Top 10 Most Beautiful Places in Arkansas
Arkansas is often overlooked when it comes to natural beauty. However, it is home to some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring natural wonders in the United States. From the towering mountains of the Ozarks to the crystal-clear waters of the Buffalo River, Arkansas has something to offer to everyone who loves the outdoors.
One of the most incredible things about Arkansas’ natural beauty is its diversity. On the same day, you can explore caves, hike up a mountain, and relax by a beautiful lake or under a waterfall. The state is also home to a variety of unique ecosystems, such as the Big Woods, the Delta, and the Ouachita Mountains.
In this post, we will be taking a closer look at the top 10 most beautiful places in Arkansas, which are sure to take your breath away! From the famous Hot Springs National Park to the stunning Blanchard Springs Caverns, we will be showcasing some of the most breathtaking natural wonders that Arkansas has to offer.
10. Richland Falls/ Twin Falls
The state’s two most stunning waterfalls are in the same tourist spot. This tourism spot is located in the Ozark National Forest where the Devil’s Fork Creek meets Richland Creek. These two falls are considered to be the most difficult-to-reach waterfalls in Arkansas and a difficult trek as the trail is very poorly marked.
9. Thorncrown Chapel
The Thorncrown Chapel is an exceptionally planned wood and glass structure located in a tremendous natural setting in Eureka Springs. More than six thousand square feet of glass have been used to construct this forty-eight feet tall chapel. The chapel has placed on the list of the National Register of Historic Places in 2000. It is a nice tourist spot to take your family.
8. Buffalo National River
The Buffalo National River is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Arkansas. It is a natural wonder that covers a distance of 135 miles and is a popular attraction among locals and tourists alike. The river flows freely through the Ozark Mountains and boasts stunningly clear waters that are perfect for swimming, kayaking, fishing, and other water activities.
The Buffalo National River is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a great spot for wildlife spotting and nature walks. Visitors can explore the area by hiking along one of the many trails that wind through the mountains or by taking a scenic drive along the river.
One of the most popular attractions in the Buffalo National River area is the towering 500-foot Hemmed-In Hollow waterfall, which is the tallest waterfall between the Rockies and the Appalachians. The waterfall is a must-see for anyone visiting the area and is a photographer’s dream.
7. Crater of Diamonds State Park
Crater of diamonds state park is the only source of natural diamonds in the USA and is open to the public. It covers an area of 911 acres (369 ha) and is located in southwestern Arkansas, near to Murfreesboro. It is a plowed field where diamonds have been discovered continuously since 1906 and the world’s only perfect diamond ever discovered the Strawn-Wagner diamond was also discovered here. IUCN has enlisted the Crater of Diamonds State Park as a Class III Natural Monument or feature in its registry.
The crater of Diamonds is situated over an eroded lamproite volcanic pipe which is part of a ninety-five million-year-old eroded volcano, natural recurring processes bring the diamonds to the surface. Two diamonds are found per day by tourists on average. The park also includes a museum and a water playground within its boundaries.
6. Mount Magazine State Park
Mount Magazine State Park is a must-see for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Located atop the highest point in Arkansas, this stunning park offers breathtaking views of the Arkansas River Valley and the surrounding Ouachita and Ozark Mountains. There are several hiking trails to choose from, ranging from easy to strenuous, which wind through the park’s lush forests and rugged terrain.
One of the most popular trails is the Signal Hill Trail, which leads to the highest point in the state at 2,753 feet above sea level. The park also offers camping, cabins, and a lodge for overnight stays, as well as rock climbing, rappelling, and hang gliding for the more adventurous visitors. During the winter months, the park transforms into a winter wonderland, with opportunities for sledding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. With its stunning views, diverse wildlife, and endless outdoor activities, Mount Magazine State Park is truly a natural wonder and a must-visit destination in Arkansas.
The Mount Magazine state park covers an area of 2234 acres (904 ha) and is located in Logan County in the United States of America. This park is now designated as a state park by the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. The highest point of Arkansas is situated in the Mount magazine state park, which is about 2753 feet high. There’s a lodge at the peak (also known as Signal Hill) that contains trails, cabins, and a hang-gliding area. This park is blessed with beautiful campgrounds, hiking trails, overlooks, picnic areas, and a variety of interpretive programs on the floras and faunas as well as the natural and cultural history of the park. It is a heaven for nature lovers and adventurers.
5. Mammoth Spring State Park
The Mammoth Spring State Park is located in Fulton County covering an area of 62.5 acres (25.3 ha). One of the largest springs in the USA is located in this park, where about 9 million gallons of water flow per hour. The park offers fishing, boating, and hiking for the visitors’ recreation as well as an Arkansas Welcome Center. The park contains a restored train depot of 1886 and a Frisco railroad caboose which are now being used as a railroad museum.
4. Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Arkansas. Located in the city of Hot Springs, the park is known for its natural hot springs and stunning landscapes.
The park covers an area of over 5,500 acres and contains 47 hot springs. The water from these springs is rich in minerals, which are believed to have healing properties. Visitors can take a dip in the hot springs or enjoy a relaxing bath at one of the bathhouses in the park.
The park also offers several hiking trails that lead to scenic spots such as the Balanced Rock and the Grand Promenade. The Grand Promenade is a popular spot for taking a leisurely stroll and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
The park is also home to several historic sites, including the Fordyce Bathhouse. The bathhouse is now a museum that showcases the history of the hot springs and the role they played in the development of the city of Hot Springs.
Hot Springs National Park is the oldest Federal Reserve and is adjacent to the city of Hot Springs. The hot springs of the park flow from the western slope of Hot Springs Mountain which is a part of the Ouachita Mountain. The water of these springs is considered to have healing properties by the local residents. The park contains beautiful paid and non-paid old bathhouses which are still in use for various purposes. The most attractive part of the park is the observation tower.
3. Arkansas Grand Canyon
The Arkansas Grand Canyon is a must-see natural wonder in Arkansas. Located in the Ozark National Forest, this stunning canyon is filled with breathtaking views, scenic overlooks, and hiking trails that will leave you in awe. The canyon is a 12-mile-long section of the rugged and picturesque landscape of the Ozarks that was carved out by the Buffalo River over millions of years.
One of the best ways to experience the Arkansas Grand Canyon is by hiking the Buffalo River Trail. The trail is a 36-mile-long trek that follows the Buffalo River and takes hikers through the heart of the canyon. Along the way, you will see towering bluffs, cascading waterfalls, and stunning rock formations that are millions of years old.
For those who prefer a more leisurely experience, there are several scenic overlooks that offer stunning views of the canyon. The most popular is Hawksbill Crag, which is a massive rock formation that juts out over the canyon and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
2. Garvan Woodland Gardens
Garvan Woodland Gardens is a botanical garden covering an area of 210 acres and is located at 550 Arkridge Road. The University of Arkansas owns the gardens and is open every day for a fee to tourists. The garden has enchanting floral landscapes, streams, waterfalls, a Japanese garden, a conifer border, and a huge variety of flora.
1. Blanchard Spring Caverns
Blanchard Springs Caverns is one of the most popular natural wonders of Arkansas. It is located in the Ozark National Forest near the town of Mountain View. The caverns are a sight to behold and are definitely worth a visit. The underground cave system is made up of a series of caverns, each with its own unique beauty and features. Visitors can choose from different tours depending on their level of adventure.
The Dripstone Trail is the most popular one and takes visitors on a 1.2-mile journey through the caverns. The tour takes about an hour and showcases stunning formations like stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones. The discovery trail is a more challenging tour, recommended for the more adventurous visitors. This tour takes visitors through undeveloped areas of the cave and is a great way to experience the raw beauty of the caverns. Blanchard Springs Caverns is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Arkansas. The natural beauty of the caves is truly breathtaking and will leave visitors in awe of the wonders of nature.
Blanchard Springs Caverns, which is located in the Ozark-St. Francis, it’s a living three-level cave system. It is only two miles away from Highway 14 and a short distance north of Mountain View. It is a living cave because it has slow metamorphosis running within caused by minerals deposited by the seeping and dripping of water. There are four different tours which are offered at the caverns, which are: the discovery trail, the dripstone trail, the discovery in the dark- headlamp tour, and the wild cave tour.
Additional Notable Mentions.
In conclusion, Arkansas is a state of natural beauty and wonder. With its stunning landscapes, breathtaking vistas, and unique blend of outdoor activities and cultural attractions, the Natural State is truly a gem of the South. Whether you’re a nature lover, an outdoor enthusiast, or just looking for a place to relax and unwind, Arkansas has something for everyone.
As we come to the end of our list of the top 10 most beautiful places in Arkansas, we’d like to take a moment to mention a few additional notable mentions that didn’t quite make the list. These places are still worth a visit and deserve recognition for their natural beauty and unique attractions.
One such place is Petit Jean State Park, located in the heart of the Arkansas River Valley. This park features stunning views of Cedar Falls, a waterfall that drops 95 feet into a wooded canyon below. Visitors can also explore the park’s many hiking trails, go fishing or boating on Lake Bailey, or learn about the park’s rich history and geology at the Mather Lodge.
Another notable mention is the Ozark National Forest, which covers over a million acres of rugged mountain terrain in northern Arkansas. The forest is home to countless hiking and backpacking trails, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors can explore the Blanchard Springs Caverns, go fishing or kayaking on the White River, or simply take in the stunning views from one of the many overlooks and scenic vistas.