Scenic Backpacking

Lake Fort Smith State Park
 

Load your pack and get ready

Pack your backpacks. Get ready to discover "The Natural State” by backpacking your way across the state. Arkansas State Parks offer a variety of scenic backpacking trails ranging in length, from 4 miles to 222 miles, that are enjoyable year-round. Whether you’re an expert backpacker or beginner, come enjoy the trails and landscape of Arkansas through backpacking.

Take the 4 miles trail loop, perfect for beginners, at Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area where you can immerse yourself in the Ozark oak, hickory and pine forests. Here there are campsites marked, each with a tent pad and fire ring. For the experts, try the Ouachita Trail, a 222-mile trail that can be accessed from both Queen Wilhelmina and Pinnacle Mountain state parks. Take in views from the second tallest mountain in the state, Rich Mountain and take a load off at Queen Wilhelmina's lodge and campsites.

Check out the trails below to choose your destination and plan your visit now! You’ll see why Arkansas is one of the best backpacking destinations around.

Start Planning with the
Arkansas State Parks Guide
Arkansas State Parks Guide