1. Seven Hollows at Petit Jean State Park
This is a 4.4 mile trail that features a waterfall & from the photos I’ve seen, lots of rock formations that look like they would be kid heaven for climbing in & out of while hiking. I have spent my entire life going to Petit Jean & have never been on this trail. Can you believe it???
2. War Eagle Valley Loop Trail
This is an 8.1 mile trail. I probably wouldn’t be able to get all of my kids out there because of distance, but I’d love to give it a go solo or with my older ones. I’m curious to try it because I’ve seen reviews where people love it for the wildlife but others say it’s boring because there’s no water access & only one “overlook” on the trail. I want to judge for myself!
This is a 5.9 mile hike in Ponca, AR & it is not a kid friendly hike & I’ve been told not really for people with a fear of heights. And while I’m no fan of things high up, I’m also not one to not try something new just because it might be scary. It goes down to the bluff & then you walk on the goat trail which is about 350 feet up in the air. Something I would definitely like to try if I can find a Saturday away with Todd.
4. Indian Rock House Self-Guided Trail
This is a 2.8 mile hike that is kid friendly on the Buffalo River in Jasper, AR. It has a waterfall & it follows a stream to the Indian Rockhouse Cave, which according to AllTrails, used to be a home of pre-historic, cliff dwelling Native Americans. I think the kids would get a huge kick out this one!
This is a 2 mile, kid friendly trail that follows a creek to the Shaddox historic pioneer cabin on to the Shaddox cemetery & then returns to the trailhead. This is one we might aim to do for Spring Break!
This is a 2.4 mile loop trail that is an unofficial trail! Keep in mind, it’s not maintained by a park. Regardless, I’d love to give it a try & it’s said to be kid friendly. There are waterfalls & bluffs with caves that I think the kids would love to explore. There are some water crossings & the trail can be faint at times, so make sure you are prepared!
This is a 3.1 mile hike that is lightly trafficked AND it is not for kids or an inexperienced hiker. I’ve read that it requires some minor trail-less adventuring. But hey, I’m up for the adventure & trying something I’ve never done before. This trail features a couple of waterfalls, field crossings & caves; from the reviews it seems as though it’s worth attempting! I recommend watching this video posted by an AllTrails reviewer, Taylor Wise.
8. Whitaker Point (Hawksbill Crag)
This is a 2.9 mile hike that has been on my list forever. I’ve only been waiting for a good weekend to open up so that I can drive the whole family down there on a weekend morning. I know it features a waterfall, but really you’re going for the overlook. Am I right??? I also know that the road to the trail head is hard to drive (aka my Honda Accord wouldn’t have too much fun but it can make it.) This is one I’m pretty sure is going on my Spring Break must list! I talked to a friend who has done this one & her recommendation is that kids can totally do it, but to take a second adult.
This is a 5.5 mile trail that is rated as hard. From what I’ve gathered from the reviews, it’s difficult because of the how much climbing up you have to do in order to come out the hollow. It features a waterfall & it’s supposed to be gorgeous. I might hike it myself & then see if the kids can do it once I’ve seen how it goes. I read a review that said the trail is well maintained.
Last but not least, this is a 1.2 mile hike in Jasper, AR near the Bufallo River that would be fantastic to take the kids for a trip. It features a waterfall, but I’ve read in the reviews that the trail isn’t marked very well. It’s worth getting on AllTrails to read the reviews so you know what to expect for this one, but I still think it’s worth attempting.
So there you have it, 10 trails that I would love to attempt either with my kids or alone depending on the trail. There are thousands of trails in Arkansas that are beautiful & worth visiting. As I mark these trails from my list, I’m sure I will have plenty more to choose from to go on a new adventure!
If you’re looking for trails to hike in your area or an area you plan on going on for vacation, then I can’t recommend you reading this article more: How in the Heck Do You Find Trails to Hike?
What are some of your favorite trails that I need to check out?? Or what is your bucket list for hiking in your home state???
Leave a Reply