Discover the Top 5 State Parks and 3 Best Thrilling Adventures in Arkansas (2024)

Planning a holiday often becomes a dilemma as there is a balance between enjoying scenic beauty and pursuing adventure sports. But good news, your next holiday in Arkansas will be free of such confusion. With unlimited natural beauty, there is a perfect availability of different outdoor adventures. So the time for further ‘this or that’ is over and it’s time to go through this article with the introduction to original Arkansas.

The humid subtropical weather in Arkansas makes it a perfect year-round tourist destination with its elementary atmosphere to entertain visitors anytime In addition, this state is home to mountains, caves, rivers, hot springs, and more. But most importantly, there are multiple abundant parks that attract thousands of tourists every year. There are over 50 state parks situated in different locations across Arkansas. However, there are some of the best parks that offer a complete experience of the wild natural beauty of southern America.

Top 5 State Parks in Arkansas

In the first section, you’ll get the list of the top 5 state parks in Arkansas that you cannot miss. Each of these parks is one of a kind and has something unique to offer. However, one common assurance is, these parks are worth a lifetime experience.

1. Petit Jean State Park

Petit Jean State Park is one of the best and oldest state parks located on Petit Jean Mountain near the Arkansas River and is known for its legendary tragedy of the 18th century. To explore the classic beauty of rustic nature, thrilling views, and ancient geology- you need to spend some time in this park. You can just relax with the soothing view overlooking cedar waterfalls. Other natural creations include sheer bluffs, seven hollows, a bear cave, the Grotto, a natural bridge, carpet rocks, and turtle rocks. The fun doesn’t end here, as visitors can enjoy modern amenities through various accommodation options.

Features of the Park:

• This park has an iconic Mather Lodge. situated on the edge of a bluff of a deep forested canyon with 24 rooms. There is a restaurant, meeting room, and function space for complete delight.
• Visitors may stay in the cabins or can go camping for an adventurous experience amidst Arkansas hill. This park is a certified place for the best camping site in 2017.
• Different outdoor sports activities like hiking, cycling, etc. are available here for the park visitors.

2. Devil’s Den State Park

Second on the list is Devil’s Den State Park, a nearly 90-year-old tourist destination. Surrounded by the Lee Creek valley of the Boston Mountains, this park offers a beautiful natural landscape. And the best part is, there is no specific season to enjoy in the park, rather you can experience the rustic glamour of Arkansas anytime. The park was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933 to make this place popular among the whole world. Approximately 500,000 visitors come to this park each year to enjoy the natural wonders and engage in thrilling outdoor activities. In addition, the Ozark Mountain bike festival attracts people from different regions during spring.

Features of the park:

• From its original cabins to unique rock formations and caverns, Devil’s Den State Park has wonders in every trail.
• There is a lake, fishing and boating spot, and picnic area to spend some time in complete relaxation.
• In the park, there are 17 cabins with kitchens and fireplaces, 6 camper cabins, 135 campsites, and eight hike-in to stay as wished. Along with that, there is accessibility for hiking and  biking.

3. Pinnacle Mountain State Park

For hiking enthusiasts and adventure lovers, Pinnacle Mountain State Park is a must-visit in Pulaski County, Arkansas. On the other hand, this place holds the national significance of the hardships faced by the removal parties of the Cherokees, Choctaws, Creeks, Seminoles, and Chickasaws. This is why it is also referred to as Trails of Tears. There are different natural attractions like the big and little Maumelle rivers, 22 miles of long trails, etc. Most importantly, there is hiking routes and 14 miles long and challenging mountain bike trail as famous outdoor activities.

Features of the park:

• Note that this park is only for tourist visits, picnics, gatherings, and hiking. Unlike the last two state parks, Pinnacle Mountain State Park doesn’t offer camping and stay at night.
• Hiking here is comparatively challenging, especially for kids. It takes around 1 ½ hours to reach the top of the mountain.
• There is no entrance fee for this state park.

4. Crater of Diamonds State Park

Do you want to feel like an explorer searching for diamonds in the scorching sun and eventually hold a real, uncut diamond that shines in the bright sunlight? If so, a visit to the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas is completely possible. This is the only place in the whole world where anyone can come and search for diamonds. Not only that, you can keep your finding to yourself without any offense. From 1906, almost 35000 diamonds are found by digging the 37 ½ acre plowed field, the eroded surface of an ancient, diamond-bearing volcanic crater. Undoubtedly, this is one of the must-visit places in Arkansas for its one-of-a-kind experience.

Features of the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas:

• There is no entry fee for the park but if you want to search diamonds, there are tickets worth $13 for adults and $6 for kids more than 6 years old. You may rent buckets, shovels, screens, etc. from the park.
• Other than finding diamonds, you can enjoy yourself in the Diamond Springs Water Park in summer or arrange a picnic, and stay in Class AAA campsites.
• Interested people can also visit the exhibition center to know more about different diamonds, how they are found, etc.

5. Mount Nebo State Park

Mount Nebo is mentioned in the Bible as it was where Moses lived out his final days and saw the Promised Land, which he would never enter. According to the old testament, Moses’ body may be buried here. Along with this significance, tourist visit this park to stay near the calm, natural beauty of the Arkansas river. Similar to the Pinnacle Mountain State Park, this is also known as the Trail of Tears.

Features of the Mount Nebo state park:

• This park includes 15 fully-equipped cabins out of which cabin 1 was the first-ever cabin to be available for rent in Arkansas park history. You can also stay in one of the 34 campsites.
• Tourists may go for 14 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. There are a swimming pool, tennis courts, picnic areas, pavilions, and a visitor center.
• A panoramic view of the mountain valley is one of the best things to experience from the top of the mountain after hiking.
• While these top 5 parks are the ultimate tourist getaway in Arkansas where people can enjoy solo, with friends, family, and kids, this place has something more to offer. Yes, the thrilling outdoor activities. The feeling of biking on the long trails of the mountains in Arkansas or exploring multiple dark caves that were developed thousands of years ago is unmatched.
• That’s why there is the following list of the top three activities you should definitely try when you’re in Arkansas.

Top 3 Outdoor Thrilling Adventure Activities to Try in Arkansas

1. ATVing and Moutain Biking on the Trails 

For people who love biking and ATVing, Arkanasa is a great getaway to spend a couple of days. For mountain biking, IMBA Epic trails, Delta Heritage Trail State Park, Razorback Regional Greenway, Ouachita Trail, Lake Ouachita Vista Trail, and Syllamo trails are some of the best options. People also opt for mountain bicycling in some of these places.

Options for ATVing include Cabot BMX Complex, Bonzai BMX at Burns Park, Ozark and Ouachita National Forests, and Mill Creek. You can enjoy wild high-speed rides amidst a rustic environment. Drivers need to carry their diving license and maintain the basic rules like following the defined route, wearing helmets and goggles, etc.

Rate Per Person:

• For ATV rental, the rate varies from $25 to $120 depending on the vehicle type, spot, duration, age, etc.
• For mountain bike rental, the fees vary from $40 to $110 depending on duration and age.

2. Canoeing and Kayaking

For people who are attracted to water activities, Arkansas has something special to offer. Canoeing and kayaking are two different types of padding in a narrow boat and it is considered fun water activity. There are different water bodies including the Cossatot river which is a world-famous spot for canoeing, kayaking, and rafting.

Fishing and normal boating might be available in different places, but experiencing canoeing and kayaking in Arkansas has its own taste.

Rate per person:

• $35 to $80 for Kayak depending on solo rental or bulk rental and duration.
• $60 to $76 for Canoe depending on solo rental or bulk rental and duration.

3. Cave Exploring

While the last two suggestions are for people who are open to wild adventures on road or on water, cave exploring is something that is most suitable for kids as well. Even if they are not much comfortable with biking or kayaking, exploring the ancient caves filled with many unknown natural facts would be interesting to them. There are around 2000 caves in Arkansas including some popular spots like Blanchard Springs Caverns, Bull Shoals Caverns, and Cosmic Caverns. Tourists may opt for a guided tour to know about the caves in detail. Each of these caves has unique construction and special features to showcase.

Before you go to any carven, note the timing, ticket availability, and duration beforehand.

Rate per person:

• The ticket price varies from one cave to another and it depends on age, duration, and if you hire a guide or not. For example, tickets for Blanchard Springs Caverns vary between $1 and $16 for regular tours and $85 for the special Wild Cave Tour with a longer duration.

Conclusion

In Arkansas, there are multiple national parks that hold many stories that cannot be completed in a single tour. However, the top five parks mentioned here hold the charm of Arkansas and that’s why they are more popular among tourists. Also, there are different outdoor activities like zip line, parachuting, skydiving, etc. available in Arkansas but we have recommended the three activities that would make double benefits. Firstly, you would enjoy the rustic outdoor activities and secondly, you can observe the natural beauty of Arkansas keenly.

So, plan your tour to Arkansas today and make the most of it with our brief guide.