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 ToursMagic Springs Theme Park & Crystal Falls Water Park
Directions: On U.S. 70, two miles east of Hot Springs; take Magic Springs Drive Exit off U.S. 70 Two parks for the price of one! Magic Springs and Crystal Falls offer over 75 attractions including "Arkansas Twister" roller coaster and the largest water park in Arkansas;
Hot Springs, AR Water ParksShady Lake
Food Service/Picnic Area Available Directions: Five miles southwest of Glenwood on U.S. 70; west 23 miles on Hwy. 84 to Athens, then 2 miles west on Hwy. 246. Then north at sign for 3 miles on Forest Road 38. A 25
Mena, AR RecreationPond Creek National Wildlife Refuge
Fishing, wildlife observation, photography, hunting, environmental education and interpretation, camping; designated ATV trails (seasonal use only)
DeQueen, AR Wildlife RefugesHot Springs National Park Visitor Center
The restored Fordyce Bathhouse now serves as visitor center for Hot Springs National Park and museum for the thermal bathing industry. Stained glass windows and the DeSoto Fountain grace the interior. Bookstore, orientation film, self-guided tour;
Hot Springs, AR Visitors CentersLake Catherine
A 1,940-acre residential and recreational lake known for its excellent bass and crappie fishing;
Hot Springs, AR Recreation AreasMountain 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 CentersDardanelle Confederate Monument
Directions: Near The Yell County Courthouse Historical markers with details about the monument
Dardanelle, AR MonumentsLake 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 AreasNational Scenic 7 Byway
One of the most scenic drives in the country, Scenic 7
Hot Springs, AR Scenic BywaysCouncil 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 Attractions