Bills, work, social media—all of these things serve as stressors for Americans. One of the best ways to get away from it all is to simply unplug. Lay down your smart phone, step away from your desk, and retreat. Well, what better place to retreat to than one where you can be truly off the grid, enjoying Arkansas nature without distractions or notifications? The Natural State is full of places where you can do just that, but few are better than Flatside Wilderness Area. It’s located in the spectacular Ouachita Mountain Range, and you won’t find a more secluded or lovely spot in the Natural State.
Fall is almost here, and I am so EXCITED for the new season to arrive! Have you started planning your autumn adventures yet? If you're wondering "when do leaves change color in Arkansas," then you've come to the right place. The predictions are in for us, and the Smoky Mountains map shows that we can expect to witness the gorgeous hues starting in mid-October. However, for the most vibrant colors, you'll want to plan to explore during late October through mid-November. And of course, you can witness the lovely season throughout Arkansas, but here are some of the best places that we recommend.
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1. Maplewood Cemetery, Harrison
Drive or stroll through the tree canopy at Maplewood Cemetery in Harrison for an explosion of gorgeous Fall colors. Though some might find this an odd choice, do yourself a favor and make this serene resting ground your top place to witness fall colors in Arkansas this year.
2. Talimena Scenic Drive, Mena
As one of the most scenic byways in Arkansas, you'll be greeted with welcoming scenes of vibrant oranges, yellows, and reds as you cruise along the byway. After driving on the winding roads through the Ouachita National Forest to the top of Rich Mountain, you can bask in more breathtaking vistas from Queen Wilhelmina State Park.
3. Hawksbill Crag/Whitaker Point, Kingston
Of course, the most-photographed spot in Arkansas would be one of the best places to marvel at fall colors. Overlooking the rolling hills of the Ozark Forest, you'll be delighted as you stand atop the crag admiring all that beauty.
We are blessed to have endless waterfalls, creeks, and streams inside the enchanting Ozarks, and all are bursting with colorful changing leaves. So, grab your hiking boots and trek to one of the beautiful cascades to witness the best of fall in Arkansas.
5. Mount Magazine State Park, Paris
During the fall season, you can visit just about any of the state parks in Arkansas to experience the changing leaves. However, the vistas from the top of the mountains would be the most ideal spots to see the season in all its glory. Mount Magazine State Park is a favorite spot for fall lovers, and the stunning views from the lodge will leave you awestruck.
If you want to see the best fall colors, you could simply step outside your house or visit a local park in your town. Or plan a visit to a charming small town in Arkansas like Siloam Springs. Many of our small towns come alive during the season, so be sure to enjoy it while it lasts.
At 2,260 feet above sea level, you will witness fall colors as far as the eye can see from White Rock Mountain. Bring your camera as you could easily spend hours capturing images and basking in all the beautiful hues of the season.
So, which of these amazing spots will you visit this year? In my opinion, they all belong on your list. You'll be witnessing the best of fall in Arkansas from the mountain tops to the highways and valleys below. Be sure to check out the Smoky Mountains prediction map before you plan your adventure.
Spread out over 16 Arkansas counties with 1.2 million acres of pure wonder, you'll find an endless amount of things to do in Ozark National Forest. Chances are, if you've lived in Arkansas very long, you’ve been to this amazing space. But which are the absolute must-visit spots in this wonderland? Well, we’ve compiled a list of a dozen places you absolutely have to visit in Ozark National Forest, sights you may not have heard of before.
Located in the Buffalo National River area, Lost Valley is a fantastic place to hike and it’s full of hidden wonders. You’ll find tons of gorgeous sights in Lost Valley, including the incomparable Eden Falls pictured here. The whole place is like a dream.
Located on Judea Mountain and overlooking Big Creek Valley, Sam’s Throne is a unique formation that is popular with rock climbers. No worries if you’re not much of a climber, though. It’s gorgeous no matter how you view it, and one of the most extraordinary things to do in Ozark National Forest.
Blanchard Springs Caverns is temporarily closed for annual maintenance. The 2024 season is expected to commence on March 1. These are popular and we’ve mentioned them before, but let’s not overlook the spring that the caverns are named for. It's serene and gorgeous, and you’ll find waterfalls while exploring it. Read more information about its reopening on the Blanchard Springs Caverns website.
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4. Pam’s Grotto (near Haw Creek Campground, Hagarville)
Tucked away in a grotto on a path surrounded by gorgeous bluffs, the trail you’ll take to see this truly amazing waterfall is only about a half-mile long, and one of our favorite Ozark National Forest things to do.
5. White Rock Mountain Recreation Area (near Mulberry)
Full of structures built by the Civilian Conservations Corps, White Rock Mountain Recreation Area is a step into the past. It’s also a step into some of the most incredible views in the state.
Pedestal Rocks Loop Trail is a 2.5-mile-loop that takes you through some of the coolest, most unique rock formations in Arkansas. They’re old, they’re tall, and they’re lessons in Arkansas geology, written in stone.
This unique waterfall is one of the most incredible places to visit in Ozark National Forest. It’s set on gorgeous and little-known Spadra Creek, just ten miles from Clarksville.
This place is also called Hawksbill Crag, because that’s what it looks like. The hike to Whitaker Point is three miles round trip, and it’s well worth it to get to the spot in Arkansas that’s been called "The Best Place To Get Kissed In Arkansas," and was featured in the movie Tuck Everlasting.
Shores Lake is located near White Rock Mountain, and it’s a great place to play for a weekend. It has a swimming beach, is stocked for fishing, and there are plenty of campsites where you can stay.
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11. Richland Creek Wilderness Area (Witts Springs)
We’ve already talked about how the Richland Creek Wilderness Area is basically a waterfall paradise, but let’s not overlook the creek itself. It’s one of the most scenic creeks in Arkansas, and it’s a perfect place to soak your feet and listen to the creek babble.
No really, the trees in the Ozark National Forest are wonders all on their own, and with 1.2 million acres of them, you’re sure to find wonder everywhere.
