18 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Arkansas

Arkansas, also know as “The Natural State” or formerly “The Land of Opportunity”, offers some of the most beautiful and spectacular sights and places to visit! Just browse through these awesome pictures and be amazed by it’s beauty. Did you know that Arkansas contains over 600,000 acres of lakes and 9,700 miles of streams and rivers!

Table of Contents

1. Whitaker Point

Whitaker Point, Arkansas — Whitaker Point

Whitaker Point is a beautiful Arkansas that has appeared in Disney movies, as well as a journalist’s article regarding the best places to be kissed! No wonder. The jagged outcrop itself is as old as time—it has seen countless proposals through the generations. It offers views that will leave you speechless. Beware, though, for Whitaker Point is as dangerous as it is beautiful. The edge of the rock is steeper and narrower than you’d first think, and this beauty spot has seen tragedy in its time.

2. Roark’s Bluff

Roark’s Bluff towers over the Arkansas skyline as if defending the area from an unknown enemy. The surrounding area is stunning, especially in the fall when the tree line is tinted with earthen color and the leaves crackle underfoot. If you’re lucky enough to visit during high water, you’ll see two magnificent waterfalls—Roark Bluff Falls and V Notch Falls—crashing over 100-feet into the water below.

3. Pinnacle Mountain

Pinnacle Mountain, Arkansas — Pinnacle Mountain

Soaring over 1,000 feet over the Arkansas River Valley, Pinnacle Mountain, and its surrounding state park are must-see natural wonders for any and all outdoors enthusiasts. With two hiking trails leading to the summit, the view from the top is even better than the view from the park! Be sure to visit the Arkansas Arboretum while you’re there; it holds over seventy acres of Arkansas precious flora. The park closes an hour after sunset, so it’s well worth waiting to get a photograph of the sun setting over Pinnacle Mountain.

4. The Old Mill Park in Little Rock

Otherwise known as T.R Pugh Memorial Park and hidden away in North Little Rock, you’ll find a recreation of a nineteenth-century grist mill among the tranquil, natural beauty of this area. The mill and its surroundings were actually used in the opening scenes of Gone with the Wind, and as it is the only building that remains of the classic piece of cinema history, movie fans of all ages can step back to a simpler time. Even if you have no interest in the mill itself, the park as a whole is magnificent, making it the perfect picturesque backdrop for photographs and videos.

5. Petit Jean State Park

Petit Jean State Park is a wondrous place. 21 miles of hiking trails lead you through unblemished Arkansas wilderness, with untamed bluffs and wild caves for the avid outdoors explorer to enjoy. Petit Jean Mountain, central to the park, watches over the natural landscape tirelessly. You’ll find log and stone facilities throughout the area, all befitting the natural splendor of the area. Petit Jean State Park is a magical place that will leave you begging to come back.

6. Mount Magazine, Corley

Mount Magazine stands over 2,750 feet tall, making it Arkansas’ highest mountain. From atop either of the plateau’s two peaks, you’ll have unhindered access to some of the state’s finest scenery. Broad river valleys intersect the landscape below, magnificent birdlife will dazzle and impress atop the wild Arkansas tree line, and distant mountains offer a backdrop of the like you’ll rarely see again. Mount Magazine is definitely worth a visit—if only for the opportunity to enjoy the summit’s fine dining as the sun sets over the “Natural State.”

7. View from Hawksbill Crag

Though Whitaker Point tends to steal the attention here, the rest of Hawksbill Crag is certainly not to be ignored. Hidden deep in a dense, bluff-filled wilderness, Hawksbill Crag offers something for outdoors enthusiasts of all walks. Climbers will appreciate the jagged landscape and the sheer drops while naturists will enjoy the tranquil serenity of the surrounding hardwood forests and natural Arkansas greenery.

8. Devil’s Den State Park

Concealed within the Ozark Valley, Devil’s Den State Park is one of Mother Nature’s masterpieces. Surrounded by the native oak of the Ozark National Forest, and dissected by the pristine Lee Creek, Devil’s Den captures the magic of the Arkansas landscape. You’ll find Lake Devil, created by a native stone dam, deep inside the heart of the park, and whether you’re a “water baby” or not, its peaceful water is a sight that should be on anybody’s bucket list!

9. Lake Ouachita

With almost 1,000 miles of shoreline and 40,000 acres of pristine water, Lake Ouachita is a mecca for water sports fans and anglers alike. Highly renowned for its clarity, you’ll find plenty of opportunity for water skiing, diving, boating, and fishing—and thanks to the beauty of the surrounding Ouachita National Forest, you’ll find plenty to do even if you prefer keeping your feet on dry land. If relaxation is your key to happiness, you’ll find everything you’re looking for and more at Hot Springs, just a short while from the lake’s eastern shoreline.

10. Buffalo River

With just over 150 miles of flowing water, the Buffalo River meanders its way through Arkansas, passing behemoth-like bluffs, craggy outcrops, and wild state forests. With 135 miles of the river being managed by the National Park Service, Buffalo National River is one of the few rivers in the lower states which remains undammed. On your Buffalo Journey, you’ll experience everything from the excitement of wild white rapids to the serenity of ebbing pools, making a Buffalo River adventure something that should be at the forefront of any Arkansas-adventurer’s mind.

11. Bowers Hollow Falls

Hidden away in the Upper Buffalo Wilderness, you’ll find Arkansas’ most beautiful wet-weather waterfalls. At over 56’, seeing water crash over its jagged, yet beautiful, precipice is an out of this world experience. While visiting the falls, you’ll be enveloped by the natural and rugged beauty of the Ozark National Forest. Nearby, you’ll also come across two more falls—McClure and Smith—both of which are well worth a detour!

12. View from The Tower at the top of Hot Springs Mountain

View Of Hot Springs, Arkansas From The Hot Springs Mountain Tower

High atop Hot Springs Mountain, you’ll find an observation post, colloquially known as “The Tower.” From the top of this man-made observation tower, you’ll be standing 1,256 feet above sea level, with an unparalleled view of 140 miles of Arkansas wilderness. For less than $10, you’ll look down at Hot Springs National Park and the Ouachita Mountains with child-like wonder!

13. Buffalo River Waterfall

The Natural State, Arkansas, has an abundance of lakes and waterways—and thanks to the jagged and tough terrain, those waterways have provided the state with some of the most impressive natural waterfalls available in North America. On almost any trail in the Ouachita or Ozark Mountain ranges, you’re sure to come across a waterfall or two. Just remember that as beautiful as they may be, they can be deadly, so do be careful! If you’re hoping to see, or photograph, a waterfall at its full ferocity, it is definitely worth arranging your trip to correspond with periods of wet weather!

14. Mount Nebo

Mount Nebo stands 1,350 feet over the Arkansas River Valley, contained on all sides by a mixture of hardwood and pine forestry. The entire Mount Nebo Park area holds a certain harsh beauty of the kind that is ever-present throughout the state. While visiting Mount Nebo, it is imperative that you visit Sunrise and Sunset points, offering uninhibited viewing of one of Arkansas’ most beautiful natural landmarks.

15. Magnolia Falls

Magnolia Falls, Arkansas — Magnolia Falls

Compared to other waterfalls situated in Arkansas, Magnolia Falls is somewhat short in stature, 26’ at its highest point. What it lacks in size, however, it more than makes up for with its rugged beauty. Magnolia Falls may just be one of Arkansas best-kept secrets—as visitors tend to flock to Hemming Hollow and the like, you’ll often find yourself alone at Magnolia Falls, making it an excellent spot for quiet thought and meditation.

16. Hemmed-in-Hollow Falls

Hemmed-in-Hollow Falls, Arkansas — Hemmed-in-Hollow Falls

Arkansas’ biggest waterfall, standing at a massive 210’, Hemmed-in-Hollow Falls is one of the most visited natural spots in the entire state. The trail leading to this magnificent waterfall is tough—a 1,400 descent all the way down, with poor footing and jagged outcrops in abundance. Ensure that you err on the side of caution while you navigate this trail; it really can humble the most experienced hiking parties. Despite the difficulty, Hemmed-in-Hollow is well worth the visit—if only to see water crash to the Earth from such an immense height.

17. Blanchard Springs Caverns

Blanchard Springs is well known for its fishing, hiking, and swimming trails. However, there’s more right beneath your feet! Entering the underground domain of the Blanchard Springs Caves will take your breath away—the jagged, rough formations of rock are truly a sight to behold. The entire subterranean system is akin to something you might read in a novel about Dwarves, Goblins, and other creatures that reside in the world of fantasy.

18. Buffalo River at Ponca

The section of the Buffalo River between Ponca and Kyles Landing is deemed by many to be the most scenic float of the entire 150 mile-long waterway, and it’s easy to see why! This stretch cuts straight through rough, mountainous terrain that’d be incredibly difficult to navigate on foot. Sharp outcrops of rock, massive bluffs, and beautiful foliage line the entire stretch—leaving an everlasting imprint of the Ponca area in the memory of any visitor fortunate enough to experience this part of the Buffalo River.