Sometimes you just want to start and finish in the same place. You don’t want to go on a long hike to nowhere. Instead, you want to finish back at your car…where your lunch is. You need a great Arkansas hiking loop!
If you’re like me and you want to make it back to your car in a reasonable amount of time, you’re going to love these hiking loops. These aren’t just any hiking loops. These are the best Arkansas hiking loops!
Best Arkansas Hiking Loops
To find these epic hiking loops, I interviewed my friends at Trove1 who are hiking experts. You can trust them. Trust me. 🙂 These are some of the BEST hiking trails in Arkansas!
7. Rim Trail – Mt. Nebo
This trail goes all the way around Mt. Nebo and offers some epic views.
Mount Nebo Rim Trail is a 3.6 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Dardanelle, Arkansas that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from March until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
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You’ll find the Rim Trail here:
16728 West State Hwy. 155
Dardanelle, AR 72834
Official Website
While you’re in the neighborhood, check out all the fun things to do in Russellville, Arkansas.
6. Pedestal Rocks and King’s Bluff
These are two hikes with the same trailhead, they also share a short section of the trail. Pedestal rocks offers incredible bluff lines with pedestal rocks as the name implies. King’s Bluff also follows atop incredible bluff lines and includes King’s Bluff falls.
For directions, visit Arklahoma Hiker.
5. Cedar Creek Trail – Petit Jean Mountain
A beautiful hike that follows along Cedar Creek trail atop Petit Jean Mountain. This hike is especially good in the spring after heavy rains.
This trail winds along a scenic section of Cedar Creek above Cedar Falls. Constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the early 1930’s, this trail’s rock steps and bluffs create a few difficult places. The mountain stream, high bluffs and thick vegetation make Cedar Creek Trail perfect for experiencing local bird and plant life. A guide to the trail is available at Mather Lodge and at the park Visitor Center.
Arkansas State Parks
After you’re finished, you can check it off your EPIC Arkansas Bucket List!
You’ll find the Cedar Creek Trail here:
1285 Petit Jean Mountain Road
Morrilton, AR 72110
GPS: 35.1206, -92.92965
Petit Jean State Park is also one of our favorite Arkansas state parks for camping!
4. Indian Rock House Cave Trail
The Indian Rock House Cave (or Edgemont Shelter) in Fairfield Bay is a “must see” bucket list adventure in Arkansas!
I have heard of the Indian Rock House Cave in Fairfield Bay but, until a few days ago, I had never seen it for myself.
To be honest, pictures just don’t do this cave justice. I could not believe how massive it was.
Read all about it here: This Is Unbelievable! Indian Rock House Cave in Fairfield Bay Arkansas
3. Sugar Loaf Mountain Island Trail
Sugar Loaf Mountain Island Trail is a unique and adventurous hiking trail in the middle of Greers Ferry Lake.
What makes this trail different from all of the other great hiking trails in Arkansas is that you have to catch a ferry to reach the trailhead. This is the only island trail in Arkansas!
The Sugar Loaf Mountain Island Trail is a 2.5 mile loop that can be surprisingly challenging. There are a lot of steps and steep climbs so be aware.
Read more here: [FULL DETAILS] Sugar Loaf Mountain Island Trail
2. Seven Hollows Trail – Petit Jean
A portion of this trail was scorched by a wildfire in 2000. I remember seeing the smoke from our home 30 miles away. It has since recovered dramatically and offers beautiful hollows, a natural bridge, rock formations, as well as a waterfall.
This loop trail passes through a series of small canyons under the canopy of a dense hardwood forest. Unique features such as a natural stone arch, rock shelters, a box canyon and signs of prehistoric bluff-dwelling Native Americans add to the experience of this truly spectacular trail.
Arkansas State Parks
You’ll find Seven Hollow Trail here:
1285 Petit Jean Mountain Road
Morrilton, AR 72110
GPS: 35.114265632578, -92.94544100761
1. Devil’s Den Trail
Located in Devil’s Den State Park this trail offers waterfalls, the “Devil’s Den” and numerous other crevasses and scenic rock formations. Also do the Yellow Rock trail while you are there for an epic overlook!
The Devil’s Den Trail has it all, gravity flow springs, peculiar erosional remnants of sandstone strata, wet weather waterfalls, and lush Ozark plant and animal life. This rocky trail is a perfect example of the rugged Boston Mountain terrain.
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You’ll find Devil’s Den Trail here:
11333 West Arkansas Hwy. 74
West Fork, AR 72774
GPS: 35.781333, -94.249583
Devil’s Den also has some of the BEST tent camping in Arkansas.
Best Arkansas Hiking Loops
A special thanks to my friends at Trove1 for their insight into the best Arkansas Hiking Loops!
Also don’t miss: 6 BEST Arkansas Hiking Trails with Waterfalls
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