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
Hot 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 LifeWards 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 BridgesNational Scenic 7 Byway
One of the most scenic drives in the country, Scenic 7
Hot Springs, AR Scenic BywaysCentral Avenue Historic District
Directions: On Central from Prospect Avenue to Park Avenue Restored buildings dating from the late 1800s and early 1900s now house art galleries, coffee houses, restaurants, shops; Bathhouse Row.
Hot Springs, AR Historic DistrictsLake 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 AreasWolf Pen Gap ATV Trails
Directions: From U.S. 71 at Mena, take Ark. 8 east for one mile to Ark 375; turn onto Ark. 375 and go for eight miles; trail head will be near County Road 277 For all-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes, more than 40 miles of loop trails at varied levels of difficulty in the Ouachita National Forest;
Mena, AR TrailsOuachita National Forest
Established in 1907, the South's oldest and one of the largest (1.6 million acres)
Hot Springs, AR National ForestsArkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo
Directions: Go left at the end of Central Avenue North, then go eight blocks; located next to National Park Mountain. Huge petting zoo, 200 alligators;
Hot Springs, AR Zoos