Northwest Arkansas is a prime location for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a plethora of activities, from camping and climbing to floating and angling, catering to all skill levels.
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Buffalo National River Park encompasses over 95,000 acres linked together by a growing network of hiking trails and campgrounds, with backcountry camping allowed on some of the trails.
Arkansas’s largest state park, Hobbs spans over 12,054 acres of beautiful Ozark landscape along the southern shore of Beaver Lake and features 11 primitive campsites as well as a diverse 54-mile trail system for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. It is also the only state park in Arkansas to allow regulated hunting.
Devil’s Den offers hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, horseback riding trails, over 100 different campsites, 17 cabins, and six camper cabins in the Ozark National Forest.
Recognized as one of the most scenic trails in the US, spanning an impressive length of 230 miles through Northwest Arkansas, the Ozark Highlands Trail stretches from Lake Fort Smith State Park, across the Ozark National Forest, all the way to the Buffalo National River.
At Kessler Mountain, you’ll find miles of nature trails weaving through steep bluffs and rock-covered woodlands. Stands of old-growth forest, rock outcroppings, and many native flora and fauna species make the park a popular destination for hikers and mountain bikers alike.
Great for beginner and intermediate climbers, Lincoln Lake is a staple outdoor climbing spot in Northwest Arkansas.
Sam’s Throne sets the standard for rock climbing in Northwest Arkansas. Free camping, quality sport lines, and easy access from the top of the bluffs make Sam’s Throne one of Arkansas’s most popular climbing spots.
Horseshoe Canyon Ranch is well-known in the climbing community as THE destination for sandstone sport climbing. The park offers climbing guides and accommodates climbers of all skill levels.
A yoga, fitness, and climbing gym that offers bouldering, lead climbing, top ropes, kids climbing, and more.
A locally owned and operated bouldering gym located in Springdale, with a great community base that welcomes all levels of climbers.
An all-inclusive bouldering gym nestled in the heart of Fayetteville, Boulders and Brews features 3000 square feet of usable climbing wall space, a café, and a training room in the basement.
Canoeing and kayaking the Buffalo National River is the best floating experience in the state of Arkansas. With multiple trips of varying difficulty, the Buffalo River has something for everyone.
With its scenic beauty and crystal-clear waters, this free-flowing river is a prime spot for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, making it a must-visit location for anyone seeking an exciting outdoor experience in the heart of the Ozarks.
One of the few free-flowing rivers in the country, the Kings River begins in the Boston Mountains of the Ozark National Forest and flows for more than 90 miles, where it empties into Table Rock Lake at the Missouri state line. It is family-friendly with opportunities for camping, hiking, and fishing.
A popular destination for water enthusiasts, the park features a series of man-made rapids and pools designed for kayaking, canoeing, and tubing.
A 145-mile-long tributary of the Arkansas River, the Illinois River offers a moderate current and plenty of canoe, kayak, and raft outfitters along its scenic banks, making it a favorite float trip destination.
WOKA Whitewater Park features heart-pumping wave action for kayakers, surfers, and tubers of all skill levels. A best-in-class whitewater park featuring a 1,200-foot long, 100-foot wide side channel off the Illinois River with eight drop-features for an unforgettable experience.
