Fall is an ideal time to spend in the great outdoors in Arkansas, as the leaves change colour to showcase vibrant fall foliage in vivid shades of red, orange and yellow. The cooler temperatures makes for perfect weather to enjoy outdoor activities like camping, hiking, biking, horseback riding, floating, fishing, wildlife watching and more during this scenic time of year.
Camp, hike and bike the Ozarks and beyond
Spanning 1.2 million acres, Ozark-St. Francis National Forest boasts over 200 camping and picnic sites, nine swimming beaches, and more than 400 miles of trails, plus Blanchard Springs Caverns, a spectacular system of underground caves. Highlights of the area also include the Pedestal Rocks Scenic Area home to unique geological formations and two hiking trails, Pedestal Rocks and Kings Bluff, which has a waterfall.
Another notable destination is Gunner Pool Recreation Area, a scenic spot near Blanchard Springs Caverns, that offers 27 shady campsites along North Sycamore Creek and trailhead access to the 15-mile Sylamore Hiking Trail. It’s an idyllic spot for splashing in the creek, hiking and enjoying abundant wild flowers and wildlife.
Arkansas State Parks and the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission natural areas are excellent places to experience the season. Arkansas has 52 state parks to experience year-round but the colours of fall make it a perfect time to visit.
Adventure awaits in North Central Ozarks
The North Central Ozarks offer a variety of activities, including watersports, diving, caving, fishing, mountain biking, zip-lining, motorcycling, and golf. Specific activities include floating and canoeing on rivers like the Strawberry, Spring, South Fork, Black, and White Rivers, as well as fishing for trout, walleye, bass and catfish.
Norfork Lake is also a popular spot for diving. Land-based activities include mountain biking on the Syllamo Mountain Bike Trail, hiking at Blanchard Springs and on the Ozark Highlands Trail, exploring Blanchard Springs Caverns, rock climbing at Jamestown Crag and zip-lining at Zippin Griffin. Golfing is available at numerous courses, and motorcycling on scenic routes is also popular.
Reach new heights rock climbing
Arkansas is a premier climbing destination due to the significant altitude changes in the Ozarks and Ouachitas. Mount Magazine State Park, the highest point in Arkansas at 2,753 feet, is a popular climbing spot. The park features an 80-foot cliff face with technical routes for intermediate and advanced climbers, including Scarlet Begonias (5.10), the state’s first sport route. Beginner climbing routes and hiking trails are also available.
With more than 400 climbing routes, Horseshoe Canyon is another remarkable climbing destination near the Buffalo National River. The Green Goblin is the most famous sport route in the canyon.
Just outside Little Rock, the view overlooking Lake Maumelle and Pinnacle Mountain is a must see. The Rattlesnake Ridge Natural Area offers scenic climbs for every skill level. While sport routes make up the majority of the area, top rope and trad climbing are also on offer.
Take a hike
Hiking is a popular fall endeavour and Arkansas has lots of options like Baker Prairie Natural Area, Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area, Devil’s Eyebrow Natural Area, Devil’s Knob-Devil’s Backbone Natural Area, Rattlesnake Ridge Natural Area and Lorance Creek Natural Area.
For aquatic experiences, the Bayou DeView Water Trail allows canoeing or kayaking through ancient forests with cypress and swamp tupelo trees. Larger natural areas like Terre Noire and Warren Prairie, along with Cherokee Prairie, are also ideal for wildlife viewing, including the fall migration of Monarch butterflies, a stunning spectacle.
Hot fall tickets
Bikes, Blues and BBQ – Oct 1-4
returns to Railyard Park in Rogers, inviting motorcycle riders and enthusiasts from across the country to experience fall in the Ozarks.
Peacemaker Festival – Oct 10-11
a music festival by music lovers, for music lovers will take place on the banks of the Arkansas River in Downtown Fort Smith.
Another hot ticket is the King Biscuit Blues Festival – Oct 10-11
by the Mississippi River in Helena, Arkansas. The name stems from King Biscuit Time, the longest-running daily radio show.
The Güdrun Northwoods Mountain Bike Festival – Nov 7-9
This 3-Day Mountain Bike Festival will include competitions and activities including: Slow Roll Fun Ride, Full Enduro, Mini Enduro, Waffles & Coffee Time Trial, Jump Jam, Dual Slalom, and more!
For a look at more music festivals in the state, click here. For more information and itinerary inspiration visit www.arkansas.com.
