This Magical Waterfall Campground In Arkansas Is Unforgettable

You can find dozens of majestic waterfalls in Arkansas, but this lesser-known gem hidden away in the Ozark National Forest is unlike any other in the state.

Get acquainted with the hypnotizing natural phenomenon of waterfalls in Arkansas graciously provided by Mother Nature herself while visiting Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area & Campground.

Photo courtesy of Explore the Ozarks

Haw Creek Falls is one of the most incredible natural waterfalls in Arkansas within the Ozark Mountains, which cover approximately two-thirds of The Natural State. There is plenty of wild country to explore here: the Ozark National Forest spans 1.2 million acres, but the highlight of this area for many is this picturesque waterfall hidden away in the forest.

Photo courtesy of Explore the Ozarks

Only a short walk from the campground, Haw Creek Falls offers visitors a breathtaking experience thanks to its turquoise waters contrasting with the mature hardwood forest around it. As if panoramic views of the falls were not enough, there are trails that take you out to the edge of, on top of, and below the falls.

Photo courtesy of Explore the Ozarks

These forests are generously endowed with recreational opportunities for camping, hiking, swimming, fishing, hunting, boating, scenic drives, picnics sites, and opportunities for wildlife viewing also abound. Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area & Campground offers 9 primitive sites to hikers and backpackers, as well as traditional campers. While there are no hookups, travel trailers are welcome.

After checking out the waterfall make sure to continue on with the hike as the rest of the area’s forest provides its own stunning views and natural wonders.

This Is The Newest State Park In Arkansas And It Is Incredible

Bordering one of the longest rivers in the world, Arkansas’s newest state park is a life-changing trip for hiking and camping enthusiasts alike.

With more than 100-miles of trails, Mississippi River State Park is a hidden gem. For nearly a century, thousands of visitors have sought out the dramatic riverways, spellbinding wildlife, and delicate ecosystems on display along this 2,320-mile river. Discover an important part of American history, including early 16th-century exploration, transportation during the civil war and a massive boon to power during the 20th century while making unforgettable memories with family and friends.

Cypress Swamp, Natchez Trace, Mississippi

Through a special use permit from the U.S. Forest Service, Arkansas State Parks is developing Mississippi River State Park within the St. Francis National Forest in eastern Arkansas. Arkansas’s newest state park, Mississippi River State Park, will eventually encompass 536 acres.

The Great River Road winds through Mississippi River State Park and the St. Francis National Forest. This national scenic byway follows the Mississippi River for nearly 3,000 miles from its headwaters in the north woods of Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico traveling through 10 states bordering the river. You can follow this road of discovery through diverse histories, cultures and landscapes.

Bear Creek Lake is accessible from Mississippi River State Park. This 625-acre lake was constructed atop Crowley’s Ridge in 1938. Lying within the northern end of the St. Francis National Forest, this USDA Forest Service lake has more than 15 miles or shoreline. Anglers enjoy the lake fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, red-ear sunfish, and catfish. Wildlife watching opportunities include white-tail deer, squirrel, raccoon, rabbit, wild turkey, and a wide variety of other birds. Two national scenic byways, the Great River Road and the Crowley’s Ridge Parkway, pass over the lake’s dam.

Beaver Pond Swamp is a part of the natural diversity to experience in the St. Francis National Forest. See this natural setting near where the St. Francis River flows into the Mississippi River.

Beech Point Campground at Mississippi River State Park features 17 campsites on a peninsula in beautiful Bear Creek Lake. Each campsite offers a lake view. Two courtesy docks provide campers with additional access to the 625-acre lake.

Tent pads are featured on campsites offering full hookups in the Beech Point Campground at Mississippi River State Park. In addition, tent camping enthusiasts can choose from three Walk-in Tent Sites without hookups.

Bear Creek Lake is a peaceful setting to enjoy the seasonal beauty of Crowley’s Ridge. The unique hardwood forest atop Crowley’s Ridge is prime wildlife and birding habitat. The campsite rental fee is $32 per night. For details on the campground, visit: http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/news/for-media/display.aspx?id=1593. Nearby are a swim beach, hiking trail, fishing pier, boat ramp, and several picnic areas.

This Riverfront Restaurant Is One Of Arkansas’s Best Hidden Gems

Artful harmony with nature rules this restaurant nestled within the Ozark Mountains.

Trying a local dish is one of the most direct—and most delicious—ways to interact with a new place. This wildly popular dining venue nestled within the Ozark National Forest offers warmth and a sense of human connection combined with a plethora of outdoor fun to refresh your spirit with adventure.

The variety of Arkansas river rafting adventures is remarkable, ranging from matchless trout fishing trips and rugged whitewater rafting to peaceful float trips.

As one of the premiere whitewater destinations in Arkansas, the Mulberry River begins in the upper Ozarks near the mountain community of Fallsville. It descends through 60 miles of forested hills and rock outcrops on its way to the Arkansas River.

With a quality of water ranging from blue-green to emerald, the Mulberry is a beautiful river. It is common to see wildlife while paddling among the unspoiled bluffs and meadows of the Ozarks. Due to the valley’s pristine nature, the Mulberry River is federally protected and is included in the U.S. National Wild and Scenic River System.

The Mulberry River is not just mighty among canoeists, kayakers, and rafters. Byrd’s Adventure Center offers 800 acres of Mulberry River frontage and is home to a wide range of outdoor activities.

All pilots and aircraft are welcome at Byrd’s. Located on the wild and scenic Mulberry River in Arkansas, Byrd’s Adventure Center features two grass runways on 800 private acres surrounded by the Ozark National Forest. The primary 1900′ airstrip is suitable for many single-engine airplanes, while the secondary 1000′ strip is open to ultralight aircraft such as powered parachutes and trikes.

Flying at Byrd’s Adventure Center is free! RV camping with hookups is $10 per person per night. Cabins are available on site, and camping is $7 per person per night with access to a large heated shower house. In addition to wingtip camping and fishing, Byrd’s hosts fly-ins every spring and fall.

After a long day of outdoor fun, enjoy a meal with family and friends at a beautiful riverfront restaurant in the Ozark National Forest.

Mulberry Riverfront Restaurant is hidden gem within the Ozark Mountains, and welcomes outdoor enthusiasts such as kayakers, rafters, and canoes floating down the Mulberry River. There you will find spectacular new takes on traditional dishes—all beautifully presented, and much of it locally sourced.

Designed to bring the scenic landscape inside, the restaurant’s open-concept design and panoramic views of the nearby Mulberry River and Ozark Mountains allow travelers to experience the rugged beauty of Arkansas while relaxing.

You can’t go wrong with any of their trout, catfish, chicken, smoked meat, burger, or sandwich entrees. Top off your meal with one of their homemade desserts.

The restaurant is open seasonally from March to December every Friday – Sunday. (Closed weekly Monday – Thursday.)

Whether you enjoy whitewater paddling, backcountry aviation, hiking, fishing, camping, or trail riding, Mulberry Riverfront Restaurant is the top destination for dining within the wild, untamed beauty of the Ozarks.

4 Gorgeous Lakes In Arkansas That Are Perfect To Go Fishing

Arkansas’s most incredible lakes and riverways offer an inimitable slice of elevated taste and luxurious amenities fused with award-winning fishing, hiking, and water sports.

For nearly a century, thousands of visitors have sought out the dramatic vistas, spellbinding wildlife, and delicate ecosystems on display in the Ozarks. These Arkansas lakes are perfect for making unforgettable memories, and have been listed in the “Top 100 Best Bass Lakes in America” by Bassmaster Magazine.

Lake Dardanelle

DARDANELLE, ARKANSAS

Surrounded by the natural beauty for which the Arkansas River Valley is known, Lake Dardanelle is a sprawling 34,300-acre reservoir on the Arkansas River. These two water resources combined here have put this area into the national spotlight as a major bass fishing tournament site. Lake Dardanelle State Park offers two areas on the lake: one park site is at Russellville, and the other is located at nearby Dardanelle. Both the Russellville (main park) and Dardanelle locations offer camping, launch ramps, standard pavilions, picnic sites, restrooms, and bathhouses with hot showers.

Lake Dardanelle is one of the most accessible and attractive recreation areas in Arkansas. Located about half-way between Little Rock and Fort Smith, the lake stretches some 50 miles as part of the $1.2 billion Arkansas River Navigation System.

Lake Ouachita State Park

MOUNTAIN PINE, ARKANSAS

It’s not often that humans can create something of such extraordinary natural beauty. Surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest, Lake Ouachita is known for its beauty and the clarity of its waters. These pristine waters form the largest man-made lake within Arkansas’s borders. Named one of the cleanest lakes in America, 40,000-acre Lake Ouachita is a water sports mecca for swimming, skiing, scuba diving, boating, and fishing. Angling for bream, crappie, catfish, stripers, and largemouth bass can be enjoyed in open waters or quiet coves along the lake’s 975 miles of shoreline.

Located just a short drive from the spa city of Hot Springs on the lake’s eastern shore, Lake Ouachita State Park is your gateway to this popular water sports lake.

Millwood Lake

LITTLE RIVER COUNTY, ARKANSAS

Millwood Lake was formed when the state’s longest earthen dam (3.33 miles) was completed across the Little River. Millwood is a renowned fishing lake, with much of its more than 29,000 acres being flooded timber that provides exceptional cover for its wide variety of fish, including largemouth and spotted bass, crappie, white bass, striped bass, channel and flathead catfish and bluegills. Boat lanes lead the way through the timbered waters, and there are 5,000 acres of open water near the dam. Each year, the lake hosts numerous bass fishing tournaments and fishing derbies held by local and out-of-state organizations.

Bull Shoals Lake

NORTHEAST, ARKANSAS

Nestled between the Ozark Mountains, Bull Shoals Lake and the White River below its dam, are one of the top fishing spots in the country. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project, located in north central Arkansas on the Missouri-Arkansas state line, enjoys a wide reputation for lunker bass fishing along with its twin, Lake Norfork, just to the east. Bull Shoals Dam, completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1951, is the fifth largest concrete dam in the United States. Including the portion located in Missouri, the lake totals some 45,500 surface acres. Almost 1,000 miles of rugged shoreline is open to visitors and 60,000 acres of public land provide a variety of opportunities.

Over 20 parks developed through the cooperative efforts of local, state and federal agencies are located on the lake shore. Commercial docks on the lake have boats, motors and guides for hire. Scrappy large-mouth bass, spotted bass and white bass abound in the lake, along with crappie, channel cat, bream and walleye.

These Enchanting Gardens In Arkansas Look Straight Out Of A Fairytale

Gardens are unique creations, reflecting not only the landscape, flora, and climate of their environments but also the heritage, the history, and cultures that made them.

This spring, escape the hustle and bustle of busy life by exploring some of the region’s most beautiful gardens.

Moss Mountain Farm

LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS

Carved into the side of a bluff overlooking the Arkansas River is a hidden gem. Moss Mountain Farm, which The New York Times hails as a “stunning estate,” is an epicenter for promoting the local food movement, organic gardening and the preservation of heritage poultry breeds. Garden tours are also available for guests who are looking to learn more.

While thousands of miles from the Isle de France, Mr. Smith’s implementation of the Ferme Ornée form at Moss Mountain similarly renders the guest experience as one of leisure, beauty, nature and wonder. Above the rolling hills of the Natural State, herbs, vegetables, fruit trees, perennials, annuals, pastures, roses, and ancient trees comprise the landscape surrounding the visitor and are always within touch and view.

This piece of paradise is a template for environmental sensitivity and was conceived from its genesis as an estate beyond the aesthetic.

The Farm is also a living, teaching classroom for responsible gardeners and farmers from around the world. Moss Mountain Farm is home to important conservancies for rare roses and at-risk poultry. By choosing Moss Mountain, you assist us with our important conservation work and support our education programs for children, families, and preservationists.

Garvan Woodland Gardens

HOT SPRINGS, ARKANSAS

Nestled in the picturesque Ouachita Mountains of Southwest Arkansas, this 210 acre garden offers an impressive display and welcomes spring with true dramatic flair.

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Garvan Woodland Gardens is an example of The Natural State at its best: a canopy of pines reaching skyward providing protection for delicate flora and fauna, gentle lapping waves that unfold along the 4 ½ miles of wooded shoreline, and rocky inclines that remind us of the surrounding Ouachita Mountains.

Garvan Woodland Gardens has a spectacular bulb meadow that is famed for its tulips. Guests not only enjoy an environmentally-responsible venue, they also enjoy their time at one of the most unique and picturesque properties in the region.

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Named in honor of the Gardens’ benefactress, Verna Cook Garvan, the Garvan Pavilion stands as the centerpiece of the 210-acre botanical garden. The stunning open-air redwood and sandstone structure features a one-of-a-kind, faceted steel and glass ceiling centered around a classical oculus. This traditional ‘window in the ceiling’ serves as the focal point of a flower-like composition unfolding overhead. A wonderful complement to its woodland surroundings.

Wye Mountain Flowers & Berries

PULASKI, ARKANSAS

Nestled within the mountain valleys of Central Arkansas is a relaxing oasis filled with diverse plant life.

Wye Mountain Flowers and Berries is a picturesque 18 acre farm that produces nearly 40 different varieties of annual and perennial flowers including zinnias, daffodils, sunflowers, and lilies.

The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks

FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS

The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks features 12 themed gardens & Arkansas’ only butterfly house, with landscaped grounds where four seasons of native flora and fauna thrive. Check the calendar for events including free summer concerts, the popular Firefly Fling family festival, cocktail parties, adult classes, Little Sprouts educational programs & more!

The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks regularly hosts education programs including workshops, classes, and lectures for adults in horticulture, conservation, and other topics of interest to gardeners of all skill levels and others who admire the beauty and science of the natural world.

Photo Courtesy of Jo Johnson Photography

Regularly voted the “Best Place to Get Married” in Northwest Arkansas, the garden is a unique and enchanting venue for events of all kinds.

This Hidden Restaurant In Arkansas Has The Most Breathtaking Scenery

Evoking a distinct sense of warmth and comfort, this restaurant is designed to be a private haven away from the world.

Hidden away in the countryside nearby rural Jasper, the Cliff House Inn stands in one of the most prestigious regions of Arkansas, within the foothills and ancient valleys of the Ozark Mountains. The inn, completely hidden between the towering rocks and lush vegetation, looks down on the true spectacle of the largest valley in Arkansas.

Offering the perfect balance of local flavor and tasteful luxury, revel in the unique energy and character of the Ozarks.

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While the large balcony offers exquisite space for dining and relaxation, enjoy the meticulous details and local flavor amidst the majestic scenery.

Surrounded by a lush mix of hardwood forests and mountain valleys, the restaurant offers jaw-dropping views at nearly every turn. Arkansas’s namesake geology packs impressive natural wonders including the region’s largest canyon.

The incredible scenic views from the deck alone make this historic treasure one of the most coveted spots in the Midwest.

Find spectacular new takes on traditional dishes—all beautifully presented, and much of it locally sourced. The Cliff House Inn, Restaurant, and Gift Shop is open March 5th through November 18th: 8:00 am – 2:45 pm Sunday thru Thursday, and 8:00 am – 7:45 pm on Friday and Saturday.

Come enjoy the calm refuge of the countryside while enjoying the breathtaking natural beauty of the Ozark Mountains.

These Enchanting State Parks In Arkansas Are Breathtaking In Winter

Arkansas’s most incredible state parks offer an inimitable slice of elevated taste and luxurious amenities fused with a winning combination of extravagance, excellence, and excitement.

For nearly a century, thousands of visitors have sought out the dramatic vistas, spellbinding wildlife, and delicate ecosystems on display in Arkansas’s state parks. These unforgettable getaways offer an immersive nature experience combined with endless outdoor activities.

Petit Jean State Park

MORRILTON, ARKANSAS

Petit Jean State Park is an Arkansas icon, a state natural and historic treasure that has welcomed travelers over the decades. The natural beauty and ancient geology of legendary Petit Jean Mountain inspired the creation of Arkansas’s first state park, and with it our state park system.

Hiking trails lead through forests, canyons, meadows, and along streams and mountainside. See where nature over time formed sheer bluffs, Cedar Falls, and the Seven Hollows, such distinctive features as Bear Cave, the Grotto, and the Natural Bridge, and other formations sculpted geometrically by nature called Turtle Rocks and Carpet Rocks.

Queen Wilhelmina State Park

MENA, ARKANSAS

A spectacular mountaintop setting. Breathtaking panoramic mountain scenery. Royal hospitality. Queen Wilhelmina State Park is this, and more. The park’s crowning attraction is its renowned hostelry, a historic lodging tradition born in 1898 with the original “Castle in the Sky” resort that graced this same lofty locale high above the Ouachita Mountains over 100 years ago.

Devils Den State Park

WEST FORK, ARKANSAS

Nestled deep in an Ozark valley, Devil’s Den leads backpackers deep into the hills and hollows of the rugged scenic Ozarks. While the park has a spectacular natural setting, the modern amenities enhance the experience and make it welcoming for everyone.

This valley in the renowned Ozark Mountains, ancient sedimentary mountains renowned for their natural beauty and lush oak-hickory forest, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Seventeen fully-equipped cabins featuring kitchens and fireplaces are nestled in the natural beauty of this park.