Whether you seek epic, wild, or majestic adventure, look no further than this adventurous region. Arkansas’ beautiful scenery and its national forests make it prime for off-roading, hiking, biking, and enjoying our waters along the lake, and the rivers.
Outdoor Adventures For UTV/ATV Thrill Seekers
Fairfield Bay has really become one of the best places in the state to run UTV. There are 5 UTV trails offering more than 100 miles of well marked trails to explore. PLUS a 20 acre fun park Learn more at visitfairfieldbay.com
The River Road in Shirley, AR is popular among thos who enjoy long rides. Beginning near the Shirley Rodeo Arena you can exit the trail in Fox (8 miles away) or as far as Oxley. This trail offers a view of ghost towns such as Oakvale, Albert and Lydalisk along the old railroad bed. Access to this trail is thanks to kind private landowners, so remember to be respectful of that.
Outdoor Adventures for Water and Nature Lovers
Gulf Mountain Wildlife Management Area Post Oak Savanna Nature Trail and Auto Tour. Gulf Mountain WMA is only 12 miles outside of Clinton. The new trail, which includes both a driving tour and short hiking trail, offers visitors an intimate look at the post-oak savannah and the wildlife inhabiting it. https://www.agfc.com/en/explore-outdoors/wildlife-viewing/nature-trails/gulf-mountain-wma-post-oak-savanna-nature-trail-and-auto-tour/
Greers Ferry Lake
Miller’s Point on Pryor Mountain, about 1,200 feet above sea level, you’ll see a picturesque, panoramic view of Greers Ferry Lake. From the bluffs, gaze at the opporsite shoreline, Cove Creek, and get a glimpse of Eden Isle. On a clear day, the Narrows Bridge comes into focus. Directions: Diamond Bluff Road to Miller Point Drive. For more information Greers Ferry Lake.
Little Red River
Barnett Access. You know the fishing’s good here, because it’s where Howard “Rip” Collins caught his world record German brown trout. This area’s called the “Swinging Bridge,” named after the suspension bridge that collapsed in 1989. For a unique view of Sugarloaf Mountain, walk west to Winkley Shoals. For more information Little Red River.
White River
The bank of the White River in downtown Augusta you get a bird’s eye view of the White River where it takes a big turn. Walk or bike into the woods and over a pedestrian bridge that doubles as a fishing spot. Just off second street in downtown Augusta.
Cache River
Cache River National Wildlife Refuge. Home to some of the largest remaining tracks of bottomland hardwood forest. This 67,000 acre refuge, located in northeast Arkansas, sees more than 150,000 visitors annually and is noted as the most important wintering area for mallards on the continent. https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Cache_River/wildlife_and_habitat/
Outdoor Adventures for Trail Lovers
Big Creek Wildlife Nature Trail
Jim Kress WMA/ Big Creek Natural Area
Latitude/Longitude–
N 35.50573, W -91.83592
Driving Directions. Take Ark. Hwy. 110 east of Heber Springs to Wilburn. From Wilburn, go east on Tylar Road for about 1 mile. Turn right on Center Chapel Road (gravel). Go 1.4 miles to the stop sign and go straight onto Heritage Trail Road.
Length- 0.75 mile roundtrip for Creek Trail plus 1.75 miles roundtrip for the Overlook Trail
Difficulty- Easy to moderate; not ADA accessible
For more information
Explore More Trails below
Have a favorite area or experience of your own. Share it with us.