Arkansas trails are undoubtedly some of the best trails in the nation. We know they can be enjoyed in any sort of weather or season. Too hot? Better take the trail with your favorite swimming hole. Rainy day? Great time to see the waterfalls in full action. Winter chill got you down? Don't hang up your hiking boots! Instead, take this equestrian trail that's pure wintertime magic.
Arkansas has some fantastic trails to take on horseback.
The Upper Buffalo River area is the best place in the state to take an equestrian journey. Actually, it's one of the best trail areas regardless if you're on two legs or four.
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The trails can be enjoyed in any season. If you plan a trip sooner you can look forward to explosion of fall color.
There's seven trails in the area that can be taken by horse. Centerpoint, Chimney, Old River, Buffalo River, Cecil Cove, Farmer, and Goat Bluff Trail
If you wait about a month or two you can look forward to a magical winter riding experience.
Hopefully we'll have a decent snow or two. Even if we don't there's something special about that cold quiet with only hooves crunching along the trail and the chill that hangs your breath in the air.
Centerpoint Horse Camp will be your base if you've brought your horse.
It's centrally located with Centerpoint Trail and Chimney Trail just across the road. Besides being horse trailer friendly, the camp has cabins to rent or you can park your RV.
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Rimrock Cove Ranch is where you'll want to go if you didn't bring your own horsepower.
They offer guided tours (up to three hours) of the Upper Buffalo River area. You'll traverse through wooded trails bordered by boulders, cross a stream, and be taken to a jaw-dropping view of the mountains.
The guided tour offers different ways to take in winter magic of the area.
The guided tour is great if you have a small group. If you have a large group, Rimrock also offers hayrides to see some of the same parts taken on horseback. The two hour hayride option will have a break to build a fire and enjoy hot dogs or marshmallows.
Any horseback trail taken around the Upper Buffalo River promises a magical wintry experience.
The guided tour is our favorite but if you've brought your horses then its a great time to venture out and conquer all the area's trails.
At the end of your equestrian adventure you can knock off the chill in the Stonewall Cabin.
Warm up by the fire in this tranquil seclusion tucked away along the Buffalo River. The log cabin can sleep up to 8 guests but is perfect for a romantic getaway.
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Centerpoint Horse Camp is off of Highway 43, north of Ponca. You can contact them for GPS coordinates and reserve a cabin at their website.
Rimrock Cove Ranch is 9 miles from Ponca on Hwy 103. Plan your guided tour or book the Stonewall Cabin right here.
Are you running out of fun adventures for you and your family? Well, have no fear, we’ve found the perfect outing for you. Head to Modern Mission in Fayetteville, where you can play outdoor or indoor laser tag, tactical airsoft, ax throwing, and more. This massive outdoor adventure park in Arkansas promises fun for all ages and an experience unlike any other.
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As soon as you step foot on Modern Mission’s battlefield you have accepted the mission for adrenaline pumping fun! It's guaranteed that you'll have a blast at this unique outdoor and indoor battlefield in Fayetteville Arkansas.
With 8-acres of outdoor space as well as a massive 3-story indoor facility, you'll find endless fun waiting for you.
Bring the entire family to enjoy a day of indoor or outdoor laser tag as well as tactical airsoft adventure, axe throwing, virtual reality, and more.
Equipment and protective gear for all the activities are provided. However, you can bring your own gear for the airsoft battlefield. The cost will be cheaper, which is a win-win!
For the outdoor laser tag, come prepared to tackle the massive tactical course. It's recommended to wear protective clothing and colors that will blend in with the outdoor space.
You can't go wrong with camo, or for the serious players, a ghillie suit will be the ultimate outfit to wear.
One of the best parts about this adventure park is that it's open all year long, and it's great for kids 7 years and up. Also, it's perfect for birthday parties as well as team building outings.
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Parents, you'll be happy to know that Modern Mission also offers summer camp, where the kids can learn archery, play sports, and improve tactical maneuvers.
Whether you're a kid or a kid at heart, you'll have a blast at Modern Mission. There is so much to do and see at this massive adventure park in Arkansas.
Of course, we highly recommend that you add it to your list this year.
So you’ve taken selfies at Hawksbill Crag, savored steak at Doe’s Eat Place, called the hogs at a Razorback game, and done all of the best things to do in Arkansas, so what else could there be left to do? So much, my friend! Just when you think you’ve seen all the state has to offer, we have some unique places in Arkansas to keep your exploration going. Whether metropolitan or natural, Arkansas has plenty of hidden gems to relish. In fact, 13 are listed below... take a look at these unique things to do in Arkansas.
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1. Book a cabin getaway
There’s no better way to enjoy Arkansas’ beauty than to spend a night (or two) at the Lake Shore Cabins. It’s the perfect place to recharge after a day of fishing in Beaver Lake or hiking the nearby trails. Besides enjoying the splendor of the cabins, you can further indulge by booking a massage or hiring an in-house chef.
2. Feel larger than life at Tiny Town.
Arkansas doesn’t fall short on eccentricities. If you’re tired of the conventional tourist trap, head to Hot Springs' Tiny Town. This immense forty year art project turned attraction is made up of hundreds of moving parts and 95% handmade. Guests can admire the dedication to detail and take part in the interactive railroad model. Get an in-depth look at Tiny Town in Arkansas:
3. Explore America’s first national park.
The Hot Springs National Park is technically America’s first national park, a near forty years older than Yellowstone. Technicalities aside, enjoy strolling around one of the many trails and see how many of the 47 hot springs you come across.
4. Relax at Arkansas’ only Himalayan pink salt cave.
Find a new way to relax in a reinvigorating salt cave. This one is Lowell in Arkansas’ only authentic pink Himalayan salt room. The cave contains five tons of chiseled salt as well as over five hundred salt bricks to envelop guests in restorative salty relaxation.
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For more salty details, read the
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5. Sip wine at one of the oldest wineries in the U.S.
Touring Arkansas wine country is a must for any bucket list. Wiederkehr Wine Cellars is one of the oldest in the country, they’re U.S. Bonded Winery #8. Find a new favorite at their tastings, learn about pairings, and enjoy a meal with European influence at the Weinkeller Restaurant. Take a virtual tour of this magnificent wine cellar and restaurant:
6. Go spelunking.
Truly one of Arkansas’ more unique natural attractions, the Blanchard Springs Caverns provides a fantastic peek into the state’s subterranean. Four different types of tours are offered, from a straightforward paved walk to a headlamp-guided exploration in the dark. Don’t forget to check out the nearby trails just outside the cavern for Mirror Lake.
7. Enjoy the view at the highest point in the state.
You certainly can’t say you’ve done it all in Arkansas until you’ve reached the top of Mount Magazine. Whether you’ve booked a weekend at the Lodge or packed your pup for a hike on Signal Hill Trail, this trip is a must for anyone in the state.
To learn how to get on top of the world, read the full article.
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8. See how cheese is made.
You’ll love taking a trip to the Kent Walker Artisan Cheese Factory. Learn how cheese is made since all of their artisan cheese is handmade on site. This Little Rock cheese factory serves local craft beers, cheese-paring sandwiches, and of course, an unbelievable selection of cheese.(Editor's Note: Unfortunately, the Kent Walker Artisan Cheese Factory has closed its doors for good.)
9. Go on a treasure hunt worth $40 million.
The Old Spanish Treasure Cave in Sulphur Springs has a history dating back a whopping 350 years. According to legend, it houses gold from the Seven Cities of Cibola, hidden by Conquistador Coronado’s men. The chances of finding the lost treasure may be low but you’re a guaranteed winner at discovering Arkansas’ natural beauty. Learn about the history of the Old Spanish Treasure Cave:
10. Or, for some better odds, try digging for diamonds instead.
So maybe the Cibola gold is lost for good, but no need to fret since Arkansas also has a park to dig for diamonds. Crater of Diamonds State Park is the world’s only "keep what you find" diamond site. Discoveries are plentiful, with over 75,000 unearthed diamonds since 1906.
11. Have a bite at one of the best museum cafes in the world.
You may have spent the day perusing through endless art both inside and around the grounds but did you know Crystal Bridges also has an award-winning restaurant? Eleven has been ranked as one of the best museum cafés in the world by TripSavvy. Enjoy modernized Southern comfort foods as you take in the exquisite architecture.
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12. Take a day trip to one of Arkansas’ coolest cities.
If there’s one place in Arkansas where you can discover something new in every visit, it’s Eureka Springs. This quirky town is known as the "Little Switzerland" of the Ozarks because of the buildings’ stair-step layout. It’s so easy to stumble upon new little cafes or intriguing storefronts just on Main Street alone.
13. Arkansas is home to countless waterfalls but have you tried this hike?
Arkansas has an endless selection of trails to hike but Haw Creek Falls Trail is something special. Besides being a gorgeous stretch of Ozark National Forest, this trail features two waterfalls. The Haw Creek Falls stands at 8 feet and the 24-foot Pack Rat Falls resides nearby.
Did this list of unique things to do in Arkansas spark some ideas for your next road trip? What are your favorite hidden gems in Arkansas? Let us know all about them in the comments!