You might be looking for a few new places to add to your rotation of awesome Natural State spots to visit this summer, and if you are I’ve done you the kindness of digging up some of the best spots to spend your time out in nature. This list has lakes and swimming spots, yes, and some of the more popular natural spots, too, but it also has some underrated and overlooked spots you shouldn’t miss out on. These are all so good I couldn’t find the right order for them, so these 11 natural places are listed in no particular order.

Click the links in the captions to read full articles about these places.

1. Whitaker Point

The trail to Whitaker Point isn’t overly long or difficult, and whatever sweat you accumulate on that hike is well worth the journey. Whitaker Point is arguably the most highly acclaimed natural spot in Arkansas: that view is absolutely breathtaking.

You can find out more about Whitaker Point by clicking here.

2. Cosmic Cavern

Underground lake, anyone? Cosmic Cavern has two. You can’t exactly swim in them, but you can stay cool while you check them out. That’s because Cosmic Cavern stays a cool 64 degrees year round. Can you think of a more appealing natural attraction to visit this summer? I sure can’t.

If you’d like to learn more about Cosmic Cavern and find directions, click here.

3. Mammoth Spring

A gargantuan natural spring that maintains a good flow no matter the season sure does sound like a good place to visit when the heat gets to be overbearing. You’ll find all of that at Mammoth Spring, along with paddle boats you can rent and a perfect trout-fishing river just downstream.

There are about a million reasons to take a trip to Mammoth Spring, and you can learn more of them here.

4. Lake Charles

If you’re looking for an underrated lake, look no further than the Arkansas Delta. Hiding there you’ll find a small lake that’s well worth your time. Lake Charles is only 654 acres, but those acres are some of the finest fun you can have on an Arkansas waterway.

To learn more about why you should visit Lake Charles, click

this link.

5. Tanyard Creek Nature Trail

You might be thinking it’s too hot to hike, but I’ve got good news for you on that account. Tanyard Creek Nature Trail isn’t very long, and it isn’t very strenuous either. It does wind around an absolutely fantastic creek, and if you go pretty soon after a solid summer storm, you’ll get to see a gorgeous waterfall, too.

You can find out more about Tanyard Creek Nature trail at

this link.

6. Lake Greeson

There’s nothing like a good old fashioned camping trip to a lake where you can camp, swim, fish, and hike all on the same day, and south Arkansas’s Lake Greeson is just the spot you need to visit if those are your plans. This south Arkansas lake has so much to offer you’ll never want to leave.

You can find directions and more information right here.

7. Hot Springs Tower

Okay, this one isn’t exactly a natural attraction, but it is a place where you can take in some breathtaking natural beauty while staying cool in the air conditioning. Hot Springs Tower rises from the top of Hot Springs Mountain and offers lovely views of the surrounding Ouachita Mountains.

You can learn all about the tower by clicking here.

8. Kings River

Kings River has been hailed as the most underrated natural place in the Natural State, and it’s also one of the most beautiful. Though the Kings River probably won’t be high enough to float in late summer, there’s no reason you can’t cool your heels walking around in it. Probably the best place to see the river is at Kings River Falls.

More information and directions can be found

here.

9. Lake Catherine

If you’re interested in a beach that will make you feel like you’re a million miles away from it all, look no further than one of Arkansas’s five diamond lakes. Lake Catherine is a fantastic place to swim, sit, or explore. As a matter of fact, it’s just a short hike to Falls Creek Falls, which is an enchanting waterfall you can swim beneath.

More of the appeal of Lake Catherine can be found in

this article.

10. Gunner Pool

A natural pool sounds like a good place to cool down, doesn’t it? Gunner Pool Recreation Area offers a lot more than just that. A stunning sapphire pool, plenty of creeks for wading, and an incredible forest that feels like a fairy tale are all waiting for you at Gunner Pool Recreation Area.

You can see even more of Gunner Pool’s appeal by reading this.

11. Eleven Point River

I may have saved the best for last here. The Eleven Point River is floatable year round because it’s spring fed, and it’s one of the most underrated, undeveloped rivers in Arkansas. You could spend more than a weekend exploring this incredible river, and if you decide to stay awhile you should check out Shady River Getaway near Pocahontas.

You can learn about the Eleven Point River by

clicking here.

You might also want to check out these incredible back roads you should be driving, and this list of swimming spots you may have overlooked.