive history. For instance, the Newton County Courthouse, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, displays art-deco architectural style from its reconstruction that was part of the New Deal program from the 1930s.

Mena

This town is in the Ouachita National Forest on the western border of Arkansas. An excellent way to see the forest is by driving or riding in an ATV through Wolf Pen Gap Trails. Riders and passengers can choose a leisurely ride or an adventure up rocky hills to higher elevations and through low valleys. Either way, this is a great way to see a lot of the beautiful forest in less time. For more outdoor scenery, take in some or all of the 54-mile-long Talimena Drive. This highway starts in Mena and goes through the hills of the Ouachita National Forest. The forest will flourish with bright colored trees during the autumn season.

Calmer Towns Bursting With Nature

Venturing off the beaten path in Arkansas will uncover towns with natural landmarks not found everywhere, such as waterfalls, live caves, and hot springs. Visitors will also come across some of the best fishing in the US, whitewater kayaking, and rock climbing. The forest will suddenly reveal a towering statue of Christ or a transparent Gothic chapel. These Arkansas towns contain the more undisturbed outdoors and town centers that will surprise you with new visions and welcome you with comfortable amenities as you discover the surrounding environments.