Arkansas State Parks Trip Ideas

Park

Region

Park Activity

Trail Type

Trail Difficulty

Author

Date Published

Animal Crossroads Video

May 2020

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Jonathan Wirges

Mount Magazine State Park is crisscrossed by over 15 miles of trails, connecting beautiful overlooks, tranquil forests, and the highest point in the state. Visitors from all over find their way across these trails and not just humans. Wildlife finds their way all over the park, year-round, using their own pathways. Their trails may not be as well-marked but are just as...

Lake Dardanelle: One River Many Voices

Apr 2020

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Sasha Bowles

What is now the body of water called Lake Dardanelle was once simply the Arkansas River, a life source to plants and wildlife, as well as the Native Americans and settlers who migrated here. One river many voices.

Framed print of The Arkansas Traveler with man on horse greeting eight people at a cabin

What Do Wildflowers Mean to YOU?

Apr 2020

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Chris Pistole

In this photo essay are images of wildflowers that grow here—where their habitat is protected—and that you might see along our many miles of trails. We hope that the quotes from famous writers and artists accompanying these photos inspire you to appreciate the diversity of life found at Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area.

Close up of two yellow and one purple blooms, surrounded by green foliage

The Borden House: Restoring a Battlefield Icon

Apr 2020

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Arkansas State Parks Staff

Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park's structures and landscapes prove history happened here and reveal stories of our heritage. No structure is more iconic at Prairie Grove Battlefield than the historic Borden House, the only structure original to the battlefield.

Borden House at Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park in 1942

Go Planet, It's Your Earth Day!

Apr 2020

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Elizabeth Kimble

Crowley’s Ridge State Park in Northeast Arkansas is rich in natural, cultural, and historic resources. We tell the stories of the unique formation of Crowley’s Ridge, our historic Civilian Conservation Corps structures from the 1930s, and of natural beauty found here. Protecting these resources is part of our mission. We strive to honor this mission by celebrating Earth...

park interpreter holding earth ball with a party streamer

Living Hillsides Virtual Hike

Apr 2020

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Heather Johnson

Lake Fort Smith State Park is a beautiful oasis nestled in the Boston Mountains of Northwest Arkansas. The lake is pristine and teeming with life, but this outstanding water reservoir would not be as special as it is without its surrounding hillsides. These living, tree-covered hillsides protect the lake from erosion and deep within the forest are many hidden treasures.

Video: Stream at Lake Fort Smith State Park

Apr 2020

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Heather Johnson

As the spring rain settles in on the Boston Mountains of Lake Fort Smith State Park, the rainwater finds the quickest routes down the mountainsides to form hundreds of bubbling, temporary streams. The flowing waters breathe life into the forest by providing new water sources for plants and animals and providing habitat for aquatic insects and amphibians. The gentle streams...

Don’t Miss the Joy of the Spring Wildflower Explosion

Apr 2020

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Chris Pistole

Arkansas State Parks help preserve wildflowers which are not only beautiful for visitors to view and photograph but are essential to a healthy ecosystem and you can help protect them. We hope you will find joy viewing some of our common wildflowers at Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area, but be sure to leave them for others to enjoy!

Spring of New Beginnings

Apr 2020

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Devin Moon

At Logoly State Park, Arkansas’s first environmental education state park, we strive to protect and interpret our natural resources. These natural resources are abundant in our park and in our community, which fall into the West Gulf Coastal Plain eco-region. You don’t necessarily need a large green space to witness the wonders of Spring. Any site ranging from a yard-sized...

Lake Dardanelle State Park Sunset

Apr 2020

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Megan Ayres Moore

Lake Dardanelle State Park sits along the edge of Lake Dardanelle, a 34,300-acre reservoir on the Arkansas River. Lake Dardanelle’s diverse habitats in and around the lake will surround you in natural beauty and a top-notch fishery. Enjoy this sunset view from the Lake Dardanelle State Park Visitor Center.

The sun sets over a wide area of Lake Dardanelle on a cloudless night. A wooden pier and rock jetty can be seen on the right, as well as distant hills on the horizon.