Editor's Note: As part of our new Weekend Wander series where we share content, stories and travel ideas to help you explore Arkansas, check out this blog written by our guest blogger UCA student Logan Sanders.
About the Author: Logan Sanders calls Conway, Arkansas, home and just completed her third year at the University of Central Arkansas. Majoring in Biology on the pre-med track with a minor in Marketing, she thrives on curiosity and challenges both in and out of the classroom. When she’s not hitting the books, she loves discovering new hiking trails, immersing herself in nature and making every outdoor adventure count.
Most people know Arkansas as “The Natural State,” and exploring its scenic hiking trails quickly reveals why. The state offers forests, waterfalls and natural swimming holes, making outdoor adventures even more enjoyable. Many trails lead to creeks, rivers or waterfalls for hikers to cool off. Whether you want a challenging uphill hike or a short walk through nature, Arkansas has plenty of spots where hiking and swimming come together.
Views Worth the Climb, Waters Worth the Drive
One of the most popular hiking spots in Arkansas is Whitaker Point, also known as Hawksbill Crag. Whitaker Point is located in the breathtaking Ozark National Forest, about one and a half hours from Fayetteville. The trail takes you to one of Arkansas’s most photographed viewpoints. The rock juts out over the valley below, creating a dramatic overlook that draws photographers and outdoor lovers. After this longer hike, visitors can drive 20 to 30 minutes to the nearby Buffalo National River to relax by the water and swim during the summer.
A Hidden Valley of Bluffs and Waterfalls
A top family-friendly hike in the state, suitable for all skill levels, is the Lost Valley Trail. If you seek a relatively short, easy-to-follow path with incredible views, this hike is a great option. The trail leads hikers through a peaceful valley with towering bluffs and a creek running alongside. At the end, visitors find Eden Falls, which cascades into a small pool below. With the stream by the trail and mist providing relief from the heat, it’s ideal for Arkansas’s hot summers.
Big Falls, Bigger Views, and a Well-Earned Cooldown
A well-known and iconic waterfall hike in Arkansas is Cedar Falls, located inside Petit Jean State Park. At the trail’s end, the waterfall drops nearly 100 feet into a large pool surrounded by rock formations. Adventurous visitors sometimes scale the rocks to cool off beneath the falls. The hike can be steep at times, particularly on the way to the falls, but the view is rewarding. Many enjoy sitting on the rocks or dipping their toes in the water. Afterward, try a meal at Mather Lodge Restaurant near the trailhead. With its dramatic scenery, Cedar Falls stands out as one of Arkansas’s famous natural wonders.
For those looking for a shorter trail with a fantastic swimming spot, Kings River Falls is a perfect choice. The trail is just a mile long and is considered one of the easier hikes in the state. At the end of the trail, hikers are rewarded with a wide waterfall flowing into a large, clear, pristine pool. The swimming area at Kings River Falls is surrounded by tall bluffs and forestry, making it a favorite summer spot for locals. You can spend the afternoon sunbathing on the rocks, swimming, and enjoying the peaceful setting.
Arkansas’s Most Unusual Waterfall
One of my personal favorites and most unique hikes is Glory Hole Falls. Unlike other waterfalls, here the water flows through a hole in the rock ceiling above a cave, creating a waterfall that drops down to the cave floor. The hike is about two miles round-trip and takes visitors through a forested trail before reaching the unusual rock formation.
Discover the Natural State for Yourself
Arkansas offers a multitude of opportunities to enjoy both hiking and swimming in one trip. From scenic overlooks to waterfalls tucked deep in the forest, these spots show off the natural beauty that makes our state so special. Trails like the ones above give both visitors and locals a chance to experience some of Arkansas’s best outdoor places.
If you are eager to spend more time outdoors this spring and summer, Arkansas is an excellent place to begin. The state’s hiking options suit all skill levels. Whether a longtime resident or first-time visitor, these trails offer memorable views, refreshing spots to cool off, and a way to unplug from today’s busy world.
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