Top 10 Best State Parks to Visit in Arkansas
Photograph by Brandonrush, via Wikimedia Commons
Petit Jean State Park
#1 in Best Top 10 State Parks to Visit in Arkansas
Located atop Petit Jean Mountain, Petit Jean State Park is known for its rustic, native log and stone facilities built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s. The park main attraction is Cedar Creek Canyon which cascades as a spectacular 95-foot waterfall. Petit Jean State Park provides many reaction facilities such as cabins, camping, lodge, boat rentals, tennis and basketball courts, swimming pools, and picnic areas. The park also has several distinct geological features such as Bear Cave, the Grotto, Natural Bridge, and other formations like carpet rocks and turtle rocks. The scenic overlook at 1,120 feet provides breathtaking view of the Arkansas River.
Photograph by Jason Ronza, via Wikimedia Commons
Mount Magazine State Park
#2 in Best Top 10 State Parks to Visit in Arkansas
Mount Magazine is Arkansas's highest point at 2,753 feet. Located on Scenic Highway 309 south of Paris, Mount Magazine State Park includes Mossback Ridge and peak of Mount Magazine. The state park offers 14.2 miles of hiking trails. The peak of Mount Magazine has 60 guest rooms lodge, cabins, trails, and hang gliding areas. The Lodge at Mount Magazine features restaurant, a conference center, business center, heated indoor swimming pool, fitness center, and game room. The park also host family fun programs and activities such as guided hikes, historic site tours, campfires, and kayak tours throughout year. The visitor center features exhibits and wildlife observation area overlooking a native plant garden. The park offers variety of outdoor sports and recreation activities including mountain biking, horseback riding, back-packing, and ATV riding.
Photograph by Jason Ronza, via Wikimedia Commons
Pinnacle Mountain State Park
#3 in Best Top 10 State Parks to Visit in Arkansas
Pinnacle Mountain State Park is located 15 miles west of Little Rock. The state park main attraction is Pinnacle Mountain surrounded by the Big and Little Maumelle rivers. The state park has over 15 miles of hiking trails. Park activities include hiking, camping, and mountain biking.
Photograph Flickr by kthypryn, via Wikimedia Commons
Crater of Diamonds State Park
#4 in Best Top 10 State Parks to Visit in Arkansas
Crater of Diamonds State Park is famous for diamonds been discovered in the field since 1906. The park features 37 acre plowed field where visitors can hunt for diamonds and gems. The eroded surface of a volcanic crater is source of variety of rocks, minerals, and gemstones. Park visitors can keep any rock or mineral they find regardless of its value. Other recreation activities of the state park include trails, campsite, and picnicking. Diamond Springs Water Park located in the park open from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day.
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Devil's Den State Park
#5 in Best Top 10 State Parks to Visit in Arkansas
Devil's Den State Park located near West Fork, Arkansas features camping sites, picnic areas, and swimming pool. Recreation activities include hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The 8-acre Lake Devil offers fishing, boating, pedal boats, and canoeing opportunity. The state park has 64 miles of hiking trails with two of the trails lead to the surrounding Ozark National Forest. The park pool is open in summer only.
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Mount Nebo State Park
#6 in Best Top 10 State Parks to Visit in Arkansas
Mount Nebo State Park located atop the 1,350 foot Mount Nebo near Dardanelle, Arkansas. The park offers scenic view of the Lake Dardanelle, Arkansas River and the surrounding mountain ridges. The state park features 14 miles of hiking and biking trails. It has many of the rustic-style cabins, pavilions, and bridges. Recreation activities include hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, and swimming. Other facilities include swimming pool, tennis courts, and pavilions.
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Lake Ouachita State Park
#7 in Best Top 10 State Parks to Visit in Arkansas
Lake Ouachita State Park is located 10 miles northwest of Hot Springs. The state park is popular for recreation activities on the Lake Ouachita. The 40,000 acres Lake Ouachita is Arkansas’s largest lake surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest. Recreation water activities include swimming, boating, kayaking, fishing, skiing, and scuba diving. Other park activities include hiking, biking, camping, and picnicking.
Photograph by Thomas R Machnitzki, via Wikimedia Commons
Village Creek State Park
#8 in Best Top 10 State Parks to Visit in Arkansas
Village Creek State Park features 7,000 acres of forested hills, two lakes, and 27 holes golf course. The park has 33 miles of hiking and biking trails. Park includes campgrounds, cabins. picnic areas, outdoor and indoor theaters, and a museum. Lake Austell and Lake Dunn offer boating and fishing opportunity.
Photograph Flickr by Kimberly Vardeman, via Wikimedia Commons
Lake Catherine State Park
#9 in Best Top 10 State Parks to Visit in Arkansas
Lake Catherine State Park located near Hot Springs, Arkansas is a public recreation area. The park situated on the shore of Lake Catherine offers boating, swimming, and picnicking activities. The park has 10 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails. Fall Creek Falls that is accessible by Falls Branch Trail is the main attraction of the park. Lake Catherine is one of five lakes in the Ouachita Mountain region. Boat rentals and kayak available at the park throughout year. Park facilities include boat ramp, pavilion, and picnic areas.
Photograph Flickr by CoreBurn, via Wikimedia Commons
Bull Shoals White River State Park
#10 in Best Top 10 State Parks to Visit in Arkansas
Bull Shoals-White River State Park is located along the shoreline of Bull Shoals Lake and the White River. The park is popular for trout fishing. The park features riverside marina and store that offer boat rentals. Park activities include hiking, biking, camping, and picnicking.
All Arkansas State Parks
- Bull Shoals White River State Park
- Crater of Diamonds State Park
- Devil's Den State Park
- Lake Catherine State Park
- Lake Ouachita State Park
- Mammoth Spring State Park
- Mount Magazine State Park
- Mount Nebo State Park
- Petit Jean State Park
- Pinnacle Mountain State Park
- Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park
- Village Creek State Park