Arkansas: America's Most Overlooked Outdoor State
Arkansas does not have the marketing budget of Colorado or Utah. It does not need one. The state holds the country's only diamond mine open to the public, the highest waterfall between the Rockies and Appalachians, the only free-flowing national river in the South, 223 miles of permit-free backcountry trail, and a stretch of Class IV whitewater that kayakers drive 10 hours to run. This 10-day circuit covers six distinct outdoor zones and three different activity types — best done April–May or October.
Trip Overview
- Duration: 10 days
- Start/End: Little Rock, AR
- Best months: April–May, October
- Total driving: ~600 miles circuit
Days 1–2 — Buffalo National River Float (Ponca to Kyle's Landing)
Drive from Little Rock to Jasper (2.5 hours) and launch at Ponca. Two days canoeing the Upper Buffalo — 28 miles of towering bluffs, Hemmed-in Hollow waterfall (209 ft, tallest between Rockies and Appalachians), and the Boxley Valley elk herd. Camp at Steel Creek Night 1, Kyle's Landing Night 2. See the Buffalo National River weekend itinerary for full day-by-day detail.
Days 3–4 — Ozark National Forest Backpacking
Drive to the Hurricane Creek Wilderness in the Ozark National Forest (1.5 hours from Jasper). The Hurricane Creek Trail (10 miles) runs through a limestone slot canyon with swimming holes and 100-foot bluffs. Camp at the wilderness campsites. Day 4 hike to Whitaker Creek for old-growth forest and creek-side camping. No permit required. Water from Hurricane Creek (filter).
Day 5 — Hot Springs National Park
Drive to Hot Springs (2 hours). Hot Springs NP is the smallest and most urban national park — a 19th-century spa town where bathhouses line the central promenade. Hike Hot Springs Mountain Trail (4.8 mi loop, 4.6★, 900 ft gain) for views over the city, then soak at Buckstaff Bathhouse (the only original bathhouse still operating in the traditional format, no reservation needed on weekdays).
Days 6–7 — Ouachita Trail Section Backpacking
Drive to Queen Wilhelmina State Park (2 hours) and hike the best 20-mile section of the Ouachita Trail through the Rich Mountain Wilderness. Two nights of ridge camping with zero permits, reliable springs, and Talimena Scenic Drive views. See the Ouachita Trail week itinerary for full detail.
Days 8–9 — Cossatot River Whitewater
Drive to Cossatot River State Park Natural Area (1.5 hours from Mena). The Cossatot is the best whitewater river in Arkansas — Class III-IV runs through a boulder-choked gorge. The Cossatot Falls section (put-in at Hempstead County Road 26 bridge, take-out at Hwy 246) is 7 miles of continuous technical paddling with drops up to 12 feet. This is expert water — scout everything. Alternatively, wade and swim in the lower pools on the Class I-II section near the park headquarters. Camp at the primitive sites in the state park.
Note: Cossatot River is runnable only at higher water levels (above 300 cfs on the gauge). Check the USGS gauge (#07340500) before driving out.
Day 10 — Lake Ouachita Paddling
Drive to Lake Ouachita State Park (1 hour from Cossatot). Lake Ouachita is Arkansas's largest lake and consistently rated one of the clearest in the US. Kayak or canoe from the state park marina to Tompkins Bend — a 6-mile paddle through uninhabited shoreline. The lake has its own island camping at Tompkins Bend (primitive sites, boat-in only). Return to Little Rock (1.5 hours) for departure.
