Any Arkansas ideas to share?

[Dennis and Melissa]

We are planning our next extended trip.  Some time Jan-Feb, probably in/near Arkansas.  We can go almost anywhere, but all I have so far is some internet searches for various state parks and cool hikes.  We love hiking and various other encounters with the wondrous and beautiful.  Anyone have suggestions on how to build an itinerary?

My unsorted list of ideas so far:

Ouachita
Bull Shoals - White river
Table Rock
Devils Den
Lake fort smith
Buffalo National River

Hikes:

North Rim Trail, Mount Magazine State Park 
Yellow Rock Trail, Devil’s Den State Park
Big Bluff/Goat Trail, Buffalo Wilderness Area
Lost Valley Trail, Buffalo National River 
Indian Rock House Nature Trail, Buffalo National River
Whitaker Point Trail, Upper Buffalo Wilderness 
Seven Hollows Trail, Petit Jean State Park 

 

P.S. If this isn't the correct board for this sort of question, plz let me know 🤪

[Corvus]

I see you have the Ouchita National Forest on your list. It has a lot to offer. Mount Magazine camp sites are nice and close to hiking trails and the lodge has wonderful views and a nice restaurant. The hang glider launch, east of the lodge, also has very nice views too. To the south of Mount Magazine is a Corp of Engineers campground on a lake. Lake Ouchita had some camping sites around the lake but I can't remember their names or know their status.

Edited June 23 by Corvus

[Corvus]

If you have any interest in mineralogy the Crater of Diamonds State Park could be fun too. It is very hot in the summer so your travel dates would match nicely.

[Bob and Elizabeth]

Hot Springs is a nice stop. Gulpha Gorge Campground in the national park is nice. Full hookup and cheap with the senior pass if you have it. Sites by the creek are nice but a little close. Lake Fort Smith is nice. Large spaces.

[ThomB87]

Devils Den is beautiful but no cell service at the campground. You have to drive to the top of the hill. I definitely would vote for Magazine or Petit Jean. both are beautiful. Hike to the waterfall on Petit Jean. 

Also check out COE campground below Beaver Dam. Make sure you get a site on the river. Easy drive into Eureka Springs from there. 

[roguebooks]

There’s a ACoE campground on a lake near my beloved Eureka Springs which is a splendid little town full of interesting surprises and great architecture.

[Dennis and Melissa]

We finally have all of our reservations!  Sooooo many wonderful state parks.  Thanks to everyone for their advice.  Continued feedback from those who know the area is still very welcome.

Starting mid Jan.....

2 days at Fort Pickens in Pensacola

1 week @ Lake Ouchita State Park

1 week @ Petit Jean State Park

1 week @ Mt Magazine State Park

1 week @ Devil's Den State Park

1 week @ Buffalo Outdoor Center (not a state park 😜)

1 week @ Babler State Park

2 days @ Hohenwald for first annual checkup

wander back to Tampa by mid March....

 

 

 

 

[Cameron]

hi @Dennis and Melissa, thanks for posting this. we're also going to Arkansas after a service visit at the mothership in mid-January. It's terra incognita for me so the responses to your post will be helpful for us too. Maybe we'll even run into you.

[Dennis and Melissa]

4 hours ago, Cameron said:

hi @Dennis and Melissa, thanks for posting this. we're also going to Arkansas after a service visit at the mothership in mid-January. It's terra incognita for me so the responses to your post will be helpful for us too. Maybe we'll even run into you.

That would be great!
The websites for the Arkansas state parks are marvelous.  They give me lots of confidence picking out sites.

That plus AllTrails is about all I need to make plans 🙂

[Rivernerd]

19 hours ago, Dennis and Melissa said:

The websites for the Arkansas state parks are marvelous. 

Should your plans change, Village Creek State Park near Wynne, Arkansas is one of the nicer state parks we have visited.

[Ronbrink]

Another alternative site, Queen Wilhelmina SP near Mena, atop the second highest peak in Arkansas. If nothing else drive to the Lodge and enjoy a meal or brunch at Queen’s Restaurant.

[Dennis and Melissa]

2 hours ago, Rivernerd said:

Should your plans change, Village Creek State Park near Wynne, Arkansas is one of the nicer state parks we have visited.

That looks soooo peaceful.  I may add it to my "return" trip (from St. Louis to Hohenwald).

TYVM!

[Dennis and Melissa]

1 hour ago, Ronbrink said:

Another alternative site, Queen Wilhelmina SP near Mena, atop the second highest peak in Arkansas. If nothing else drive to the Lodge and enjoy a meal or brunch at Queen’s Restaurant.

We almost put that into the loop.  But had to cut something.☹️

But I still have it on my list.  I'm considering stopping there for a few days when we take our big trip to UT in the spring.

TY