I know we like to keep certain places to ourselves, to preserve the solitude and natural beauty we love so much. Having said that, I think you’ll agree that we should praise the wonders of the Natural State, right? So, if it makes you less angry at your friendly Arkansas writer, consider this article a way we can keep secrets among ourselves. These 11 places are so incredible they deserve to be recognized.

In the captions, you’ll find a link to an entire article about each place on this list.

11. Gunner Pool Recreation Area

There’s a natural pool hiding in the Natural State, with clear, cool creeks totally surrounding it. Gunner Pool Recreation Area is the perfect place to cool your heels or just spend some time admiring the gorgeous waters. This hidden gem is idyllic, exceptionally beautiful, and a place every Arkansan needs to visit at least once.

You can see more of Gunner Pool Recreation Area by

clicking this link.

10. Ozone Burger Barn

If you’re a fan of delicious burgers and off-the-beaten-path locales, I’ve got the perfect place for you. Hiding out in the forest near Ozone, you’re going to find a tiny barn that serves up some of the best burgers in Arkansas.

You can learn about the Ozone Burger Barn

in this article.

9. Beaver Lake's Ghost Town

Did you know that there is an entire ghost town under one of Arkansas’s most popular lakes? The planned community of Monte Ne was flooded when Beaver Lake was formed, and its ruins still lie mostly beneath the waters. Your best chance for seeing a lot of ruins is during seasons where the water is very low, but you can see Oklahoma Row and the amphitheatre just about any time.

To see more about Beaver Lake’s ghost town,

click this link.

8. Longbow Resort

You’ll have to call ahead and make reservations at this Ozarks oasis, but it’s well worth the effort. Longbow Resort was built to be a haven up in the mountains, and it’s clear that the cabins there are a little piece of heaven on earth. One of them even has a waterfall you can see from inside the cabin.

You can find even more gorgeous pictures of Longbow Resort

in this article.

7. Long Pool Falls

If you’re into waterfalls, you probably already know there’s something extra-spectacular about visiting a waterfall without a lot of other people around. Long Pool Falls is a hidden waterfall that you’re absolutely going to love.

Read more about Long Pool Falls

at this link.

6. Blue Spring

Blue Spring is hiding up near Eureka Springs. It has a lot of spiritual significance for the Native American tribes in the area, and you can learn about that on your visit to Blue Spring Heritage Center. Blue Spring and the lagoon it drains into are hauntingly beautiful.

You can find out more about Blue Spring by

clicking here.

5. Alma Aquatic Center

If water parks are your thing, you’re going to love the little town of Alma. Alma Aquatic Center has lots of slides, a splash pad, a covered pool for the little ones, and even a climbing wall you can jump or fall off of.

There’s more to know about the Alma Aquatic Center, and you can

learn it here.

4. The Lakes of Cosmic Cavern

Cosmic Cavern is one of Arkansas’s most impressive show caves, a stunning natural experience that everyone in the Natural State needs to check out. What’s hiding in that gorgeous cave is two bottomless lakes, and there’s nothing like gazing into that sapphire water.

You can get a sneak peak at the wonders of Cosmic Cavern by

reading this article.

3. Loco Ropes

Hiding in the forest out near Mountain View, you can explore the trees from the canopy. Loco Ropes is a zip-lining, climbing, high-flying adventure that just about anyone can do, and it really does show you the forest in a way you’ve never seen it before.

Learn more about Loco Ropes by

clicking here.

2. Turpentine Creek

Just outside of Eureka Springs, you’re going to find lions and tigers and bears. Please remain calm, however, as these wild things aren't lurking out in the wilderness, they live in habitats at Turpentine Creek. Turpentine Creek is the biggest rescue of its kind that’s open to the public, and you can visit the rescued animals while supporting a great cause.

You can find out more about Turpentine Creek in

this article.

1. Richland Creek Wilderness

Richland Creek Wilderness Area is truly one of the Natural State’s most awe-inspiring treasures. Its appeal lies in 11,674 acres of scenic woods and the many incredible waterfalls in the area. Arkansas’s waterfall paradise is rustic, but it is also a total wonderland.

You can read more about the Richland Creek Wilderness in

this article.

You can find more hidden gems in the Natural state at this link. You may also want to check out these breathtaking natural wonders and these hidden restaurants.