The Natural State
Arkansas
Ozark highlands, Ouachita ridges, and more trail miles than any state its size.
Arkansas at a Glance
Ouachita Trail
The 223-mile Ouachita National Recreation Trail runs east-west through Ouachita National Forest, one of the longest trails in the South
East-West Ridges
The Ouachita Mountains run east-west rather than north-south, an unusual orientation that creates distinct north and south slope microclimates
Buffalo River
The Buffalo National River flows through the Ozark highlands, the first national river designated by Congress in 1972
Shortleaf Pine
Ouachita National Forest manages the largest area of shortleaf pine in the US, a species native to the southern uplands
Black Bears
Arkansas successfully reintroduced black bears to the Ouachita Mountains in the 1960s and now has one of the largest populations in the South
Crystal Mines
The Ouachita Mountains contain some of the finest quartz crystal deposits in the world, with fee-dig sites on national forest land
When to Visit
March through May and October through November offer the best conditions. Summer is hot and humid but tolerable at higher elevations. The Ouachita Trail is particularly stunning during October foliage.
Top Activities
Gateway Cities
Fort Smith
Western Arkansas hub for Ouachita National Forest, with access to the Ouachita Trail's western terminus and Talimena Scenic Drive.
Russellville
Central Arkansas gateway positioned between Ozark and Ouachita National Forests, near Mount Magazine and Lake Dardanelle.
Fayetteville
University town in the northwest corner with quick access to Ozark National Forest's Buffalo River corridor and Hawksbill Crag.
Did You Know?
Ouachita National Forest is the oldest national forest in the South, established in 1907.
The Pig Trail Scenic Byway through Ozark National Forest is considered one of the top motorcycle roads in the country.
Arkansas's Caney Creek Wilderness contains old-growth pines estimated to be over 300 years old.
Mount Magazine's 2,753-ft summit plateau is nearly 2 miles wide and supports a unique prairie ecosystem above the treeline.
The Ozark Highlands Trail runs 218 miles through Ozark National Forest, with plans to eventually connect to the Ouachita Trail for a 400-mile end-to-end route.