Though our mountains are shorter than most, Arkansas has many beautiful mountains and valleys that make the Natural State breathtaking.
Arkansas is known for its hill country and beautiful valleys. There are endless twists and turns that will continually lead you to new places to explore.
Many favorite places to explore for us Arkansans are our beautiful mountains. The activities are endless!
Most Beautiful Mountains in Arkansas
Pack a picnic lunch and take a road trip to see these beautiful Arkansas mountains. In fact, if you’re an outdoor enthusiast, these areas offer great camping, fishing and hiking opportunities!
1. Mount Magazine
Mount Magazine is Arkansas’s highest point at 2,753 feet. I remember my first trip there in college. My friend Emily and her brother took me there and I just couldn’t believe how beautiful the views were!
Mount Magazine is actually within the Ozark-St.Francis National Forest but this particular peak is a beauty all on it’s own. A huge perk is the beautiful lodge at the top. Pack your toothbrush and stay a while!
“It is a destination for outdoor sports and extreme adventures with mountain biking, horseback riding, backpacking, and ATV riding. Scenic overlooks, hiking trails, picnic area, pavilion, and visitor center with gift shop add to the amenities.” -source
Mount Magazine is also home to one of the BEST Arkansas Hiking Trails for Kids. So, be sure to bring your young’uns!
Mount Magazine has also been named one of the prettiest places in Arkansas.
2. Ozark Mountains
The Ozark Mountains make the northern half of Arkansas a hilly, twisty, beautiful place to be. This mountain region is filled with amazing Arkansas hiking trails, scenic drives, beautiful waterfalls and friendly towns.
“The Ozarks cover nearly 47,000 square miles [of Northern Arkansas and Southern Missouri], making it the most extensive highland region between the Appalachians and Rockies. Together with the Ouachita Mountains, the area is known as the U.S. Interior Highlands.” -source
The Ozarks are home to beautiful places like Eureka Springs and Heber Springs as well as unique sites like the Little Golden Gate Bridge of Arkansas and Outlaw Hideouts in Arkansas.
You will also love: Treasure Hunting in Arkansas: Legends, Rumors and Paydays
3. Ouachita Mountains
I love the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas.
“The Ouachita Mountains are unique in that they run east to west, rather than the north to south direction of the Appalachian and Rocky Mountains. The sandstone and shale slopes harbor two types of forest: hardwood on the northern slopes and pine and oak on the drier south-facing slopes. Much of the range is contained within the Ouachita National Forest, a 1.8 million-acre outdoor playground.” -source
You will find excellent Arkansas hiking trails, fun things to do in Hot Springs and Arkansas fishing that’s out of this world.
If camping is your thing, there are countless Arkansas camping opportunities. In fact, Lake Ouachita island camping is extremely popular in this area.
Within the Ouachita National Forest, there are also many opportunities for dispersed and primitive camping.
4. Petit Jean Mountain
Petit Jean Mountain is one of my favorite places to go hiking and camping in Arkansas. My husband and I have even rented pedal boats on the lake and enjoyed a fun afternoon in the sun!
“Petit Jean State Park is an Arkansas classic, a natural and historic treasure that has welcomed travelers for decades. The natural beauty and ancient geology of the legendary Petit Jean Mountain inspired the creation of Arkansas’s first state park and with it our state park system.” -source
From the top of Petit Jean Mountain, you can see one of the most amazing canyons in Arkansas or you can choose to hike down and play in the cool water at the bottom.
Petit Jean State Park has also been named one of our FAVORITE Arkansas Campgrounds for First-Time Campers!
While you’re there, don’t miss this: 14 “Must Do” Things at Petit Jean State Park
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