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 BridgesQueen Wilhelmina State Park
Food Service/Picnic Area Available # of Units/Rooms: 38 Non-Smoking Rooms Available Restaurant on site/nearby Recreation Directions: 13 miles east of Mena on Hwy 88 Thirty-eight room lodge; two Queen's Rooms with fireplaces; two Regent's Rooms with whirlpool tubs, multi-spray showers;
Mena, AR State 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 CentersFuntrackers Family Park
Family fun park with go-carts, bumper boats; game room;
Hot Springs, AR ParksTour of Historic Arkadelphia
Self-guiding driving tour through the historic district of homes listed on the National Register; some date to the 1840s. Brochures available at Chamber of Commerce, 6th and Caddo Streets.
Arkadelphia, AR ToursArkansas 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 ZoosDeGray Lake
13,800-acre lake known for hybrid striped bass, largemouth bass and crappie fishing. State park, privately-operated resort, Corps of Engineers campgrounds are the only developments along with shore;
Arkadelphia, 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 Trails