As autumn sweeps across Arkansas, the state transforms into a breathtaking canvas of gold, red, and orange. The foliage attracts visitors from near and far, eager to witness the stunning seasonal display.
Scenic drives through the backcountry highways reveal the beauty of The Natural State, making it a prime destination for leaf-peeping enthusiasts.
Fall in Arkansas isn’t just about the colors; it’s also a time for outdoor adventures. With ideal weather for camping, hiking, and mountain biking, the state’s parks come alive with activity.
Family-friendly festivals and events further enrich the experience, offering a taste of local culture amidst the stunning landscapes.
Whether planning a weekend getaway or a week-long escape, Arkansas in fall promises unforgettable memories and breathtaking sights.
Northern Arkansas During Fall
Northern Arkansas showcases stunning natural beauty in the fall, especially within its diverse landscapes and outdoor opportunities.
Ozark National Forest
The Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, comprising the Ozark and St. Francis Forests, features numerous scenic trails.
The 165-mile Ozark Highlands Trail invites ambitious hikers, while the 1.1-mile Alum Cove Trail offers a shorter alternative.
Visitors can also enjoy canoeing, biking, and year-round camping at several accessible sites, perfect for waking up under the fall foliage.
Ziplining Through the Ozark Mountains
Eureka Springs is home to the Ozark Mountain Ziplines, where adventurers can soar through the treetops. With 10 zipline paths and a balance bridge that overlooks the stunning canopy, this exhilarating experience offers a unique perspective on the colorful fall landscape.
Embrace Fall Foliage Hiking at Hawksbill Crag
Hawksbill Crag, accessible via the Whitaker Point Trail in the Ozark National Forest, reveals breathtaking autumn views.
A three-mile hike leads to this remarkable rock formation that juts out over the forest below, creating the perfect backdrop for fall photography.
Experience an Arkansas Fall Foliage Road Trip
The Ozark Scenic Byway, a 35-mile route through the Ozark Highlands, offers a splendid fall foliage road trip.
Travelers can enjoy the rich hues of autumn while witnessing five major streams. Combine your adventure with outdoor activities, and don’t forget to check the essential packing list for a seamless adventure.
Discover the Natural Wonders of Glory Hole Falls
Glory Hole Falls captivates visitors with its unique formation, where water cascades through a hole carved by nature over time.
Peeking through the bluff reveals stunning views of the waterfall framed by the fall colors. An available 1.9-mile round-trip hiking trail allows for an immersive experience in this enchanting area.
Explore Twin Falls Surrounded by Autumn Foliage
Twin Falls, nestled in Richland Creek Wilderness within the Ozarks National Forest, offers scenic beauty enhanced by fall foliage.
Hiking the 5.1-mile round-trip trail showcases these stunning waterfalls along the journey, taking about two hours to explore the rich landscapes dotted with autumnal colors.
Central Arkansas in Autumn
Enjoy Apple Picking
Cadron Crest Orchard (86 Mode Rd, Guy) invites visitors to enjoy a delightful apple-picking experience each fall.
Visitors can pick a wide variety of apples themselves. If you’re early enough in September, you can also find late-summer peaches ready for harvest.
Experience Hiking and Kayaking at Petit Jean State Park
Petit Jean State Park (1285 Petit Jean Mountain Rd, Morrilton) offers stunning fall foliage views both on land and water.
Visitors can rent boats to navigate the park’s serene waterways and admire waterfalls, all while surrounded by autumn colors.
Autumn Hiking at Pinnacle Mountain State Park
Pinnacle Mountain State Park (11901 Pinnacle Valley Rd, Roland) is perfect for fall hiking enthusiasts. With approximately 22 miles of trails that range from easy to challenging, hikers can explore breathtaking vistas.
The Pinnacle Mountain West Summit Trail, a 1.5-mile difficult hike, rewards adventurers with some of Central Arkansas’s most impressive views.
Visit the Central Arkansas Library System
To take a break from outdoor activities during the fall, the Central Arkansas Library System is a great option.
With about fifteen branches statewide, the Main Library in downtown Little Rock offers engaging activities, including author talks, art exhibitions, and film screenings.
The Ron Robinson Theater hosts various performances, so it’s worth checking the library’s events calendar for autumn activities.
Join a Haunted Walking Tour in Little Rock
Haunted Arkansas Tours provides thrilling walking tours of Little Rock’s most infamous haunted sites.
Guided by an expert, participants delve into the city’s spooky history and fascinating legends. Special events like the Boos and Brews tour combine a haunted excursion with stops at local pubs, making for an exciting evening.
Select a Pumpkin at Motley’s Pumpkin Patch
Motley’s Pumpkin Patch (13724 Sandy Ann Drive, Little Rock) offers an array of fall activities for families.
Visitors can pick the perfect pumpkin, take a tractor-drawn hay ride, and indulge in delicious seasonal treats available at the farm.
Explore Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs
During autumn, Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs provides a warm escape from the cool air. This historic area features eight beautifully preserved bathhouses, including Hale, Lamar, and Quapaw, and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987.
Visitors can relax in therapeutic mineral waters, particularly at Buckstaff Bathhouse, which has been a favorite since 1912.
Experience Fall Foliage at Garvan Woodland Gardens
Garvan Woodland Gardens (550 Arkridge Road, Hot Springs) showcases breathtaking fall colors in a stunning botanical setting.
Owned by the University of Arkansas, the gardens feature preserved local flora and rare plant species. Visitors can leisurely stroll the grounds and admire the spectacular autumn foliage.
Bike Riding in the Ouachita Mountains
For avid cyclists, the Ouachita National Recreation Trail (Mena) offers an exhilarating 108-mile route, while the Womble Trail (Mt. Ida Township) stretches 37 miles.
The Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (Hot Springs), measuring 45 miles, presents excellent biking opportunities amid Arkansas’s fall scenery.
Western Arkansas in the Autumn
Stay at the Mountain Lodge in Queen Wilhelmina State Park
Head to Queen Wilhelmina State Park (3877 Highway 88 W., Mena) for breathtaking views from the state’s second-highest peak, nearly 3,000 feet above sea level.
The refurbished lodge, known as Castle in the Sky, provides a perfect vantage point to admire the stunning fall foliage that blankets the surrounding landscape.
Journey Along the Talimena Scenic Drive
Experience an unforgettable autumn adventure on the Talimena National Scenic Byway (Arkansas Highway 88), which runs along the entire western border.
This picturesque route meanders through the Ouachita National Forest, covering 54 miles of fall foliage. Enjoy a day trip filled with scenic views and crisp autumn air as the colors of the season envelop you.
Discover Diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park
Explore the Crater of Diamonds State Park (209 State Park Rd, Murfreesboro), the only public diamond mine in the world.
Prospecting for diamonds is a delightful way to enjoy the cooler fall weather. Plus, any diamonds found are yours to keep, making it an exciting outdoor adventure for gem enthusiasts.
Enjoy Fall Fishing at Millwood Lake
Millwood Lake, located in Millwood State Park (1564 Hwy. 32 East, Ashdown), is an ideal destination for a fall fishing trip.
With fewer alligators around, it’s the perfect time to cast your line and enjoy the colorful autumn scenery. Keep an eye out for the Arkansas state fish, the Alligator Gar, while soaking in the fall atmosphere.
Fall Festivals in Arkansas
Autumn in Arkansas truly offers something for everyone. With its breathtaking landscapes and festivals it’s a season that beckons exploration and adventure.
From scenic drives through the Ozarks to family-friendly activities and outdoor thrills there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the season.
Whether it’s hiking the picturesque trails or immersing in local culture at seasonal events visitors can create unforgettable memories.
As the leaves change and the air turns crisp Arkansas becomes a captivating backdrop for fall festivities and adventures. Embracing the beauty of this season ensures a rewarding experience in the Natural State.
Alicia Richards