Hey friends! It’s that time of the year again when the leaves start painting the world with vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow. Fall in Arkansas is simply magical, and it’s the perfect season to get out and explore. So, grab your pumpkin spice latte and your favorite people, because I’ve got a fantastic Arkansas Fall Bucket List for you!
It’s road trip time!
1. Ozark Leaf Peeping Fun!
The Ozark Mountains (and much of Arkansas) transform into a kaleidoscope of colors during the fall season. This is the perfect time to explore the beauty of this region by going “leaf peeping!”
Leaf peeping is an informal term in the United States and Canada for the activity in which people travel to view and photograph the fall foliage. –source
Take a leisurely drive along the Pig Trail Scenic Byway, a road that winds through the Ozarks. Roll your windows down and enjoy the cool air while you drive!
If you want to surround yourself in nature, hit the hiking trails like the Buffalo National River Trail or Lost Valley Trail (one of our favorites)!
2. Petit Jean State Park
Petit Jean State Park is my favorite place to be no matter the season but it’s extra special during the Fall.
There are countless hiking trails of all difficulty so I know you’ll find one you like.
Also, the views behind Mather Lodge are priceless. Every evening, people gather there just to enjoy the sunset!
Fall is also the PERFECT time to rent a YURT at Petit Jean.
Details about that: Everything You Need to Know About Renting a YURT at Petit Jean State Park
Actually, there are YURTs all over Arkansas! Check those out here:
9 Yurts in Arkansas That Make “Camping” Relaxing
3. Corn Maze Craziness
Visiting a corn maze is a all tradition that’s hard to resist.
There are many around Arkansas that offer aMAZEing corn mazes and so much more (including pumpkins)!
Some favorites are:
1. Hicks Family Farms in Lonoke
2. Peebles Pumpkin Farm and Corn Maze in Augusta
3. Jackson Farm in Black Rock
4. Rolling Oaks Farm in Jonesboro
5. Pumpkin Hollow in Piggot
4. Arkansas Wine Country
I know that visiting Arkansas’s wine country might not be the first thing you think of when you thing of Fall but hear me out. The Altus region, nestled in the Arkansas River Valley where fall colors abound, boasts several wineries that produce a range of wines.
Take a tour, taste the local wines, and enjoy the picturesque vineyard views. It’s a fantastic way to appreciate the flavors and landscapes of Arkansas in the fall.
While you’re there, check it off your Arkansas Bucket List!
5. Fall in love with Mountain View!
Mountain View, Arkansas belongs on your fall bucket list! Known as the Folk Music Capital of the World, this Ozark town comes alive in the Fall with music on the square, festivals, and good food.
In fact, our favorite food truck (Samich’s Rolling Grill) is right there on the square!
The surrounding Ozark National Forest and Blanchard Springs offer stunning fall colors, hiking, and crisp mountain air, while local shops and craft stores showcase the region’s heritage. Ozark Folk Center State Park is a MUST SEE destination, the Dulcimer Shop is tradition even if you don’t play and catching all the free live music on the square is mandatory!
Whether you come for the music, the scenery, or the warm community spirit, Mountain View is the perfect place to soak up Arkansas fall.
6. Visit Small Town America
So….
One of the best trips we have ever had was in Leslie, Arkansas.
Leslie has a population of UNDER 500 and it’s just the cutest town. You can shop at the flea markets and antique shops, eat at the legendary Skylark Cafe (and other great eateries), see the history at the Ozark Heritage Arts Center, stay in a 100 year old historic home or shop at the beautiful Brick House Artisans!
Leslie is small and so lovely!
7. Ride through the Ouachita National Forest
One of our best trips was staying at Wolfpen ATV Campground and Cabins (we stayed in a 2 bedroom cabin) and spending 2 days riding through the Ouachita National Forest in rented ATVs.
The fall colors were beautiful! We spent most of our time on forest roads that went winding through the trees. The roads were smooth so don’t picture this as off-road craziness. You can experience that too but we like smooth winding roads.
This is an experience you’ll never forget!
Watch our adventure here: