Arkansas State Parks can serve as a destination for any season and reason, including a romantic getaway. There are many choices for couples on the lookout for a cozy and meaningful escape. Below are some ideas to help spark inspiration for a multiple day getaway where you can stay, play and relax all in one place. 

Mount Magazine State Park

Mount Magazine is the state’s highest point and experiencing the view from here can be an inspiring way to kickstart a trip. There are many spots to take in the surrounding scenery from Mount Magazine, which has often been described as an island in the sky.  

Day 1: The first day at any state park is a good time to get your bearings. A venture to a park visitor center is often a great way to get a lay of the land. Learning about the place one is visiting often heightens the appreciation of it and learning together can heighten this enjoyment even more.  Among the spots you can take in some scenic views from is at the Lodge at Mount Magazine, located on the south bluff of the mountain. From here you can view the beauty of the Petit Jean River Valley from the back of the lodge. The hearth room inside the lodge lobby is also a cozy place to relax in while taking in the view.

This mountain lodge also makes a great fueling spot as The Skycrest Restaurant, named after the first hotel on the mountain, is located here. You can continue to enjoy the view with a bite to eat or drink at from inside the restaurant or, if the weather cooperates, there are also a few seats outside that are also great to do this from. Along with a range of food options the restaurant has Skycrest signature drinks, beer and wine, Arkansas draft beers, local offerings from Post Winery and more.

The lodge is also an option to stay at as are the nearby cabins. More details about reserving spots at these locations can be found here. The cabins have bluff views, decks, kitchens and even outdoor hot tubs so make for a charming location to unwind at, cook meals together at and also enjoy the lovely scenery from. There is also RV and tent camping at the park too. Sunsets are an inspiring way to close out a day and among the good spots to catch one from at the park is via the back terrance and lawn of the lodge.

Day 2: Wake up and take in the sunrise from the Petit Jean Valley overlook. Taking in the natural beauty of Mount Magazine can be done in many ways, including hitting a trail. While at the park be sure to pick up the Mount Magazine State Park Hiking Trails brochure, which can be found at the visitor center and also at the lodge. This brochure is color coded, easy to use and also has some interesting pointers and history about the trails while also providing a nice and compact overview of each trail and its mileage. Among the routes you can find here is the Signal Hill Trail, a short trail which leads to the actual highest point in the state, making it a notable path to take on during a special getaway. If you make the trek together, be sure to mark the occasion by signing the register there.

Mount Magazine State Park is near the small town of Paris, where you can explore around at. Paris is on the True Grit Trail and one coffee shop in town is even called True Grit Grounds. A spot in town called 22 Brew at 101 West Walnut Street brews coffee roasted by neighboring Stirling Roastery. You can buy coffee beans directly from this roastery to take home too. 22 Brew has coffee,  a small bookshop and more. You can take a peek at their menu at their website at 22brew.org. Across the street from this coffee shop is Eiffel Tower Park, which has a small replica of the Eiffel Tower and also Love Lock Fence, which you can add your own lock to too if the mood strikes.

Night at Mount Magazine State Park is a perfect time to rest and stargaze and further take in the inspiring beauty of being and staying at the highest point in Arkansas. 

Day 3: Rounding out your trip you can take a drive and enjoy the scenic overlooks that can be found on Cameron Bluff overlook drive.There are pullouts to take in the views from. Pack a meal and picnic at the park.If you are seeking more active adventures, take more hikes ( there is plenty of mileage and trails at the park) or other outdoor pursuits available at the park, which range from biking to birding to rock climbing and more. Whatever route you happen to choose, enjoying time together is a good aim to have. 

Queen Wilhelmina State Park 

Another mountain state park idea is Queen Wilhelmina State Park, which can be found on Rich Mountain, the second highest peak in Arkansas. 

According to Casey Hines, Park Superintendent at Queen Wilhelmina State Park, the best place to catch the sunrise and sunset from the park is either the Lover’s Leap Platform or the front Terrace. “Lovers Leap Trail is one of the park’s signature trails,” said Hines. “[It is] a one mile loop winding through mixed hardwood and pine forest to a high rocky overlook with a panoramic view over the Ouachita Mountains… Local lore says this bluff was named after a legend of a Native American maiden who leapt from the cliff when her lover didn’t return from battle, a classic folkloric tale tied to many scenic overlooks.” 

A couple of Hines’ ideas for top romantic picks at the park include the Lover’s Leap overlook at sunset, sipping a drink on the lodge porch or balcony at sunset, or taking on a peaceful walk on the Ouachita Trail segment at dawn. “These spots combine views, ambiance, and tranquility, ideal for couples,” she said. 

Along with a 40 room lodge, the park also has the Heathercliff House cabin. “Heathercliff House is a cozy, private cabin option that’s ideal for couples, families, or small groups looking for a more secluded mountain experience,” she said. 

There have been updates to trails within Queen Wilhelmina State Park. “Lover’s Leap has been upgraded to an aggregated trail surface, making it more accessible for visitors with limited mobility while still preserving the scenic overlook experience the trail is known for,” said Hines. “This improvement allows more guests to enjoy one of the park’s most iconic viewpoints.” The Hines said the Spring Trail has also been improved as well as portions of the Ouachita Trail that run through the park to better support multi-use, including mountain bikes.  

“With these updates, the park now offers approximately 4 miles of designated mountain bike–accessible trails, giving riders the chance to experience Rich Mountain’s forested terrain, elevation, and scenic views directly from within the park,” she said. “These improvements reflect a growing focus on inclusive access and outdoor recreation, making the trail system more welcoming to hikers, cyclists, and guests of varying abilities.”

The Talimena Scenic Drive, a National Scenic Byway, goes by the park and the park is also near the town of Mena, which has spots to grab a bite to eat or drink at like The Ouachitas, shops and more. 

“In addition to the trails within the park, the Mena area is quickly becoming a major destination for outdoor recreation and mountain biking,” said Hines. Among these options are Earthquake Ridge, which has a mix of hiking and mountain biking routes.
 

Lake Catherine State Park

This lake state park near Hot Springs offers peaceful views of Lake Catherine, hiking, cozy cabins and more.  

“A must do activity in the park during this season is to explore our hiking trails,” said Jaden Eversole, Park Interpreter at Lake Catherine State Park. “The hiking trails are great for those that are interested in adventuring outdoors. We have four trails, all of which highlight unique aspects of the park and of the Ouachita Mountain landscape. I love to recommend Falls Branch Trail for those who are interested in aesthetics and photography and Dam Mountain Trail for those that prefer a more strenuous and adventurous hike with an epic view.”

Falls Branch Trail is known for its seasonal waterfall. “The waterfall doesn't flow consistently this time of year, given that it is rainfed,” said Eversole. “However, on days that we do get a bit of rain here at the park in the fall/winter, it is absolutely worth the hike. Regardless of the rain, the Falls Branch Trail that leads to the waterfall offers a unique view of the Ouachita Mountain landscape. The waterfall itself is composed of beautiful rock structures that really catch the eye.”

The trail also has another highlight. “ In my opinion, the most romantic spot at the park is Langford's Landing,” said Eversole. “This spot can be found along the Falls Branch Trail. The landing is characterized by a wooden bench and man-made steps that lead down to the shore of the lake. The view from this spot is beautiful and you can often see birds flying above the surface of the water.”

Another romantic spot is the area where Cabins 1-5 are found. “The back porches of the cabins are quite cozy and their location along the water's edge offers a peaceful and beautiful view of the lake,” said Eversole. 

Overnight options at the park include campsites for RV and tent camping, a YURT and cabins.

“The cabins are a big draw for the park because of their unique historical value,” said Eversole. “We have 20 cabins available here at Lake Catherine State Park. Five of our cabins are originally CCC built, three of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. When staying in our original CCC built cabins, visitors are transported back in time and are given a perspective into the rustic-style living spaces of those that occupied the park before us. The unique architecture and cozy feel of our cabins make staying inside of them exciting for our guests. Not to mention our Housekeeping services team is amazing and works hard to keep our cabins beautiful!”

To further fuel your park adventure, the city of Hot Springs is nearby. Downtown is home to Superior Bathhouse Brewery, located on Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs National Park, and more.

Bonus: Crater of Diamonds State Park

At this state park you can dig for diamonds and other gemstones. Camping is available at the park too. Nearby is the town of Murfreesboro. For more details on the park, check out this Arkansas State Parks article: arkansasstateparks.com/articles/crater-diamonds-state-park-through-seasons.

These are just a few ideas for an upcoming getaway. More options can be found at arkansasstateparks.com.