Ouachita Mountains, Arkansas


There's an old folk saying about the Ozarks: "It's not that the mountains are so high, it's just that the valleys are so deep."
It's true. The Ozarks are a heavily eroded plateau, pushed up eons ago and carved out by hundreds of streams over thousands of years. Nature worked wonders, and today the diversity of these highlands is endless.
Some of the most scenic rivers and majestic lakes in America are here to enjoy. Trout floats on the White, Little Red and Spring Rivers, plus bass and panfish outings on the lakes and smaller streams, make for world-class fishing action. Recreational boating, canoeing and swimming are also on the agenda of many visitors.
Plan a leisurely walk along a trickling stream, or pick up the pace on an award-winning hiking trail. Enjoy the shady porch of a cozy log cabin or sail a 40,000-acre lake. Take time to tour a museum, historic home, formal garden or Civil War park. Dance and sing along at an informal mountain hoedown or dress up for an evening on the town.
Include a day or two to explore the rich heritage of the hill country. Study the traditional folkways, see the wonders of a limestone cavern or visit a craftsman at work.
Hideaway in the Ozarks this year.
Explore Ouachita Mountains
Wards Crossing Bridge
Ward's Crossing Bridge, well known in Yell County as the "old iron bridge," was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2008. It is a one-lane bridge, spanning 14' wide, 12' tall, and 240' long. It was built in 1905
Plainview, AR Historic BridgesHot Springs Haunted Tours
Considered to be the best haunted tours in Arkansas, enjoy our one-hour tours of the historic downtown Hot Springs. Our guide will take you to several haunted buildings, with the oldest dating back to the early 1800
Hot Springs, AR Ghost ToursThe Frontier Town of Plainview, AR
The old Frontier Town of Plainview, Arkansas, looks like you just stepped back into the old west time. This rustic little town was built to look like an early 1900'
Plainview, AR Pioneer LifeFuntrackers Family Park
Family fun park with go-carts, bumper boats; game room;
Hot Springs, AR ParksNational Scenic 7 Byway
One of the most scenic drives in the country, Scenic 7 runs from the Louisiana border to the Missouri border, passing through both the the Ouachita and Ozark Mountains. Numerous resorts, attractions and scenic overlooks are found along its route.
Arkadelphia, AR Scenic BywaysLake Catherine State Park
Food Service/Picnic Area Available # of Units/Rooms: 17 On Lake/River Name of Lake/River: Lake Catherine Recreation Directions: From I-30: take Exit #97, then go 12 miles north on Ark. 171. From Hot Springs: U.S. 270 East to Carpenter Dam Road, south on Carpenter Dam Road, east on Ark. 290
Hot Springs, AR State ParksCouncil Oak
A massive 400- to 500-year-old white oak tree where a Cherokee Indian chief signed a treaty giving all land south of the Arkansas River to the territory in 1820; park surrounds the tree, which is listed on the National Registry.
Dardanelle, AR Natural AttractionsHot Springs National Park
Congress established Hot Springs Reservation on April 20, 1832 to protect hot springs flowing from the southwestern slope of Hot Springs Mountain. Known for its 47 thermal springs, this national park was the nation's first, predating Yellowstone by 40 years. Features more than 30
Hot Springs, AR ParksMountain Valley Water Visitor Center
Directions: Located one-half block from the Arlington Hotel, on historic Central Avenue in downtown Hot Springs. Visitors can sample the water and learn the history of Mountain Valley Water; shipped worldwide; interactive kiosk;
Hot Springs, AR Visitors CentersLake Hamilton
One of the most popular recreational and residential lakes in the state. Condominiums, resorts, motels, restaurants and private homes cover much of its shoreline;
Hot Springs, AR Recreation Areas