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.

1. Lost Valley Trail (Ponca)

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.

2. Sam’s Throne (near Mt. Judea)

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.

3. Blanchard Spring (near Mountain View)

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.

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.

6. Pedestal Rocks Trail (Witts Springs)

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.

7. Spainhour Falls (Farris Springs)

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.

8. Whitaker Point (Kingston)

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.

9. Haw Creek Falls (Hagarville)

There’s a convenient recreation area named after these falls. From the campground it’s a 4.7 mile moderate hike to the gorgeous falls.

10. Shores Lake Recreation Area (Mulberry)

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.

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.

12. Trees (Everywhere)

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.

Discover more about things to do in Ozark National Forest on the website. For another scenic journey through nature, hike 2.5 miles to stand behind Sixty Foot Falls in Arkansas. Check out the hike on the AllTrails website.