Arkansas State Parks Trip Ideas

Logoly State Park in southwest Arkansas is the state’s first ecological state park dedicated to protecting the dynamically diverse ecosystem of the West Gulf Coastal Plain. The butterflies here are worthy of study and those with a keen eye can capture their beauty. Come mid-March and early April in Arkansas, butterflies begin emerging from their cocoon-like chrysalis...

Lake Fort Smith State Park in western Arkansas offers a variety of habitats for many different wild creatures. The forest here is a perfect home for the extraordinarily large promethea silkmoth, Callosamia promethea. At nearly four inches, the adults’ wings exhibit extraordinary camouflage to avoid predators.

While we often anticipate hiking towards a specific destination on the trail—perhaps a clearing with a view or a streamside bench for a picnic spot—we have a tendency to overlook the subtle, simple wonders occurring along the way, forgetting to “stop and smell the roses,” so to speak. Some of nature’s truly incredible “wow” moments are happening all over the forest floor...

Who doesn’t enjoy an evening by the fire, nestled in a cabin, in the woods, near a lake? Made all the more special as you feel your muscles relax after a day of hiking, kayaking and fishing.