6 National & State Parks In Arkansas You Have To Visit

Rich in racing waterways, sparkling lakes, and some of the prettiest mountain landscapes around, Arkansas is a wonderland for outdoor recreation and postcard scenes. Boasting some of the best parks in the United States, travelers can discover majestic waterfalls, bluffs, and mountain valleys as far as the eye can see. Coupled with unique attractions, including a volcanic crater where visitors can mine for diamonds, these national and state parks in Arkansas are the perfect addition to your time in The Natural State.

Petit Jean State Park

Home to towering bluffs, majestic waterfalls, and jaw-dropping rock formations, Petit Jean State Park is one of the best places to see Arkansas’s geological wonders. Situated atop Petit Jean Mountain, the park is renowned for its sweeping views of the Arkansas River Valley, offering some of the prettiest overlooks in the country. A hiker’s paradise, spectacular scenes reach every corner of the park, inviting visitors to explore its 20 miles of diverse and scenic trails.

Stout's Point is by far the park’s most popular overlook, towering high above the Arkansas River. The Cedar Falls Trail is also a popular path, rewarding hikers with views of the 95-foot-tall Cedar Falls waterfall. The 4.5-mile Seven Hollows Trail is more rugged but still picturesque, winding past canyons, limestone bluffs, and a natural stone bridge. Also rugged and enchanting, the Rock House Cave Trail showcases Indigenous stone art and the park’s famous Turtle Rocks, whose designs resemble a turtle’s shell.

Lake Catherine State Park

Tucked away in the Ouachita Mountains, Lake Catherine State Park is the perfect place to embrace nature and escape crowds. Serene yet often overlooked, the park is a peaceful outdoor retreat, with a range of things to see and do. However, recreation is mainly anchored by Lake Catherine, a 1,940-acre reservoir formed by the Remmel Dam in 1924. Whether visiting for the day or spending the night in one of the park’s 20 cozy cabins, your time here will feel like a breath of fresh air.

In the summer months, a full-service marina sells fishing bait, boat fuel, and snacks. Watercraft rentals are also available on-site, including fishing boats, pontoons, and canoes. Swimming is another fun summer activity, with a hidden swimming cove located near the Falls Branch Trailhead. Alternatively, land lovers can explore the lake’s surrounding scenes and picnic along its shores. The above-mentioned Falls Branch Trail also guides hikers through an enchanting wooded path, leading to the beautiful Falls Branch Waterfall.

Hot Springs National Park

Just 13 miles from Lake Catherine, Hot Springs National Park is renowned for its mystical history and serene natural scenes. Straddling the town of Hot Springs and mighty Ouachita Mountains, the park encompasses 47 ancient hot springs that produce around 700,000 gallons of water per day. Once believed to have healing properties, the springs became a vibrant tourist attraction in the early 19th century, with many of the Victorian bathhouses still standing on Bathhouse Row. While they are no longer health hubs in the way they once were, the Quapaw and Buckstaff bathhouses are now renowned for their relaxing spas.

For those who prefer to relax in nature, Hot Springs National Park offers plenty of tranquil hiking trails. The Hot Springs Mountain Trail is an easygoing hike with a charming overlook, while the Sunset Trail is great for a challenge. The route is known for its breathtaking vistas, climbing over 1,400 feet high up Music Mountain, the tallest point in the park. In both cases, visitors can stay hydrated by filling a bottle with the park’s “elixir” springwater, with various fountains dotted throughout the park.

Crater of Diamonds State Park

Located near the city of Murfreesboro, Crater of Diamonds State Park is an Arkansas gem offering a one-of-a-kind experience. Describing itself as “The only place in the world where the public can search for real diamonds in their original volcanic source,” this unique state park is bucket list-worthy. People travel from across the globe to search through the 37-acre volcanic crater, as any diamonds, rocks, and gemstones discovered can be taken home. Since opening as a park in 1972, over 35,000 diamonds have been discovered here.

Casual parkgoers and serious mineral hunters alike can increase chances of finding a gem with an overnight stay. The park offers 52 campsites, while nearby Murfreesboro offers accommodation options like Diamonds Old West Cabins. During warmer summer months, the Diamond Springs Water Park is a great way to cool off in between digs, and there are countless picnic areas dotted throughout the park as well.

Mount Magazine State Park

For a more traditional, but no less extraordinary, outdoor adventure, Mount Magazine State Park is a renowned alpine retreat boasting the highest point in Arkansas. At its peak, Mount Magazine reaches a whopping 2,753 feet, inviting hikers and climbers to enjoy its dramatic views. For sweeping vistas, the moderate North Rim Trail climbs to bluffs overlooking the Ozark Plateau and Arkansas River Valley. Alternatively, for an easier hike, Will Apple's Road Trail is an easygoing trek leading past wildflowers, historic home sites, and other stone ruins.

Hang Gliding is another popular way to experience the wonders of Mount Magazine. Due to its height, the mountain is the perfect jumping-off point for gliders when the weather is right. Additionally, rock climbing is a popular draw for thrill seekers. After registering at the Mount Magazine Visitor Center, climbers can scale routes up to 80 feet high, with over 100 different vertical paths to choose from.

Pinnacle Mountain State Park

Located just west of Arkansas’s capital city of Little Rock, Pinnacle Mountain State Park is another beautiful and rugged outdoor escape. Encompassing over 2,300 acres, nature lovers can explore more than 33 miles of diverse trails in the park, ranging from relaxing walks to more strenuous hikes. While the East Summit Trail is more of a challenge, it is beloved for its finale view atop Pinnacle Mountain. Alternatively, easier paths like the Base Trail lead to picnic areas and views of the Little Maumelle River.

Beyond Pinnacle Mountain, the confluence of the Big Maumelle and Little Maumelle rivers is a prominent centerpiece of the park. An on-site Kayak Kiosk offers rentals with lifejackets and paddles, allowing visitors to explore the racing waterways with ease. Back on land, river views can also be enjoyed from the park’s Arkansas Arboretum, a 71-acre area showcasing native flora trailing the Little Maumelle River.

Embrace Adventure In These Arkansas Parks

Rich in natural diversity and geological wonders, Arkansas is renowned for its iconic park system, attracting visitors from across the globe. From its soaring mountains to its sweeping river valleys, natural beauty stretches from corner to corner in this scenic state. Whether mining for diamonds in Murfreesboro, embracing leisure in Lake Catherine State Park, or climbing to the top of Pinnacle Mountain near Little Rock, The Natural State has an adventure for everyone.