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Hiking in Arkansas

Arkansas Hiking & Trekking Guide 2026

Explore the best hiking trails and trekking routes in Arkansas.

By Updated

This guide covers 8+ hiking trails in Arkansas — Lost Valley Trail, Hemmed-In Hollow Trail and Pinnacle Mountain West Summit Trail top the list. Every recommendation carries its practical details: typical costs, the best time to visit, and what to know before you commit.

Arkansas blends rugged Ozark and Ouachita mountain landscapes with the Mississippi Delta's blues heritage, offering outdoor adventures from whitewater rafting on the Buffalo National River to hunting diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville rivals world-class institutions, while Hot Springs National Park's Bathhouse Row preserves a gilded-age thermal spa district. Little Rock anchors the state with Civil Rights history, vibrant dining, and easy access to trails and lakes.

Top trails

Routes worth lacing up your boots for.

  1. 1

    Lost Valley Trail

    2.7 miles round trip1.5–2.5 hours300 ft (91 m) gain

  2. 2

    Hemmed-In Hollow Trail

    6 miles round trip (from Steel Creek); 9 miles via Compton Trail3–5 hours900 ft (274 m) gain

  3. 3

    Pinnacle Mountain West Summit Trail

    1.5 miles round trip (West Summit); 3 miles with East Summit1–2 hours (West); 2.5–3 hours (both summits)1,011 ft (308 m) at summit

  4. 4

    Cedar Falls Trail, Petit Jean State Park

    2 miles round trip1.5–2.5 hours500 ft (152 m) descent and return

  5. 5

    Ouachita Trail (Section 1 – Lake Sylvia to Winona)

    11 miles one-way (can be done as out-and-back 5–6 miles)5–6 hours (out-and-back); full section all day500–1,800 ft ridge walking

  6. 6

    Magazine Mountain Summit Loop

    3.3 miles round trip2–3 hours2,753 ft (839 m) — highest point in Arkansas

  7. 7

    Devil's Den State Park — Yellow Rock Trail

    3 miles round trip1.5–2.5 hours500 ft (152 m) gain to sandstone bluff overlook

  8. 8

    Whitaker Point (Hawksbill Crag) Trail

    3 miles round trip1.5–2.5 hours700 ft (213 m) round trip

Trail difficulty levels

Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.

Easy

Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.

Moderate

Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.

Hard

Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.

Expert

Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.

Local hazards

What to watch out for on the trail.

High

Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.

Medium

Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.

Medium

Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.

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