places to visit in gulf coastal plain arkansas

Make The Most Of The Most Scenic Drive In Arkansas With These 14 Iconic Stops

Carol Ann Carson

Arkansas native, Carol Ann Carson, has written for OnlyInYourState for three years now. She resides in Western Arkansas' Mountain Frontier but calls NWA home as well. The graduate of University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, Carol Ann earned her B.A. in English and will soon be pursing her M.A. in Library Science. She loves exploring the trails around the Buffalo National River and has yet to find a waterfall that wasn't her favorite.

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One of the best things about Arkansas is that the drive to a destination is often just as phenomenal as the actual attraction. We’re a state of folks that don’t mind skipping interstates in favor of foliage, look-out points, and off-the-beaten-path attractions – all of which can be found on Arkansas’ pretty scenic byways . Although our state is full of gorgeous drives, one of the most memorable is the Arkansas Scenic 7 Byway. The highway was actually the state’s first designated scenic byway in 1993! After driving on any of its 290 miles, it’s easy to understand why it was chosen as the first. Let’s pack our bags, turn on the tunes, and see what iconic stops we come across on our Scenic Byway 7 journey.

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No matter which direction you drive or how many stops you take, the Scenic Byway 7 is aptly named – it’s one of the most scenic drives in Arkansas. But by no means did we cover all the neat stops along the way! What’s your favorite spot along Byway 7? Share with us in the comments below!

Looking for even more Arkansas scenic drives? Since we didn’t venture into the Delta region of the state, you should plan to take this Delta restaurant road trip next. While you’re at it, immerse yourself in those scenic Delta sights with a stay at this phenomenal rental in Batesville , complete with a magnificent pool with a view.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Scenic 7 byway & related info.

Are there any natural wonders in Arkansas?

There's a reason why Arkansas is called the Natural State! From waterfalls and hot springs to caves, canyons, and beaches, Arkansas has no shortage of man-made and natural wonders:

• Arkansas Grand Canyon , Jasper
• Arkansas Sphinx , Hagarville
• Blanchard Springs Cavern, Fifty-Six
• Buffalo National River, Ponca
• Bull Shoals Caverns, Bull Shoals
• Cedar Falls
• Crater of Diamonds, Murfreesboro
• Crowley's Ridge
• Glory Hole Falls, Ozone
• Hot Springs National Park, Hot Springs
• Lake Chicot
• Mammoth Spring, Mammoth Spring
• Mystic Caverns and Crystal Dome, Harrison
• Pinnacle Mountain, Roland
• White Rock Mountain, Winslow

What are the best museums in Arkansas to learn about state history? 

Arkansas is chock full of both natural and man-made history, spanning back to well before America was founded. Here are some of the best, most highly-rated museums in Arkansas :

• Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art , Bentonville
• Mid-America Science Museum, Piney
• Museum of Discovery, Little Rock
• Museum of Native American History, Bentonville
• MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History, Little Rock
• Arkansas Air and Military Museum, Fayetteville
• Fort Smith Museum of History , Fort Smith
• Japanese American Internment Museum. McGehee
• Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie, Stuttgart
• Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum , Hot Springs
• Historic Arkansas Museum, Little Rock
• Bradbury Art Museum, Jonesboro
• Shiloh Museum of Ozark History, Springdale
• Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum, North Little Rock
• Gangster Museum of America, Hot Springs

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• Arkansas: A Six Region Journey

"Arkansas: A Six Region Journey" provides a unique multi-media exploration of each of these regions. Arkansas's rich and diverse areas presented: the Ozark Plateau region; the Arkansas River Valley; the Ouachita Mountains; the Gulf Coastal Plain; the Mississippi Alluvial Plain; and Crowley's Ridge.

The project showcases Arkansas's diverse agriculture and crops, regional economies; the distinctive geography and geology of each region, and a broad look at the areas that make Arkansas the rich and varied land and culture it has been throughout its history.

The Arkansas Department of Education partnered with Arkansas PBS to meet the professional development needs of K-12 licensed educators by offering research-based and technology-delivered professional development courses. These courses are designed to expand the teaching knowledge and skills of Arkansas educators. This project includes an online professional development course and classroom resource materials for Arkansas educators.

Arkansas River Valley

The Arkansas River Valley is the area carved by the river long ago. This 40-mile wide trough divides the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains. Most of Arkansas's larger cities can be found in the river valley-Fort Smith, Little Rock, and several others.

Video 1 | Video 2 | Video 3 | Video 4 | Video 5

Crowley's Ridge

Crowley's Ridge is an exciting untapped region with a diverse role, in addition to, a unique crescent-shaped formation, which makes it the most distinctive feature of the landscape of southeast Missouri and northeast Arkansas. The region is moderately fertile and its oak and hickory forests are similar to the Ozarks. Many mountain ferns and flowers can be found there, including the American bellflower, crimson catchfly, and yellow jasmine. It is the to small farms, extensive pasture lands, orchards, county seats, and a source of history and culture. Join us as we explore the natural history and the artistic culture of this important transportation scenic route.

Gulf Coastal Plain

The definition of a Coastal Plain is any flat, low-lying area geographical region near the sea. What if I asked you to take a trip with me to a coastal region… what part of the country do you think we'd be going to' Either the Atlantic Ocean on the east coast or the Pacific Ocean on the west coast, right' What if I then added, let's go to the coastal region in L. A.' Then of course you would think we were going to the west coast and the Los Angeles area. No. What if I added, a southern coastal region in L. A' Then of course I must mean LA, the state postal code for Louisiana, and the Gulf of Mexico' No, what I mean is the coastal region in Lower Arkansas, or 'L .A.,' as it is called by its inhabitants. And how does Lower Arkansas come by the name 'the Gulf Coastal Plain region'' It's not a geographical region near a sea. But it was millions of years ago. These are just the many mysteries you will learn about the Gulf Coastal Plain region. From ocean to boomtown… it is rich in minerals and history, and as with its past the future is sure to be very interesting. And now that I've whet your thirst for more knowledge of this fascinating coastal plain lets dive into region in more detail.

Video 1 | Video 2 | Video 3 | Video 4

Mississippi Alluvial Plain

The Arkansas Delta - part of the Mississippi Alluvial Plain - encompasses some ten million acres of land and stretches from Eudora in the south to Blytheville in the north and as far west as Little Rock. Although the name 'Delta' is often indiscriminately applied to most of eastern Arkansas, the area is composed of five distinct regions. The St. Francis Basin, Crowley's Ridge, the White River Lowlands, the Grand Prairie, and the Arkansas River Lowlands. The Arkansas Delta, blessed with rich and fertile soil, is one the most productive agricultural regions in the world. Its fields are filled with lush crops of cotton and rice, soybeans and corn. The Delta's history-like its geology- was shaped by the great rivers that flowed and flooded through the land- the Mississippi, the Arkansas, the White, the St. Francis and others. Learn how many residents and former residents of the Delta are making an effort to revive and preserve its rich cultural tradition, and make it a place where people can raise families and prosper.

Video 1 | Video 2 | Video 3 | Video 4 | Video 5 | Video 6

Ouachita Mountains

Are you ready to journey beyond your imagination' Adventures in the Ouachita Mountains will lead you to crystal-clear creeks, and beautiful rock formations and bluffs along with an exhilarating and impfortant time of learning the regions vibrant and vivid history and culture. The Ouachita Mountain region is a mountainous, geologically complex area located between the West Gulf Coastal Plain region to the south and the Arkansas Valley region to the north. There is no recipe for making the rugged and beautiful scenic Ouachita Mountains what it is, but the abundant natural resources, interesting and important historical sites makes the exploration of this region worth your while.

Ozark Plateau

"The Ozarks." The words conjure up easy images of a certain kind of place with a certain kind of people. Mostly, the images depend on what someone has experienced in the Ozarks, or what they might have heard. If you attended "the University," Ole Main and Dickson Street may come first to mind. For Razorback fans, the stadium, the field house, and a pleasant drive through the mountains may define the Ozarks. People who love the traditional culture will know about Mountain View and other places where the old music and the lore can be found. A few years ago, an aspiring entrepreneur would probably not have seen the Ozarks as a place for building a fortune, but anyone who knows today's economic realities knows about the Fayetteville-Bentonville corridor. Anyone looking for the old, cliché monoculture of Ozark legend will be surprised to see that ethnic diversity has begun to spread across the region. The one or two traditional images of the Ozarks have become a kaleidoscope, but some basic facts remain in place. "The Ozarks" is a hill country and those who thrive here have found a way to adapt to its challenges and make the most of its opportunities. What will remain, within a few more decades, of the unique character of the Ozarks both the physical and the cultural Ozarks As every educator knows, the people who now sit in Arkansas's classrooms will settle those questions. Therefore, we offer you a closer look at the region known as the Arkansas Ozarks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Other than the online professional development course, these classroom resource materials are available at no charge and may be used in the classroom. Resources include: Video clips, PowerPoint presentations by grade level, Scholar interviews, Maps, and Lesson plans. These materials are available for each region. In addition, a statewide classroom poster of the regions is available.

The online professional development course is available to certified Arkansas teachers. If you are a registered user of the Arkansas IDEAS professional development courses, you can take the course through the regular enrollment process at the IDEAS LEARN NOW site.

If you are a new user, contact your school's appropriate staff member to receive your user name and password for first-time entry. The Arkansas IDEAS help desk will be glad to assist you if you have any problems. You may reach the help desk by calling (501) 852-2806 or 1-800-488-6689. You may also visit the IDEAS registration information at ideas.aetn.org.

Be sure to check with your school or district administrator to determine if this course will be accepted and credited to you by your school or district.

There is no charge for eligible Arkansas educators.

You and your students to explore the geographic regions of Arkansas may use these resource materials. The sites and their links are resource-rich and may lead you to a vast array of information. If you will be using the materials for classroom presentations, papers or other presentation, proper credit should be given.

The online course consists of six individual courses, one for each of the regions. Each of these individual courses has ADE (Arkansas Department of Education) approval for 2 credit hours of professional development in Arkansas History. If you take all the courses, the total is 12 hours of professional development credit.

As with all professional development courses, allowing in-service credit is at the discretion of the superintendent, principal or other official designated by your district/school. Although courses have been approved by ADE as appropriate for professional development, you will still need to confirm the credit status of the course at a local level.

Lesson Plans

• Kindergarten
• Geography and Me
• State Symbols Lesson
• Famous Friends
• Here GROWS Everything
• A Picture Postcard
• Map and Flag Activities
• Color My World
• Geography Vocab Word Map
• Travel Brochure Lesson
• Woo Pig Sooie
• Picture This
• State Parks - Travelin' Arkansas
• Fact or Fiction
• 7th-8th Grade
• Arkansas Rivers Foldable
• Geographical Regions Puzzle
• Movie Making
• 9th-12th Grade
• Annotated Bibliographies

PowerPoint Presentations

• Photo Bibliography

West Gulf Coastal Plain

Aka: gulf coastal plain aka: coastal plain.

The Gulf Coastal Plain is an area of relatively gently sloping terrain extending across the southern portion of the United States from Texas to Georgia. It was covered by the waters of the Gulf of Mexico until about 50 million years ago. The land rose during periods of tectonic uplift, and water in the Gulf of Mexico retreated to near its present position. Because it was covered by the waters of the Gulf of Mexico for much of its history, the geologic terrain of the Coastal Plain is flat to rolling. Its bedrock is deeply covered with sediment, and the surface has extensive deposits of sand and gravel.

The western portion of the Gulf Coastal Plain—the West Gulf Coastal Plain—extends across southern Arkansas. It is located south of the Ouachita Mountains and extends southward to the Gulf of Mexico and eastward to the Mississippi Alluvial Plain . The boundary between the Ouachita Mountains and the Coastal Plain is marked by rapids and waterfalls at points where streams leave the steeply sloping mountains. The term “fall line” has been used to describe this boundary where the more recent deposits of the plain meet the older, more resistant rocks of the Ouachita Mountains. The eastern boundary of the West Gulf Coastal Plain is the Arkansas River as it extends from Little Rock (Pulaski County) to Pine Bluff (Jefferson County) , and then Bayou Bartholomew from Pine Bluff to the Louisiana border. These two waterways separate the West Gulf Coastal Plain from the relatively recent stream deposits of the Mississippi Alluvial Plain.

The West Gulf Coastal Plain has several distinctive features, including extensive areas of loblolly-shortleaf pine forests; level to rolling terrain; deposits of sand and gravel ; and industrially significant deposits of clay, bauxite , and petroleum . Despite its gently sloping terrain and areas of relatively rich soil , it is a region dominated by forests and forestry-related activities rather than by agriculture. Both pine and hardwood products are harvested in this region where the forest industry is particularly significant. Agricultural activities are limited to pastureland, truck farming, and limited row crops within narrow fertile valleys adjacent to the major streams flowing through the region.

Surface deposits in the Coastal Plain are of ocean origin and date back some 135 million years. Generally, surface materials of the region are poorly consolidated sand and clay with scattered deposits of lignite and small amounts of quartzite and limestone. Bauxite deposits are found in Pulaski and Saline counties in the surface material, with oil and natural gas deposits located farther south in older and deeper formations below the Coastal Plain surface. Industrially significant deposits of clay exist near the surface. These deposits are particularly important to brick companies in Hot Spring , Hempstead , and Miller counties.

Forested Coastal Plain soils predominate in the region except along streams where bottomland and terrace soils are found. Soils are generally deep and made up of a mixture of sand, silt, and clay. These soils are reddish, yellowish, or brownish in color. Interestingly, some Coastal Plain soils in western Arkansas are prairie soils and have scattered prairie grasses.

The natural vegetation of the Gulf Coastal Plain consists of a mixed forest cover. The most extensive tree type in the region by far is the loblolly-shortleaf pine, usually found in combination with numerous hardwood types. Various mixtures of hardwoods are present throughout the southern part of the state. Bottomland hardwood forests are common along and near streams. The oak-hickory-gum type occupies the best-drained sites, with the willow-oak type occupying flat, poorly drained soils.

This region, with its rolling topography and extensive areas of forest, provides more than fifty percent of the state’s total wood production. Land use is dominated by the forest industry with timber companies owning large tracts of land, totaling approximately 2.6 million acres in the Coastal Plain alone, with forests occupying seventy percent or more of the land area of most counties within the region. More than 120 wood-related industries employ thousands of people and provide a tremendous boost to this region’s economy, though the economic downturn and housing slump that began in 2007 have taken their toll on the timber industry.

Crude-oil resources were discovered in the early 1920s in the southern part of the West Gulf Coastal Plain. The first Arkansas well to yield sufficient quantities of oil was the Hunter No. 1 that was drilled east of Stephens (Ouachita County) in April 1920. A short time later, other more productive wells were dug, and the historic southern Arkansas oil boom began on January 10, 1921, with the completion of the Busey No. 1 well. Ten counties— Ashley , Union , Ouachita , Columbia , Nevada , Hempstead, Bradley , Calhoun , Lafayette , and Miller—produce oil. Historically, most of the oil production has been in Union, Lafayette, Columbia, and Ouachita counties; these four counties have been responsible for more than eighty-five percent of the oil production in Arkansas. In total, oil companies in the region produce approximately 20 million barrels of crude oil per year, worth billions of dollars.

Exhibits at the Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources at Smackover (Union County) illustrate the various layers of rock and oil deposits in the area and highlight the importance of oil as a resource. The current interest in the possibility of recovering oil trapped in limestone some 10,000 feet below the surface has resulted in the filing of numerous oil leases, particularly in the area between El Dorado (Union County) and Magnolia (Columbia County) . Indications are that these deeper deposits of oil (some 2,000 feet below existing deposits) can be tapped by fracturing rock, similar to the method used to extract natural gas in the Fayetteville Shale . Since one test well pumped only forty-five barrels per day, it remains to be seen whether or not the finds will bring an even greater “oil boom” to the area.

The West Gulf Coastal Plain is the location of a unique state park, the Crater of Diamonds State Park near Murfreesboro (Pike County) . Located near the boundary between the West Gulf Coastal Plain and the Ouachita Mountains, this park has the only known crater of diamonds in the United States and attracts thousands of visitors each year. The largest diamond ever found at this site since the park was established in 1972 measures 16.37 carats. The diamond, valued at approximately $100,000, was discovered in 1975. More recently, an 8.66 carat diamond was found in April 2011. This gem is the third-largest ever recorded at the Crater of Diamonds State Park.

The West Gulf Coastal Plain, not noted for its large population centers, has some of the most sparsely populated counties in the state. Many county seats have a total population of less than 2,000 (as of the 2010 census). Lewisville (Lafayette County) is a good example, with a total population of only 1,280. Calhoun County, with a population of only 5,368, has the lowest county population total in the entire state. Even one of the largest cities in the region, El Dorado, the county seat of Union County, has a total population of only 18,884.

For additional information: Arkansas Department of Planning. Arkansas Natural Area Planning. Little Rock: State of Arkansas, 1974.

Stroud, Hubert B., and Gerald T. Hanson. Arkansas Geography: The Physical Landscape and the Historical-Cultural Setting . Little Rock: Rose Publishing Company, 1981.

Hubert B. Stroud Arkansas State University

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10 of the best things to do in the Ozarks: make the most of Arkansas' mountains

Mar 8, 2024 • 6 min read

From floating down the river, to high-energy mountain biking, there are plenty of exciting things to do in the Ozarks © Wesley Hitt / Getty Images

No landscape is as iconically associated with Arkansas as the Ozark Mountains. These forested highlands are crucial to the state's self-conception as a natural, rugged wonderland that incubates deep folk culture and a cherished sense of independence. The Ozarks dominate northwestern Arkansas, where they are divided into two geologic categories: the Springfield Plateau and the Boston Mountains.

Drive the looping roads that spiderweb across the region, and you'll plunge into a world of dramatic rock formations, muscular cliffs and deep, dark groves of short-leaf pine and red oak. You'll also find a culture that is oft-mythologized but rarely understood. 

From following hiking trails and visiting state parks to having an adventure on the Buffalo River, here are the best things to do in the Ozarks.

1. Float down the Buffalo River

The first national river in the USA is still one of the most beautiful. The Buffalo National River runs across a wide swathe of northern Arkansas, and the western portion of its watershed, which touches the Boston Mountains, is widely considered one of the most beautiful stretches of this waterway. Head to a town like Ponca to connect with adventure outfitters who can help you set up a "float" adventure into limestone gullies and sedate sandbars, or direct you towards some of the area's many stellar hikes . Bring a tent, because camping out here with the river lapping nearby and the stars soaring overhead is kind of unbeatable.

2. Appreciate a masterpiece at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

Amidst the state parks and renowned hikes, you will find something completely different –  Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art  – an art museum that looks like a set piece from a science fiction movie, built by the Walton family (the folks who started Walmart). The building alone, designed by architect Moshe Safdie, is worth visiting; it consists of pavilions nestled in 120-acres of Ozark woods, each one connected by bridges that span natural streams, all within walking distance of downtown Bentonville. Concerts frequently kick off here, and the museum itself boasts a permanent collection that spans the breadth of American art.

3. Hike or drive to the summit of Mt Magazine State Park

The highest point in this mountainous state is  Mt Magazine State Park , but don't let that statistic intimidate you. The Mount Magazine Scenic Byway is a drivable road that leads to the summit of the mountain where you'll find the well-appointed (and enormous) Lodge at Mount Magazine , along with some excellent views across the Arkansas River Valley. If you do want to hike, there are nine routes to choose from, including the recommended Bear Hollow Trail , which condenses most of the park's scenery into a 2.8-mile hike.

4. Cycle some of the best mountain biking trails in the US

We are going to really annoy some people in Colorado with this next claim, but here goes: the Ozarks might be the best mountain biking destination in the USA. Local town planners, the Walton Foundation  and adventure outfitters have been working overtime to create an unparalleled network of mountain biking trails that take full advantage of the region's forested, shady pathways, limestone ridges and sheer outdoors accessibility. In Eureka Springs, you can tempt fate with the downhill-only tracks at Lake Leatherwood , or hit a route like Back 40 in Bella Vista, which has plenty of kid-friendly stretches. Check out the OZ Trails map for a good catalog of the fantastic mountain biking options in the area.

5. Discover a magical waterfall at Petit Jean State Park

Within the crowded pantheon of Arkansas State Parks, Petit Jean holds a special place in many hearts. This may be partly down to it being the oldest state park in Arkansas, but it could also be this is simply a handsome, well-run, thoughtfully designed outdoors space. Even the artificial stuff here is beautiful, like the solid, wonderfully crafted stone-and-wood cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the Great Depression that host visitors to this day. Don't leave without making the relatively short (two mile roundtrip) hike to Cedar Falls, which are, when it comes to natural beauty, soaring head and shoulders above the rest (literally, the falls are 95ft high).

6. Hardcore hikers will want to hit the Ozark Highlands Trail

For the hardcore hikers – or someone who just wants to disappear into a particularly beautiful corner of creation – we offer up the Ozark Highlands Trail . This one's a doozy, clocking in at 270 miles (and counting, as more extensions are planned). The 164-mile section that traverses the Boston Mountains crosses over rivers, ridges, outcrops and piney wood canyons – in short, some of the most compelling scenery in the US Interior Highlands, the largest mountain range between the Rockies and the Appalachians. There are trailheads all along the OHT, so if you want to just "dip" into the experience for a day hike, that's certainly feasible.

7. Soak up the incredible beauty of Devil's Den State Park

Devil's Den sort of crams everything that is naturally great about the Ozarks into a 2500-acre slice of mountain bliss. You'll find lovely stone cabins built by the CCC,  mountain biking trails that wind past rock formations and exposed fossil beds, an amazing waterfall, and no fewer than 11 trails to get pleasurably lost on.

8. See nature's power surge through Mammoth Springs

Mammoth Springs State Park  is one of the less outdoors-oriented pieces of protected land in the Natural State. Instead, it showcases the largest springs in Arkansas, which are, well, of mammoth proportions. That's not hyperbole; almost 9.8 million gallons of water flow through the springs per hour. The preserved if rusty remnants of a hydroelectric facility are of some interest, but the main reason to come is to stare out over the old dam and feel the power of all that water thundering into the Spring River.

9. Feel the music and folk culture in Mountain View

The regional folkways of the Ozarks have been lionized, satirized, mocked and described in mawkish terms. Too few people with strong opinions on mountain life take the time to appreciate it on its own terms. The town of Mountain View is a good place to start this process. The musical traditions of the Ozarks are both preserved and interpreted here, both in an institutional sense, like at Ozark Folk Center State Park , and a dynamic one, like weekend jam sessions of mountain music, held at the town square. Have a wander, ask some questions and sit for a spell on someone's porch if they invite you – it happens a lot around here.

10. Find inspiration in Eureka Springs

There are few places like Eureka Springs, one of the most eclectic towns in a state that does not lack for settlements with a feisty unique streak. Eureka Springs simply has a lot to offer. There's a handsome historical hotel, coffee shops galore, a church that finds the divine in the presence of sacred nature and a historical loop hike that manages to tick the boxes for both activity seekers and those who want to be surrounded by all manner of good-looking late 19th- and early 20th-century architecture. Come the evening, take advantage of the good weather (especially in summer) and clean mountain air with a stroll down main street, and lose yourself amidst a glut of independent artisans.

This article was first published May 2022 and updated March 2024

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Protect Your Trip »

26 Top Things to Do in Arkansas

Explore the Natural State's historic, natural and cultural attractions.

Courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism

See stunning views at Arkansas' numerous national and state parks.

Arkansas is rich not only in natural resources and scenic beauty – its nickname is the Natural State, after all – but also in history, given its prominent role in the civil rights movement and its extensive Native American history. You can dig for diamonds to take home at Crater of Diamond State Park, enjoy the thermal springs at Hot Springs National Park, hike throughout the Ozark Mountains or learn about the early days of the world's largest retailer, Walmart.

Whether you're looking for fun things to do or seeking natural, historical and cultural experiences, this guide can help you discover the top things to do as a visitor to Arkansas.

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

Courtesy of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

Set on 120 acres of Ozark forest in Bentonville, the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is home to a world-class collection of art that spans five centuries, from early American history to the present. Some of the more prominent featured artists include Georgia O'Keeffe, Gilbert Stuart and Julie Mehretu. The museum was established by Alice Walton, daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, and is free to the public.

After you're done perusing the exhibits, stop by the Eleven Restaurant and Coffee Bar, which is situated on a glass bridge overlooking two spring-fed ponds, for a bite to eat. You can also explore the 5 miles of walking trails, which feature various sculptures and link the museum to downtown Bentonville. The peaceful setting of the museum sets the mood early on, and visitors recommend spending some time on the walking trails to ensure you get the full experience Crystal Bridges has to offer.

Address: 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, AR 72712

Crater of Diamonds State Park

Located just outside Murfreesboro in southwestern Arkansas, Crater of Diamonds State Park is one of the world's only diamond-bearing sites accessible to the public. The 37-acre field is the eroded surface of a volcanic crater where visitors can find a variety of gemstones and minerals, such as diamonds, amethyst, garnets, jasper, agate, quartz and more. You can bring your own tools or rent some from the park, and whatever you find you get to keep. People have unearthed more than 33,100 diamonds at this site since it became a state park in 1972 – including Uncle Sam, the largest diamond ever discovered in the U.S., and the Strawn-Wagner Diamond, which is regarded by some as the world's only perfect diamond.

In addition to the diamond field, the state park also has walking trails, picnic sites, campsites and Diamond Springs Water Park, which is open during the warmer months. Visitors say the park is worth a visit, even if you don't find anything, and can be a great activity for adults and children alike.

Thorncrown Chapel

Tucked into the woods just outside of Eureka Springs you'll find Thorncrown Chapel. This glass-enclosed sanctuary opened in 1980 and has been hailed as one of the most beautiful and inspiring chapels in the world. The structure is made from wood and over 6,000 square feet of glass across 425 windows. Even when you're inside with the comfort of air conditioning, you'll still feel like you're in the midst of the Ozark forest.

There's no admission fee to get into the chapel, and the church has ample parking, including for buses and recreational vehicles. Even if you're just making a short stop, the quiet setting can give you the chance to connect with nature. Thorncrown Chapel is also a very popular venue for weddings.

Address: 12968 U.S. Route 62, Eureka Springs, AR 72632

Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge

Courtesy of Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge

Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge was designed as a lifetime haven for big cats – including tigers, lions, cougars, leopards, ligers, servals and bobcats – that have been abandoned, neglected or abused. In addition to the feline inhabitants, however, visitors will also be able to see some other animals up close, including bears, a coatimundi and a macaw. The 460-acre sanctuary in Eureka Springs focuses on animals that have been essentially rendered homeless as a result of the exotic animal trade; the refuge's mission is to tighten regulations for big cat ownership and render sanctuaries like Turpentine Creek unnecessary.

Given the limited capacity for the refuge's daily guided tours,   reserving your spot online in advance is recommended. You can also take advantage of the summer camps, keeper talks, workshops and more. While some visitors say the refuge is too costly, others believe the fee is justified and note the animals appear to be well taken care of.

Address: 239 Turpentine Creek Lane, Eureka Springs, AR 72632

Little Rock Central High School

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On Sept. 23, 1957, nine Black teenagers, known as the Little Rock Nine, were prevented from entering the all-white Little Rock Central High School by an angry mob's protest against racial integration that soon turned violent. Though President Dwight D. Eisenhower stepped in later to have the Army escort these students into the school, this event forced Arkansas and the nation alike to grapple with the Southern defiance of the civil rights movement. Little Rock served as the first major test of how the country would implement the Supreme Court's landmark decision to desegregate public schools in the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education case.

Now the school is a national historic site. Admission is free, and you can opt for a ranger-guided tour of the site, where you'll learn about the Little Rock Crisis, the civil rights movement and desegregation. You currently cannot enter the school, which is still in use as an educational facility. Tours, which take you from the visitor center to the campus, must be reserved in advance; the National Park Service website has more information about availability.

Past visitors say the building on its own is impressive, but they were particularly moved by the story of what happened there and how it furthered civil rights in the U.S. If you get there on a non-tour day or don't reserve one beforehand, you can still peruse the exhibits in the visitor center, take a self-guided walk around the grounds, and stop by the Commemorative Garden, Elizabeth Eckford Bus Bench and Magnolia Mobil Gas Station.

Address: 2120 W. Daisy L. Gatson Bates Drive, Little Rock, AR 72202

See more of Little Rock: Things to Do | Hotels

Hot Springs National Park

The oldest U.S. national park, Hot Springs National Park predates Yellowstone by 40 years. Centered around Hot Springs Mountain, the park has 47 thermal springs. In addition to Bathhouse Row – another top thing to do in Arkansas in its own right – this Hot Springs attraction boasts 26 miles of hiking trails, which provide a beautiful and peaceful escape from the city. Visitors can also take advantage of the bike trails, go zip lining , spend some time bird-watching and learn about the history of the park, which extends far beyond its designation as a national park in 1832. While you can't swim in any of the outdoor springs, you can drink the water and make use of several fountains where you can fill up a water bottle or jug. Visitors say the park is a great place to relax and enjoy the spa experience but also recommend getting out into nature and hiking.

See more of Hot Springs:  Things to Do  |  Hotels

Bathhouse Row

Located within Hot Springs National Park, Bathhouse Row comprises eight historic bathhouses built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Water from the thermal springs feeds into these structures for a relaxing experience with various amenities. While some of the bathhouses have been converted into other venues, including a visitor center and museum , a cultural center, a brewery and distillery, and an emporium, two of them are still in use for thermal treatments: the Buckstaff and Quapaw bathhouses. Past visitors recommend taking your time to learn about the architecture and history of these buildings.

Address: 369 Central Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901

Garvan Woodland Gardens

Located near Hot Springs, the Garvan Woodland Gardens site is the botanical garden of the University of Arkansas . This attraction spans 210 acres on a peninsula of Lake Hamilton, and visitors can walk among 128 species of native and ornamental shrubs and wildflowers, as well as 160 types of azaleas and an Asian garden. If you're traveling with children, make sure to stop by the Evans Children's Adventure Gardens for some interactive entertainment that includes a waterfall, a cave, 3,000-ton rocks and an impressively designed iron bridge.

If you go later in the year, you may be able to catch the annual holiday lights display, when more than 5 million lights twinkle over 18 acres of the gardens. Just keep in mind that the gardens are closed during the month of January. Past guests call a visit here a tranquil experience, but note that admission is a bit steep, and the gardens can get busy if you go later in the day.

Address: 550 Arkridge Road, Hot Springs, AR 71913

Walmart Museum

In Bentonville's central square, you can visit the original Walton's five-and-dime store that Walmart founder Sam Walton acquired in 1951. That space has been preserved and since expanded to house the Walmart Museum. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the store and museum, where you can view artifacts such as the Medal of Freedom awarded to Walton, as well as his 1979 pickup truck and original office. Interactive exhibits teach travelers the history of how the world's largest retailer became what it is today. After you traverse the museum, step over to The Spark Café Soda Fountain to grab some ice cream in a 1950s setting, a tribute to Walton's love of the frozen treat. The Walmart Museum does not charge for admission, and visitors say it provides unique insight into how the corporation has transformed retail.

Address: 105 N. Main St., Bentonville, AR 72712

Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum

Avid Ernest Hemingway readers may want to make a pilgrimage to Piggott in northeast Arkansas to visit the Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum and Educational Center. The property includes the barn studio where Hemingway wrote portions of "A Farewell to Arms" and some short stories, as well as the family home of Hemingway's second wife, Pauline Pfeiffer. Visitors to the historic site can learn about life in the 1930s and the developments that took place in northeast Arkansas and around the world during the Great Depression and New Deal eras. Past guests at the museum note the guides are very knowledgeable and the museum is a must-see for fans of the renowned author.

Address: 1021 W. Cherry St., Piggott, AR 72454

Mount Magazine State Park

Located about 100 miles southeast of Fayetteville near the Arkansas city of Paris, Mount Magazine State Park is home to the state's highest point, Mount Magazine, which reaches more than 2,700 feet. Outdoor adventurers can choose from an array of activities in the park, including mountain biking, horseback riding, backpacking, ATV riding, rock climbing and more. The mountain has more than a dozen campsites, but if you don't want to rough it, consider staying at The Lodge at Mount Magazine, which features a restaurant, indoor swimming pool, fitness center and game room. According to past visitors, even short hikes in Mount Magazine State Park can offer some breathtaking views.

Arkansas Air and Military Museum

In Fayetteville, the Arkansas Air and Military Museum features a variety of aircraft dating all the way back to the golden age of aviation in the 1920s and '30s. The museum's collection includes Vietnam War-era helicopters, a Navy carrier fighter, world-famous racing planes, an early airliner and more. What makes this attraction unique is that many of the planes it displays still fly. The all-wood hangar housing the museum's collection is a relic of World War II, during which it was used as a headquarters for one of the government's aviator training posts – and it's one of the few such hangars that still exists.

Aircraft aside, guests will also get to see various military vehicles, patches, engines, uniforms, weapons and other historical artifacts. Visitors say the museum is a great place to see some unique planes, but you may be disappointed if you're looking for a comprehensive history of U.S. aviation.

Address: 4290 S. School Ave., Fayetteville, AR 72701

Museum of Native American History

Courtesy of Museum of Native American History

If you're looking for a cultural journey in Bentonville, the Museum of Native American History promises to take you back 14,000 years to see what life was like for the Indigenous inhabitants of the Americas starting in the Paleo Period. The museum houses more than 10,000 artifacts that traverse five time periods, including a mammoth skeleton, tools, weaponry, pottery, headdresses, quillwork, beadwork, masks and more.

This informative attraction also hosts various events, including monthly conversations about Indigenous culture, a storytelling program, art workshops and the annual Native American Cultural Celebration. In the Indigenous Medicine Garden, visitors can learn about the Native American connection to nature. Past visitors appreciated the museum's excellent representation of Native American peoples and world-class collections of artifacts. What's more, admission to the museum is free.

Address: 202 SW O St., Bentonville, AR 72712

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Fort Smith National Historic Site

Fort Smith, established in 1817, was the site of two frontier forts and the Federal Court for the Western District of Arkansas. Now a National Historic Site, Fort Smith in the 1830s was a stop along the Trail of Tears, a series of forced displacements of Native American communities across nine states in the southeastern U.S. At the Trail of Tears Overlook and River Walk, visitors today can stand on a portion of the trail and read panels about the five Indigenous tribes forcibly removed from the area. You can also see where soldiers from the Civil War and Mexican War drilled, visit the gallows where outlaws met their fate, and hear stories about the fort's 19th-century inhabitants and visitors. Past guests say the historic site provides an informative window into the harsh realities of the Old West and has a lot of open space to walk and relax.

Address: 301 Parker Ave., Fort Smith, AR 72901

Mammoth Spring State Park

About 80 miles northwest of Jonesboro in northeast Arkansas, right on the border with Missouri, you'll find Mammoth Spring, one of the largest natural springs in the world – it pumps out 9 million gallons of water every hour. The spring forms a 10-acre lake that feeds into the Spring River, a stream known for its Ozark trout and excellent for floating. Visitors can take kayaks and pedal boats out on the lake or float down the crystal-clear water of the Spring River. The park also features a restoration of the state's oldest railroad station, a playground and a hiking trail. Visitors marvel at the scenic park's quiet beauty and activities for all ages. While you're there, you can also check out the Mammoth Spring National Fish Hatchery, one of the oldest of its kind in the country. The hatchery runs various programs to educate the public, recover endangered and threatened species, and promote conservation.

Magic Springs Theme and Water Park

Courtesy of Magic Springs Water and Theme Park

Located in Hot Springs, Magic Springs Theme and Water Park offers fun for every member of the family. The water park includes a variety of slides, an adventure river, a playground, a family splash zone, a wave pool, a boogie boarding area and many other attractions. Visitors who want some private space and VIP treatment can rent a cabana.

On the theme park side you'll find an assortment of roller coasters, a drop tower, a log flume, bumper cars, a pirate ship and eight rides specifically for young kids. The park also sometimes hosts concerts, which are free with your admission, and other special events.

Visitors say the park, while a great place to take your kids, can feel overpriced if you have a lot of people in your party; they also caution the park sometimes experiences multiple closures of attractions. Tickets give you access to both parks, so you can spend a little bit of your day at each. Magic Springs is typically open from early May through late October.

Address: 1701 E. Grand Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901

William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum

The William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum in Little Rock has both permanent and temporary exhibits showcasing more than 100,000 items and works of art related to Bill Clinton's life and presidency. Visitors can learn about President Clinton's campaign, inauguration, policies, work and life in the White House via a collection of documents, videos, photographs and interactive exhibits. You'll also be able to see replicas of the Oval Office and Cabinet Room. Past visitors found the library and museum were worth a stop, even for those not particularly interested in politics.

Address: 1200 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock, AR 72201

South Arkansas Arboretum

If you find yourself in El Dorado, Arkansas, or you're just driving through, you can stop by the 12-acre South Arkansas Arboretum. This botanical garden features plants native to the state's West Gulf Coastal Plain, as well as some exotic species. Along the paved walking trails you'll spot camellias, azaleas, dogwoods, shortleaf and loblolly pines, magnolias, white ash trees, American sycamores and much more. Plenty of benches line the path, so you can sit and relax under the forest canopy, a great place for bird-watching, or bring a picnic to eat at the pavilion. While the arboretum is managed by South Arkansas Community College – and visitors say it is well maintained – it has no staff on-site.

Address: 1506 Mount Holly Road, El Dorado, AR 71730

Kenda Drive-In

In Marshall, about 100 miles north of Little Rock, you can step back in time with a visit to the Kenda Drive-In, which first opened in 1966. In addition to single and double features of select latest releases, the outdoor theater hosts a free Throwback Thursday event on the last Thursday of every month from April through September. Only vehicles manufactured in the 1980s and earlier are allowed on the field during the event, but you can park outside and bring your lawn chairs in to catch a screening of a classic film. The drive-in has a full concession stand that patrons rave about, with burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, snacks, popcorn, drinks and sweets. Both locals and visitors to Marshall highly recommend the experience, adding that the prices are reasonable and the atmosphere on Throwback Thursday nights makes it a unique experience.

Address: 107 Westwood Drive, Marshall, AR 72650

Old State House Museum

Little Rock's Old State House Museum sits inside the original capitol building for the state of Arkansas and enjoys the designation of the oldest standing state capitol west of the Mississippi River. Guests of the museum can learn about the state's history through various exhibits and artifacts. You'll also be able to learn about the building's other uses over the years, including stints as the Arkansas War Memorial, home of the Arkansas State Police and a medical school. Visitors love that admission is free and note the museum is a great place to learn about the complex history of the 25th state.

Address: 300 W. Markham St., Little Rock, AR 72201

Hampson Archeological Museum State Park

Close to the Tennessee border – about 45 miles north of Memphis – you'll find the Hampson Archeological Museum State Park in Wilson, Arkansas. The museum focuses on the archaeological discoveries of Dr. James K. Hampson from the Nodena Site, where an Indigenous farming community thrived on the Mississippi River from the years 1400 to 1650. The museum's collection, which is free to experience, includes a visualization of what the village might have looked like, as well as various artifacts such as preserved whole ceramic pottery. Those who have seen it were impressed by the quality of preservation and the artwork.

Address: 33 Park St., Wilson, AR 72395

Castle Rogue's Manor

Just 7 miles north of Eureka Springs, travelers can visit Castle Rogue's Manor in Beaver, Arkansas. With a property spanning 20 acres in the Ozark forest, the 15,000-square-foot castle is situated on the limestone cliffs that tower over Table Rock Lake and the White River. The medieval manor, which took 20 years to build, is so unique it was featured on HGTV's "Home Strange Home" series in 2007. Visitors can take a guided tour for a fee by appointment only by calling 479-981-6816. Castle Rogue's Manor is a popular venue for weddings, receptions, reunions and other special events. Past tour guests enjoyed the down-to-earth yet eccentric experience of the castle.

Address: 2272 state Highway 187, Beaver Township, AR 72613

Pinnacle Mountain State Park

Pinnacle Mountain State Park, a geographically diverse destination about 15 miles northwest of Little Rock, is centered on Pinnacle Mountain, which rises more than 1,000 feet above the valley. The park, which is certified as a Trail of Tears National Historic Site, features more than 20 miles of hiking trails and the Arkansas Arboretum, a 71-acre botanical garden that exhibits the state's native flora. The park is day-use only, so you can't camp, but up until sunset you can make use of its 14 miles of bike trails and an area for picnics and gatherings. Visitors say Pinnacle Mountain promises the best views of central Arkansas and is possible to reach even for inexperienced hikers.

Buffalo National River

Winding for 135 miles through the Ozark Mountains in northern Arkansas, the Buffalo National River is one of the few remaining undammed rivers in the 48 contiguous states. Adventure activities are abundant, with river hiking, mountain biking, floating, horseback riding, canoeing and caving being the most prevalent options. You can also check out Rush, a ghost town situated on the Lower Buffalo River where zinc miners made their living throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The area has four campgrounds, along with some day-use areas. Past visitors love the lack of development along the river combined with the pleasant scenery wherever you go.

The Old Mill

During your trip to Little Rock, swing by the Old Mill at T.R. Pugh Memorial Park in North Little Rock. This structure is an authentic reproduction of the water-powered gristmill that was built in 1933 and featured in the opening scene of the 1939 film "Gone with the Wind." The surrounding area is adorned with flowers that bloom throughout the year, as well as concrete bridges, benches and baskets that are all sculpted to look like real wood. The grounds are well maintained, according to past visitors, and the atmosphere feels like an oasis in the city.

Address: 3800 Lakeshore Drive, North Little Rock, AR 72116

Fayetteville Downtown Square and Gardens

The downtown square of the college town Fayetteville, home to the University of Arkansas, features one-of-a-kind shops, restaurants and historic buildings. The central space also boasts gardens and plants around the Old Post Office and other businesses and serves as the location for the Lights of the Ozarks festival during the winter holiday season. Depending on when you visit, you can also peruse the farmers market that takes place in the gardens from April through November. Visitors have marveled at landscaping at Fayetteville Downtown Square and Gardens and recommend visiting any time of the year, but particularly when the lights festival takes place.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Things to Do in Eureka Springs, Arkansas
• The Top Things to Do in Tennessee
• The Top Things to Do in Oklahoma
• The Top Things to Do in Mobile, Alabama
• The Best Tourist Attraction in Every State

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Arkansas Mountain Ranges

June 6, 2022

Arkansas is a state full of natural beauty, and part of that beauty comes from the wide range of landscapes found in the state. Arkansas is marked by six natural divisions that give the state its mountains, valleys, plains and other interesting features. The divisions are the Mississippi Alluvial Plain, Crowley’s Ridge, the Arkansas Valley, the West Gulf Coastal Plain, the Ozark Mountains and the Ouachita Mountains. Crowley’s Ridge and the Mississippi Alluvial Plain (Delta) make up the eastern half of the state, while the West Gulf Coastal Plain occupies most of Arkansas’s southern border. Arkansas’s mountains lie in the western half of the state, separated by the Arkansas River and Arkansas Valley.

Ozark Mountains

The Ozark Mountains are actually a series of high plateaus that run from southern Missouri through northern Arkansas and parts of northeast Oklahoma and southeast Kansas. The plateaus formed over 300 million years ago. Water has eroded parts of the plateaus to create deep valleys. The area is known for its beautiful forests, rugged landscape, and karst topography. It also goes by a series of names, including the Ozark Mountains, Ozark Highlands and Ozark Plateau.

Boston Mountains

In Arkansas, the plateau is divided into three subregions, each with their own unique landscapes and forests. The Boston plateau, usually called the Boston Mountains, is the most southern of the series in Arkansas. The Boston Mountains are the highest in the Ozarks, with elevations regularly reaching over 2,000 feet, and some mountains climbing to nearly 2,600 feet. The mountains lie between the White River and the Arkansas River in a band only 35 miles wide but 200 miles long. These mountains are formed from two layers of sandstone, the first dating back to a prehistoric ocean that once covered the state. As the layers eroded, wind and water created the steep bluffs the region is known for.

The Boston Mountains support a large forest of mainly oak and hickory trees, though some mountain slopes contain short-leaf pine trees. The Ozark National Forest encompasses much of the region. The Boston Mountains remained a remote region longer than other parts of the state simply because of the difficulty of crossing them. Roads were rough, and much of the area was not farmable, which attracted fewer people. The original hillbillies of Arkansas called this area home, and were known for their individualism, which was as rugged as the mountains surrounding them.

Newton County, AR – April 30: A two-day float and camp on the Buffalo National River in Newton County, AR on April 30, 2022. (Photo by Will Newton/ADPHT)

Springfield Plateau

The Springfield Plateau is north of the Boston Mountains, and here the Ozark Plateau shifts in landscape from rugged mountains to rolling hills interspersed with broad plains. This made travel much easier in the area, and much of Northwest Arkansas developed here. The Buffalo and White Rivers cut through this area, as well as other tributaries. The underlying limestone and chert, which is easily eroded, has allowed many caves to form. In an effort to control devastating flooding, the Army Corps of Engineers built many dams along the White River after the Flood Control Act of 1938, including Beaver Dam, Bull Shoals Dam, and Table Rock Dam. These dams altered the landscape, filling in the valleys, which sometimes required entire towns to move. The plateau is covered in hardwood forest, and much of the area has yielded to development as Northwest Arkansas continues to explode.

Salem Plateau

The final plateau in the Ozark Mountains is the Salem Plateau, the most northern part of the Ozarks in Arkansas. This plateau is characterized by rolling hills that sometimes drop into steep bluffs, especially around the Eureka Springs area. Unlike the Springfield Plateau, the Salem Plateau doesn’t contain large prairie lands, so it never developed for agriculture. Instead, grazing animals became popular. The damming of the White River also brought unexpected tourism to the area through Bull Shoals and Norfork Lakes. The tourist-driven towns of Eureka Springs, and  Branson, farther north in Missouri, draw many visitors.

Some of the best ways to see the Ozark Mountains are by foot or canoe. The Ozark Highlands Trail runs through the Ozark National Forest and is perfect for viewing the breathtaking high bluffs. The Buffalo National River and White River offer opportunities for canoeing and floating. Finally, several scenic byways allow drivers to view the Ozark Mountains. The Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway crosses the Boston Mountains and Arkansas Scenic 7 Byway crosses the Ozark Mountains on its way south to the Ouachitas.

Ouachita Mountains

The Ouachita Mountains are Arkansas’s southern mountain range, which stands in stark contrast to the Ozark Mountains. The Ouachita Mountains run east to west in their ridgelines, unlike the larger mountain ranges in the U.S. Their east-west alignment produces an unusual feature with the south side of the mountains receiving more sunlight and less rain than the northern sides. The northern slopes of the Ouachitas are greener and cooler than the southern slopes and covered in hardwoods, while the south slopes have pine forests. This gives the Ouachitas a banded appearance when viewed from an airplane or through satellite imagery.

Fourche Mountains

Like the Ozarks, the Ouachita Mountains can be divided into three regions: the Fourche Mountains, the Central Ouachitas, and the Athens Plateau. The Fourche Mountains is the most northern section and includes portions of Little Rock. The long, uninterrupted ridges often cool the southern airflow over the mountains to produce fog, rain and clouds. The Fourche Mountains include the Ouachitas’ tallest peaks. Mount Magazine is 2,753 feet high, while the second tallest peak is Rich Mountain at 2,681 feet.

Central Ouachita Mountains

The Central Ouachita Mountains contain Hot Springs and Mena and make up much of the Ouachita National Forest. The mountains here still form long ridges, though not as long as the Fourche Mountains, and include significant amounts of crystals, formed by natural hot springs beneath the ground that seeped through the rocks. Hot Springs National Park features 47 of these natural springs. Oak and pine forests cover much of the area, making it perfect for hiking, biking, or exploring on ATVs. The Ouachita National Forest covers 1.8 million acres and offers beautiful views from the mountain peaks.

Athens Plateau

The Athens Plateau is the southern section of the Ouachita Mountains. Its elevation drops to less than 1,000 feet, although it maintains a series of ridges, like the rest of the mountain range. The plateau area is known for plentiful timber, and both pine and hardwood trees grow in abundance. The Athens Plateau also has the Cossatot River and the Little Missouri River. As these rivers cross the ridges, they create rapids and drops in elevation, making the rivers perfect for more skilled white water rafting and kayaking. The Army Corps of Engineers also built dams along the Ouachita River, which created Arkansas’s five Diamond Lakes : Lake Catherine, Lake DeGray, Lake Greeson, Lake Hamilton and Lake Ouachita.

The Ouachitas are easily traveled by car, and the most famous way to see them is on the Talimena National Scenic Byway , which runs from Mena, Arkansas to Talihina, Oklahoma. Other scenic drives through the Ouachita Mountains include Scenic 7 Byway and Winona Scenic Drive near Jessieville.

Between the Ozarks and the Ouachitas, nearly half of Arkansas is covered in mountains, making it easy for residents and visitors alike to get out and explore some of the state’s most scenic places.

Photos courtesy of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.

Meet the author.

Learn more about Kimberly Mitchell .

A little about Kimberly Mitchell .

Kimberly S. Mitchell loves journeys, real or imagined. She has hiked the Inca Trail, walked into Panama on a rickety wooden bridge and once missed the last train of the night in Paris and walked several miles home (with friends). She believes magic can be found in life and books, loves to watch the stars appear, and still dreams of backpacking the world. Now she writes adventures to send her characters on journeys, too. Pen & Quin: International Agents of Intrigue - The Mystery of the Painted Book is her debut novel. Find out more at KSMitchell.com.

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Places We Protect

West Gulf Coastal Plain

• Phone: 225-338-1040
• Email: [email protected]

This region covers more than 8,300 square miles in 18 parishes in southwest and central Louisiana.

The  West Gulf Coastal Plain (WGCP) covers more than 8,300 square miles and encompasses all or portions of 18 parishes in southwest and central Louisiana extends into several counties in Southeast Texas. Bisected by the Red River, the area is bordered by the coastal prairie region to the south, the Sabine River to the west, the Mississippi River Alluvial Plain to the east and the shortleaf pine-oak/hickory region to the north. 

Current Condition

Like other pine-dominated regions of Louisiana, the longleaf pine forests of the West Gulf Coastal Plain were subjected to wholesale timbering in the early decades of the 1900s. Some areas of longleaf pine never regenerated, although most had enough seedlings, saplings and cone-producing trees to eventually recover. Until relatively recently, much of the region was open range for livestock. Many ranchers would set the dead grass tops on fire in late winter to provide an early spring "green-up" for cattle. One early report described Beauregard Parish as burning from end to end each year! The fires benefited the herbaceous groundcover and helped maintain the openness needed for longleaf pine re-establishment.

Today, due to many land-use changes, less than 10% of the original longleaf pine forests in the West Gulf Coastal Plain remain. Although longleaf pine produces superior timber, it has not been favored as a timber tree, largely due to difficulties in getting seedlings established, perceived loss of investment due to lack of height growth in the "grass stage," and the need for frequent prescribed burning to perpetuate the forest. Most historical longleaf sites have been converted to loblolly or slash pine plantations.

Upon a first visit to the U. S. Forest Service's Longleaf Vista adjacent to the Kisatchie Hills Wilderness Area, many people hardly believe they are in Louisiana. A vista in Louisiana? With rocks?! In a state known for its flat wetland marshes and bayous, the overstory of longleaf pine forest and unusual mesa-like buttes strewn with large sandstone rocks and boulders proves especially dramatic. 

The sandstone rock is part of the Catahoula Formation, which occurs in a relatively narrow band across the area. In some areas, the rock is exposed at or near the surface, minimizing soil development and plant growth. These areas are referred to as sandstone glades and support several rare species, including the small-flowered flame flower and the rare southern red-backed salamander.

Sandstone, or siltstone, is also exposed in some of the small streams in the region, such as Kisatchie Bayou. These streams are very scenic, with clear water flowing over the rocks in "mini-waterfalls" and ripples. In fact, this area boasts Louisiana's tallest waterfall (17 feet) at Sicily Island, an isolated portion of the uplands found within the Mississippi River floodplain.

Another special habitat type present in the uplands is the hillside seepage bog. These areas occur on slopes in longleaf uplands and range from less than a half acre to several acres in size. They are constantly wet from ground water seepage along hillsides, mostly due to the presence of an impermeable layer near the surface blocking downward water percolation. Often this layer is sandstone, but may also be thick layers of clay or siltstone. The bogs can get very mucky, and they support plants such as carnivorous pitcher plants, sundews and bladderworts, as well as native orchids and other beautiful wildflowers, sedges and grasses.

Biodiversity Significance

The longleaf pine ecosystem throughout the southeast is of conservation concern due to excessive habitat loss and the fact that an abundance of species occur exclusively or predominantly in these habitats. The WGCP is no exception. Long separated from their eastern counterparts by the Mississippi River Alluvial Plain, longleaf pine habitats of west Louisiana and east Texas are significantly different in species composition.

In spite of historic land practices, some of the best remaining longleaf pine habitats in the Southeast are to be found in the Louisiana portion of the West Gulf Coastal Plain. This region supports many rare species of plants and animals. Perhaps the most distinctive rare animal in this ecoregion is the state endemic Louisiana pearlshell mussel, a threatened species found only in a few small sandy streams in central Louisiana. The best known rare animal in the region is the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker, which reaches its greatest abundance in longleaf pine regions throughout the southeast. Additional globally-rare animals associated with longleaf pine, include Bachman's sparrow, Louisiana pine snake, and Kisatchie salamander.

Conservation Efforts

TNC has established three of Louisiana's most significant preserves within this region. Persimmon Gully in Calcasieu Parish supports the only protected example of longleaf pine savanna on high-saline soils, CC Road Savanna in Allen Parish protects the only known population of American chaffseed east of Georgia, and Copenhagen Hills Preserve supports a variety of globally rare plant communities and what may be more species of woody plants that any other area of similar size in North America.

Much of the remaining upland longleaf forests in Louisiana and Texas are now in public ownership. Five of the six districts of the Kisatchie National Forest occur in the WGCP longleaf pine region as do two military training facilities, Fort Polk Army Reservation and the National Guard's Camp Beauregard. Through partnerships with these public agencies, TNC and Louisiana Natural Heritage Program have conducted inventories on these lands and have shared important biological information.

In recent years, the Forest Service has adopted a policy to promote longleaf pine where it occurs naturally on its lands. In addition to maintaining current longleaf pine forests, the agency is restoring areas that were formerly longleaf. Several longleaf areas on the Kisatchie have special conservation status as well, including the Kisatchie Hills Wilderness, the Longleaf Scenic Area, eight registered natural areas and numerous red-cockaded woodpecker sites.

Fort Polk harbors many red-cockaded woodpeckers as well. The Louisiana National Guard has committed to conservation of four longleaf pine demonstration areas at Camp Beauregard, a conservation endeavor made possible by a new program sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service called "Safe Harbor.” Numerous private landowners and timber companies are conserving special sites in this ecoregion as well. 

Exploring the West Gulf Coastal Plain

Hike the Wild Azalea Trail, the Longleaf Vista and many other areas in Kisatchie National Forest or visit the region's state parks, wildlife management areas or the Caroline Dorman Nature Preserve. When you visit this ecoregion, either on foot or by a vehicle, you will no doubt obtain a better understanding and appreciation of this great ecoregion of Louisiana.

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A warmer, wetter world impacts Arkansas too

Crossett, Arkansas – In Florida, you can see the sea rise year after year. In Louisiana, you dread the increasingly nasty storms and hurricanes. Climate change, in the South, is easily observed along the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. 

But what about inland, away from the warming waters and ever-harsher weather? Do locals experience Mother Nature’s worsening wrath? Are lives, homes, forests, crops, and wildlife also endangered as you travel further and further from the coasts? Is climate change climate change Climate change includes both global warming driven by human-induced emissions of greenhouse gases and the resulting large-scale shifts in weather patterns. Though there have been previous periods of climatic change, since the mid-20th century humans have had an unprecedented impact on Earth's climate system and caused change on a global scale. Learn more about climate change real? 

But it’s not as in-your-face in, say, Crossett – the pine-and-paper capital of south Arkansas -- as it is in Miami or New Orleans. Warmer temps, heavier rains, and more frequent droughts are the telltale, damaging signs of climate change across inland America. It’s making Arkansas farmers plant and harvest earlier, or perhaps sow different crops. Hunters aren’t bagging near as many mallards as they did a decade ago. And gardeners from Little Rock on down to Crossett can experiment with tropics-loving plants like oleander and pineapple guava. 

The vagaries of a warming world collide at the Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge, just outside of town. Too much rain, and too much heat, create insupportable conditions for plants, trees, and birds -- and wildlife managers whose job is to maintain the natural world prized by hunters, anglers, birders, hikers, and others. 

“The climate is getting wetter here,” said Michael Stroeh, the project leader for Felsenthal, Overflow, and Pond Creek refuges. “We flood almost every year now, and the floods last four to six months. It’s not natural for those trees to be flooded as much. And then we’ll go to almost-drought conditions.” 

Water, water everywhere 

You’d think water would be the least of Felsenthal’s problems considering the refuge itself was created to handle the massive amount that sits behind the Felsenthal Lock and Dam. The 76,000-acre refuge is also where the Ouachita and Saline rivers meet and nourish countless sloughs, creeks, and oxbow lakes.  

Arkansas averages a healthy 49 inches of precipitation a year, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration which keeps records back to 1895. Yet five of the 11 wettest years have occurred since 2009. And, in each of those years, at least 65 inches of rain has fallen on The Natural State. 

2022 offered about average rainfall (51 inches), but 2023 started out with a bang. The city of El Dorado, not far from the refuge, logged nearly 10 inches of rain in January – with most falling within a 24-hour period early in the month. 

“The most pressing climate-related concern for Arkansas is the increase in heavy rain events, severe flooding, and storms,” the Environmental Protection Agency reported. “Heavy downpours and increasing annual rainfall can have catastrophic effects.”  

Unlike coastal areas, rising temperatures in Arkansas aren’t contributing much to the surge in precipitation. The temperature statewide has warmed a relatively mild one degree since 1975 to an annual average of 61 degrees.  

Yet the plant hardiness zones, published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, paint a more startling picture. The color-coded maps, based on the rise in average minimum winter temperatures, show farmers and gardeners what plants will grow well and where. South Arkansas is now plastered in yellow, the zone found historically along the coastal plain of Louisiana. Plants that once thrived two hundred miles below Crossett now do well at Felsenthal and surrounding areas. 

“Arkansas has completely gone from one zone to another,” said Doug Zollner, director of science and strategy for The Nature Conservancy in Arkansas. “You get earlier spring green-ups which entails a lot of adjustments, mostly by farmers. They’re changing crops, moving up the dates for planting and harvesting. They’re the most attuned to climate change, even if they still won’t talk about climate change.” 

Rising temperatures lead to increased evaporation which decreases the amount of water that can seep into the soil for later use. The loss of soil moisture turns dry spells into droughts. 

“We go from flooding to almost drought conditions,” said Stroeh while giving a tour of the refuge on an unseasonably warm – 73 degrees – winter day. “We needed rain bad from July until just recently.” 

He got it – in buckets-full. He parked his Ford F-150 along Bolding House Road and walked downhill through scrub-shrub thickets toward the bottomland hardwoods that flood each winter. The ground, underneath a carpet of oak leaves, was saturated. Three good-sized, and startled, wild hogs skittered toward Upper Spring Bayou. A cluster of endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers lives in these woods. 

“Higher up, most of the trees are willow oaks. But as you get closer to the water, the vegetation changes and the trees change,” Stroeh said. “This stand is fairly healthy yet. But you’ll see the difference in the next stand when we get into overcup (oaks). Overcup is slowly invading this section. It’s expanding here because of the water. And that’s not a good thing.” 

Stressed, dying oaks 

Felsenthal’s bottomland hardwoods are intentionally flooded in the fall to provide prime habitat for wintering, migratory waterfowl. The refuge’s 15,000-acre pool, which backs up to the dam, grows to 36,000 acres once flooded. The pool was only 5,000 acres prior to the dam’s opening in 1985. Then, the Service, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (which operates the dam), and other federal and state agencies began planting hardwoods across the bottomlands. The trees are usually surveyed every five years to determine growth, health, and mortality. Initially, the reports were encouraging: the added moisture didn’t stunt growth and the acorns – food for ducks and other critters – continued to rain down. 

Twenty years later, though, the scientists were singing a different tune. 

“After two decades of GTR management, mortality of mature trees has continued and was 2 to 3 times greater than normally expected mortality rates of similar bottomland forests,” reads a 2010 report by USGS’s National Wetlands Research Center. “Continued annual flooding at Felsenthal NWR will result in severe additional mortality of primarily willow and Nuttall oaks.” 

One-fourth of all trees in the reservoir died. Most were stressed out. They couldn’t handle the near-constant high water. At least the willows and Nuttalls – whose acorns are prized by ducks – couldn't. An earlier study showed that Nuttalls were producing 50 percent fewer acorns. Overcup oaks, though, thrive in high water. But their acorns are considerably larger than willow nuts and ducks won’t eat them. 

“The most abundant species, overcup oak (flood tolerant), seems to be best suited for the current hydrological condition throughout most of the green tree reservoir,” the report concluded.  

The ducks aren’t happy. Neither are hunters. In 2011, 1.4 million ducks were harvested in Arkansas, according to the state’s Game and Fish Commission. A decade later, 900,000 were. 

“Everyone says, ‘Well the ducks don’t come here like they used to,’ and that’s true,” Stroeh said while driving to the other side of the green tree reservoir. “Is that possibly related to acorn production? Yes. Weather plays a big role too, cold weather in particular. There are so many factors to tease out.” 

'We’ve had enough’ 

It’s also difficult to parse which has a bigger impact on the oak trees: The annual, man-made flooding? Or the storms, hurricanes, and heavy rains? The USGS reports says the Army Corps should open the floodgates more often and reduce water in the green tree reservoir. Zollner, with the Conservancy, says maybe duck hunting dates should be changed. 

Changes will have to be made; Mother Nature isn’t fooling around. NOAA predicts “historically unprecedented warming is projected during this century” with average annual temperatures likely to rise five degrees if the amount of carbon dioxide pumped into the atmosphere isn’t reduced. Wintertime precipitation is also projected to rise across Arkansas by midcentury. And, droughts “are projected to be more intense,” NOAA says. 

Stroeh drove to Pine Island and into a forest of oak, sweetgum, western mayhaw, blueberry hawthorn, bluestem, and sedges. The bigger trees did not look healthy. The willow oaks were dying, their crowns diminished and scraggly, their lower limbs splintered and broken. Carpenter ants – known to attack stressed trees -- feasted along the base of some oaks.

“See through there all the trees breaking down?” Stroeh said pointing to a small group of willows. “They get too much water which is being held back here by the lock and dam. These trees have said, ‘We’ve had enough. We can’t take it anymore.’” 

He paused before adding, “The question is, can we maintain willow oak or just walk away and say it’s just going to be an overcup forest and waterfowl will have to play a much smaller role on the landscape? If you lose willow oaks, you lose that diversity of plants and wildlife and, maybe, just maybe, we all lose.” 

This story is part of a collaborative effort  to explore how climate change is impacting hunting and fishing across the United States. 

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