There sure are a lot of trails in the Natural State, and most of them are absolutely spectacular. Considering that fishing is already a popular pastime here, what could be better than combining hiking and fishing for the ultimate Arkansas adventure? On this list you’re going to find nine trails in Arkansas that will lead you to or have you traveling along some of the best fishing spots in the Natural State.

1. Austell Trail (Village Creek State Park)

Lake Austell once made national headlines for a 15-pound, 12 ounce largemouth bass caught in its waters. This lake has been a haven for bass fishermen for more than twenty years. Austell Trail is 2.24 miles long and takes you through a wooded area before you reach the waters of the lake, but it’s well worth the journey for a premium fishing spot.

Austell Trail is located in Village Creek State Park, which can be found at 201 County Road near Wynne.

2. Dam 3 to Hardy (Spring River below Mammoth Spring State Park)

This trail actually begins just beneath Spring Lake at Mammoth Spring State Park. The Spring River is well known as a rainbow trout haven, as the clear, cool waters make for an ideal habitat. The trail is actually 15.7 miles long, but you won’t have to hike nearly that far to find a perfect place to cast.

Mammoth Spring State Park is located at 17 US Hwy 63 in Mammoth Spring.

3. Waterfowl Way (Millwood State Park)

Millwood Lake is a popular place for bird watching, but its superb fishing should not be underestimated. The 1.6 miles of Waterfowl Way, an admirable fishing trial, will take you through the woods and to Millwood Lake itself. This south Arkansas lake is known to have an alligator hole, so watch your step and mind your bait.

Waterfowl Way can be found at Millwood State Park, which is located at 1564 AR-32 near Ashdown.

4. Mirror Lake Trail (Blanchard Springs Recreation Area)

Mirror Lake is tiny, just three acres, and the trail around it is only 1.7 miles long. Mirror Lake is also a haven for trout. You can trout fish from the trail or find your own perfect spot, as the cool water pouring from Blanchard Spring is exactly the kind of place where trout love to congregate.

Mirror Lake Trail is located near the community of Fifty-Six.

5. Beaver Lake Loop Trail (Beaver Lake)

Beaver Lake is one of the most popular recreation lakes in the Natural State, and one of the best pastimes on that lake is fishing. Beaver Lake Loop Trail is 4.7 miles long, and it’s just about the perfect way to get to a great fishing spot.

The trailhead to Beaver Lake Loop Trail can be found at Lost Bridge Park North.

6. Falls Branch Trail (Lake Catherine State Park)

Lake Catherine is a fantastic place to fish for crappie, bream, bass, walleye, and catfish. The bonus at the end of the 1.6 miles of Falls Branch Trail is scenic, Falls Creek Falls. The hike is easy, and you’re going to love taking a break from the lake to visit the seasonal waterfall.

Falls Branch Trail is located in Lake Catherine State Park, 1200 Catherine Park Road near Hot Springs.

7. Kings River Falls Trail (Kings River Falls Natural Area)

You’ll hike 2 miles on this trail, to a spectacular waterfall with a swimming hole and some great fishing. Kings River is particularly known for its impressive population of smallmouth bass, but the truth is you never know what you might reel in from this diverse river, and you can cast well above or below the falls and still keep the sound of that rushing river in your ears.

You can find Kings River Falls Trail at Kings River Falls Natural Area, which is located at 1543 Madison 3500 near Witter.

8. Farkleberry Trail (Lake Maumelle)

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Little Rock, you’ll be interested in this central Arkansas trail. It’s short—a little under a mile long—and follows the southern shore of Lake Maumelle, which is primarily known for its varieties of bass.

Farkleberry Trail is located near the community of Roland.

9. Shoreline Trail (Lake Sequoyah)

The trail at Lake Sequoyah is 2.1 miles long, easy, and level. If you’re trying to catch bass, crappie, or catfish, you’re pretty likely to find some luck at Lake Sequoyah and Shoreline Trail is a beautiful place to get started on your fishing adventure.

The trailhead for Lake Sequoyah’s Shoreline Trail is located in Lake Sequoyah Park, which can be found at 6608 East Lake Sequoyah Drive near Fayetteville.

You can find even more awesome trails at this link. You may also be interested in this quiet fishing town.