Arkansas Outside

Buffalo National River Announces Major Campground Reservation Changes for 2026 Buffalo National River will require 2026 reservations at several major campgrounds while others remain first come, first served. Backcountry camping stays unchanged.

Camping at the Buffalo River just changed.

Starting today, several Buffalo National River campgrounds now require reservations instead of first-come sites. If you’re planning a trip this season, reserve your campsite before you go.

arkansasoutside.com/buffalo-nati...

Backpacking the Eagle Rock Loop: Days Two and Three on the Athens-Big Fork Trail (Part 2) Day two and three on the Eagle Rock Loop in the Ouachita National Forest: five ridge crossings, a boot repair with duct tape, Little Missouri Falls, and the finish

Part Two of our Eagle Rock Loop backpacking trip is live.

The trail climbs out of the Little Missouri valley and crosses into the rugged Athens-Big Fork section.

Read it here:
arkansasoutside.com/eagle-rock-l...

#Arkansas #Backpacking #OuachitaMountains

Arkansas is launching Guide ARK, a new network of verified outdoor guides across the state.

The program connects adventurers with licensed experts offering trips in paddling, fishing, hiking, climbing, cycling, and more.
Applications for guides are open now.

arkansasoutside.com/guide-ark-ar...

Backpacking the Eagle Rock Loop: Spring Break on the Little Missouri Trail (Part 1) A family backpacking trip on the Eagle Rock Loop in the Ouachita National Forest. Day one covers the Little Missouri Trail, Winding Stairs, and camp at Saline Creek.

The Eagle Rock Loop is one of Arkansas’s classic backpacking adventures.

More than 25 miles of Ouachita Mountains wilderness, river crossings, and ridge climbs make it a favorite for hikers looking for a challenge.

Part 1 of the story is live:
arkansasoutside.com/eagle-rock-l...

7 Favorite Day Hiking Trails in Arkansas Discover the 7 best day hiking trails in Arkansas, from Seven Hollows at Petit Jean to Hawksbill Crag. Updated trail info, tips, and distances included.

Arkansas has no shortage of incredible day hikes. From the Goat Trail’s dramatic Buffalo River views to scenic overlooks at Mount Magazine and Devil’s Den, these seven trails deliver big rewards without needing an overnight trip.

Start planning your next hike:

arkansasoutside.com/7-favorite-d...

Buffalo National River Seeks Public Input on New River Management Plan The National Park Service is seeking public input on a new Buffalo National River management plan. Learn how to attend meetings and submit comments before April 10.

The future of the Buffalo National River is being planned.

The National Park Service is asking for public feedback on a new River Management Plan that will guide recreation and visitor use along America’s first National River.

arkansasoutside.com/buffalo-nati...

Big Dam Bridge to Close for Routine Inspection in March 2026 The Big Dam Bridge in central Arkansas will close March 9 to 13, 2026, for a routine inspection. Learn how the weekday daytime closure will affect Arkansas River Trail users and what detours offer the...

Heads up, Central Arkansas trail users.

The Big Dam Bridge closure starts today, with daily shutdowns 8 a.m.–5 p.m. through Friday for inspection. No bike or pedestrian access during those hours.

If it’s part of your commute or ride, plan another crossing.

arkansasoutside.com/big-dam-brid...

Hiking Whitaker Point Arkansas: How to Show Off the Natural State to a Seasoned Outdoorsman Whitaker Point in Arkansas delivers one of the most stunning overlooks in the Ozarks. Here is what to expect on the trail, at the trailhead and at the view.

One of the best Arkansas traditions is taking a first-time visitor to Whitaker Point (Hawksbill Crag).

Read more:
arkansasoutside.com/hiking-whita...

Round Two Begins in the 2026 Arkansas March Mountain Bike Madness Bracket Round Two of the 2026 Arkansas March Mountain Bike Madness bracket is underway. Vote for your favorite trail systems across the state before midnight on March 13.

Round Two of Arkansas March Mountain Bike Madness is live.

Sixteen trail systems remain in the bracket. From Slaughter Pen and Devil’s Den to Northwoods, the Womble Trail, and Pinnacle Mountain.

Voting is open through March 13.

arkansasoutside.com/arkansas-mar...

Round One of Arkansas Mountain Bike Madness 2026 ends Saturday at midnight

Round One of Arkansas Mountain Bike Madness 2026 ends Saturday at midnight.

Help decide which Arkansas trail systems move on in the bracket.

Cast your vote before time runs out:
arkansasoutside.com/vote-march-m...

Arkansas Outdoor Recreation Economy Hits $4.96 Billion, Outpaces National Growth Arkansas's outdoor recreation economy hit $4.96B in 2024, topping the national average and supporting 43,800+ jobs. Here's what the new BEA data mean for the Natural State.

Outdoor recreation isn’t just about adventure in Arkansas.

New federal data shows the outdoor economy contributes billions to the state’s GDP and supports tens of thousands of jobs.

arkansasoutside.com/arkansas-out...

Metroplan Awards $1.675 Million for Trails and Pedestrian Projects Across Central Arkansas Metroplan awarded $1.675 million in federal TAP grants to six Central Arkansas trail and pedestrian projects in Benton, Bryant, Cabot, Maumelle, Pulaski County and Sherwood.

Central Arkansas trails keep gaining ground. 🚴‍♂️🌳

More than $1.6 million in TAP grants will support trail, bike, and pedestrian projects across the region.

arkansasoutside.com/central-arka...

Vote Now: March Mountain Bike Madness 2026 Is Here The March Mountain Bike Madness Arkansas bracket is back for 2026. Vote for your favorite trail systems across all regions and crown this year's champion.

Arkansas mountain bikers, the bracket is heating up. 🚵
Round 1 voting for March Mountain Bike Madness ends at midnight Saturday.
Get your votes in and help your favorite trail system move on to the next round.
arkansasoutside.com/vote-march-m...

Five Years of Mullets, Miles, and Mayhem: The Northwoods Mullet Trail Run and Beaver Bash Is Back The Fifth Annual Northwoods Mullet Trail Run and Beaver Bash returns to Hot Springs on May 9, 2026. Register now for the 10K or 25K — dogs welcome!

Business in the front, party in the back. 🪮
5th Annual Northwoods Mullet Trail Run & Beaver Bash, May 9 in Hot Springs. 10K or 25K, Dog Division, live music, and cold drinks after.

Now the AURA Ultra Trail Series Lite grand finale.

arkansasoutside.com/northwoods-m...

Nope.

Ranch North Woods Preserve: Our Annual Christmas Hike Explore Ranch North Woods Preserve in Little Rock, a riverside trail system along the Little Maumelle managed by The Nature Conservancy and open for hiking, biking, and dogs.

Try this: arkansasoutside.com/ranch-north-...

Chasing Waterfalls in a Dry Arkansas Winter A winter camping trip to Richland Creek reveals the hidden beauty of low water waterfalls in the Ozarks. Explore Six Fingers Falls, Intersection Falls, and remote campsites along Falling Water Creek f...

Chasing waterfalls in a dry Arkansas winter sounds like a bad idea. Turns out it's one of the best ways to see them.
Low water at Six Fingers Falls and Intersection Falls near Richland Creek reveals the geology, the carved channels, and a stillness...
arkansasoutside.com/low-water-wa...

National Park Service Launches Free Real-Time Float Guide Dashboard for Buffalo National River The National Park Service has launched a free interactive dashboard showing real-time Buffalo National River float conditions, powered by five USGS stream gages. Check river levels before you go.

Thinking about a Buffalo River float. The new Float Guide Dashboard has real-time flow data and easy color-coded conditions for every major section. A great tool before you load the gear.
arkansasoutside.com/buffalo-nati...

Vote Now: March Mountain Bike Madness 2026 Is Here The March Mountain Bike Madness Arkansas bracket is back for 2026. Vote for your favorite trail systems across all regions and crown this year's champion.

The March Mountain Bike Madness 2026 bracket is open and Arkansas trail pride is on full display. Cast your vote for the trail systems you love riding and follow the matchups all month long.
Vote here: arkansasoutside.com/vote-march-m...

#ArkansasOutside #MTB #ArkansasOutdoors #TrailLife

Annual March Mountain Bike Madness Returns for 2026 The Annual March Mountain Bike Madness bracket returns March 2. Vote for your favorite Arkansas trail systems across four regions in a month long tournament that celebrates the best riding in the Natu...

Arkansas MTB community, it is time to vote 🚵‍♂️
March Mountain Bike Madness returns March 2 with a bracket of the state’s most popular mountain bike trails. Weekly voting continues through the month. Who will rise to the top in 2026?
👉 arkansasoutside.com/march-mountain-bike-madness-arkansas-2026/

Mulberry Mountain Gravity Park Sets Opening Weekend Mulberry Mountain Gravity Park opens March 6 to 8, 2026, bringing shuttle accessed downhill mountain biking to the Arkansas Ozarks. Learn about shuttle pricing, trails built by Gradient Trails LLC, an...

Mulberry Mountain Gravity Park opens March 6 to 8, 2026, in the Ozark National Forest. Shuttle accessed downhill trails built by Gradient Trails LLC and pricing details are now available.

arkansasoutside.com/mulberry-mou...

#ArkansasOutside #ArkansasMTB #MulberryMountain #GravityPark

🔥 Prescribed burns are happening at Pea Ridge National Military Park Feb 20 through 22. These controlled fires help restore the historic 1862 battlefield landscape and keep native ecosystems healthy. arkansasoutside.com/pea-ridge-pr...
#PeaRidge #ArkansasOutside #PrescribedBurns #ArkansasHistory

Big Dam Bridge to Close for Routine Inspection in March 2026 The Big Dam Bridge in central Arkansas will close March 9 to 13, 2026, for a routine inspection. Learn how the weekday daytime closure will affect Arkansas River Trail users and what detours offer the...

The Big Dam Bridge will be closed March 9 to 13, 8am to 5pm daily, for a routine inspection. Trail users should expect detours and heavier traffic on downtown crossings.
Read the full breakdown at arkansasoutside.com/big-dam-brid...

Exploring the Hidden Diversity Multi-use Trail at Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area Explore the Hidden Diversity Multi-use Trail at Hobbs State Park Conservation Area. This 24 mile trail system supports hiking, mountain biking, equestrian riding, and major events like the Battle for ...

If you are looking for a trail that keeps changing with every mile, the Hidden Diversity Trail at Hobbs State Park is the place to go.
arkansasoutside.com/hidden-diver...

#ArkansasOutside #HiddenDiversityTrail #HobbsStatePark #OutdoorArkansas #OzarkTrails

Mile Zero Ultra Challenges Gravel Riders and Ultra Athletes in the Arkansas Delta Mile Zero Ultra is a free, self supported 300 and 600 mile gravel cycling adventure in the Arkansas Delta. Ride Crowley’s Ridge Gravel Trail and the Delta Heritage Trail starting and finishing in Hele...

Self-supported.
300 or 600 miles.
Arkansas Delta gravel.

Mile Zero Ultra starts and finishes in Helena and sends riders across Crowley’s Ridge and the Delta Heritage Trail.

Are you in?

arkansasoutside.com/mile-zero-ul...

#ArkansasOutside #ArkansasGravel #Bikepacking #Gravelcycling

The Womble Trail, A Ridge-Top Journey Through Arkansas History Explore the Womble Trail in the Ouachita National Forest. Learn its history, distance, elevation, mountain biking status, e bike rules, and why it remains one of Arkansas’ most iconic backcountry trai...

The Womble Trail is one of Arkansas’ true outdoor classics.

We dive into the full history and what makes it special today.

arkansasoutside.com/womble-trail...

#ArkansasOutside #WombleTrail #OuachitaNationalForest

808 Ranch Donates Land for Safer Cycling Route Along Highway 72 in Northwest Arkansas The 808 Ranch is donating land for The 808 Spur, a new cycling bypass along Highway 72 between Pea Ridge and Bentonville, improving safety for Northwest Arkansas riders.

Safer rides ahead 🌿 “The 808 Spur,” a new cycling bypass from Pea Ridge to Bentonville, is underway thanks to The 808 Ranch and Trailblazers. No more shoulder surfing on Hwy 72, just smoother, dedicated riding. Read more! arkansasoutside.com/808-ranch-hi...

Home - Arkansas Outside Discover Arkansas' top outdoor adventures, events, trails, and guides at ArkansasOutside.com. Stay informed on the latest news, races, and more!

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Rain’s rolling into central Arkansas and we’ve got an important question for you.

When the skies open up, what’s your move? 🌧️

Raincoat. Poncho. Umbrella. Or do you just embrace it and get soaked?

Tell us your go to and why.

Outdoor Jobs in the Ouachita and Ozark-St. Francis National Forests Gear Up for Summer 2026 The Ouachita and Ozark-St. Francis National Forests are hiring seasonal outdoor workers for summer 2026. Learn how to apply for Arkansas National Forest jobs and explore opportunities with the U.S. Fo...

Seasonal job opportunities for Summer 2026 in the Ouachita & Ozark-St. Francis National Forests. If you love the outdoors and want real field experience, here's your summer job!
arkansasoutside.com/arkansas-national-forest-seasonal-jobs-2026/
#ArkansasOutside #OutdoorJobs #Arkansas #ForestService