9 Most Breathtaking Towns In Arkansas
The unique geography of Arkansas provides a diverse landscape that can be explored many times over. Known as "The Natural State," Arkansas has over 600,000 acres of lakes, rivers, and reservoirs within and along its borders, and is surrounded by lush forests and numerous peaks and summits. Home to many parks, lakes, scenic trails, the Ozark and Ouachita mountains, and an elaborate cave system, there is no shortage of towns in Arkansas that will take your breath away.
Eureka Springs
First on the list of the most breathtaking towns in Arkansas is Eureka Springs, located in the Ozark Mountains. A visually appealing place in Eureka Springs that is sure to grab your attention is the Blue Spring Heritage Center. An ancestral Native American site and historical landmark, eco-tours of the structures and gardens around a natural spring are well-known for their breathtaking views and natural beauty.
Enjoy even more of the natural beauty of Eureka Springs with Onyx Cave Park. Famous since the 1800s, visitors can take tours of the stunning cave formations and even go ziplining through the mountains. You should also visit the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, a 459-acre sanctuary for tigers, lions, and other large cats. Offering educational talks and tours, this refuge is not only a visually beautiful place, but also a lifeline for the animals in its care.
Russellville
A more populated area of Arkansas is the town of Russellville. Home to several parks, such as the Lake Dardanelle State Park and Washburn Park, visitors can immerse themselves in waterfront recreation, including fishing, boating, swimming, and various other aquatic activities. Spend the day hiking through the Bona Dea Trails and Sanctuary, a 186-acre park and wildlife refuge with a protected wetland habitat with many native species. If you are a lover of the arts, make sure to visit The Center for the Arts, an event venue that features a 1,875-seat theatre that hosts many shows throughout the year.
Fairfield Bay
Another town located in the Ozark Mountains is Fairfield Bay, a prime location for those who love nature. Overlooking Greers Ferry Lake, Fairfield Bay welcomes visitors with open arms, providing a mix of resort-style amenities and breathtaking landscapes. Greers Ferry Lake is known as one of the clearest and cleanest lakes, and it is a popular spot for various water activities such as fishing, cliff diving, swimming, boating, and scuba diving. Take an ATV around town with a guided tour from ATV Excursions/Trail Rides of Fairfield Bay, with experienced guides leading the way. Also, look out across the water from mountain tops while hiking along the Sugar Loaf Mountain Nature Trail.
Hot Springs
Hot Springs, Arkansas, located in the Ouachita Mountains, and as the name suggests, it is well-known for its naturally heated springs. Visitors often flock to the Hot Springs National Park, an urban park that contains a row of early 20th-century bathhouses that were developed atop natural hot springs. Another tourist attraction is the Hot Springs Mountain Tower, 216 feet high and offering expansive views of the mountain and the surrounding area. Another popular area in Hot Springs is Lake Catherine State Park, which is 2,240 acres. There are many opportunities to fish, hike, go boating, and even rent a waterfront cabin built in the 1930s.
Altus
An important part of Arkansas history and culture is the small, rural town of Altus. With a population of approximately 674, Altus is a haven for nature lovers. If you are a fan of wine tasting amid stunning views, then look no further. Many wineries exist in and around Altus, including Mount Bethel Winery, Post Winery, Dionysus Wine and Brew, and Chateau Aux Arc Winery. You should also visit one of the many parks near town, such as Aux Arc Park, where you can spend the night camping next to the Ozark Lake and Arkansas River, or spend time at Altus City Park, which contains coal mining and veteran memorials.
Paris
Paris is a small rural town in the northwest part of the state, lying at the base of Mount Magazine. Mount Magazine is the tallest in the state, featuring various trails that offer sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. The town is a great example of natural beauty, with abundant water and land that can be experienced up close and personal with Schluterman’s ATV Tour and Guide. Spend the day at Cove Lake Recreation Area, a park that is located on the shores of a 160-acre mountain lake. If you're around May 3, join residents and visitors for the annual Spring Time in Paris Festival, where contests, games, arts, vendors, and much more come together for a magical evening in the downtown square.
Harrison
Harrison is a historical mecca, containing a significant amount of the original structures that were built when it was founded. Several well-known and stunning areas of interest are located throughout Harrison, which include scenic drives along the Ozark Moonshine Run and the Twin Falls, where you can hike toward captivating 48-foot-tall falls. Be sure to visit the Buffalo National River, a narrow park that is anchored by a bluff-lined river that offers approximately 135 miles of beautiful scenery. The river is popular for canoeing, kayaking, and camping along the shores. Look to the sky every September as the annual Arkansas Hot Air Balloon State Championship occurs in Harrison, drawing people from across the state.
Mountain View
Situated in the heart of the Ozarks is Mountain View, with a population of approximately 2,950. Much of the economy is based on tourism, which is connected to the town being known as the "Folk Music Capital of the World." A well-travelled place in Mountain View is Ozark Folk Center State Park, which seeks to preserve the heritage of the Ozark Mountains through crafts, music, food, and other events. Other popular tourist attractions that are close to Mountain View include the Blanchard Springs Caverns, a "living" cave that is composed of three levels of paved, well-lit trails. And when you visit the City Park Stone Amphitheatre, with beautiful views, a playground, picnic areas, and a babbling brook, you will feel like you are in a fairytale.
Heber Springs
In the mid-19th century, Heber Springs was founded as a health resort called Sugar Loaf; however, being a gateway to Little Red River and Greers Ferry Lake, with 31,500 acres, it soon became a community and popular tourist destination. The Greers Ferry Dam is a landmark river dam that sits across from waterfront resort communities, a recreation area, and a campground. Located beside the Little Red River is Sugarloaf Mountain, which rises 690 feet and is a popular spot to hike. A stunning view awaits you at Bridal Veil Falls, a hiking area with a natural waterfall that is popular among visitors. A perfect end to the day is a trip to Sandy Beach, where you can go swimming, play volleyball, and enjoy a picnic.
Whether it is the stunning mountain views, scenic drives amid forests, serene lakes and rivers, or just the feeling of being surrounded by natural beauty, these Arkansas towns are nothing short of gorgeous. It is not only the natural beauty of these towns that makes them so appealing, but also the people and events that make them truly special. When visiting, you will want to soak up every second in these Arkansas towns, surrounded by memorable moments and adventure. Each destination invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and fully embrace the outdoors.
