Traveling to NW Arkansas soon? Check out my favorite things to do in Northwest Arkansas, from hiking to shopping!
Arkansas might not be on the top of your list when you think of hiking and floating destinations, but I beg for you to reconsider.
We have visited the Northwest Arkansas area several times over the past few years, and think it’s truly a hidden gem for a trip with plenty of outdoor activities! We typically find a cabin somewhere between Harrison and Ponca to use as our base, then drive to activities each day.
Without further ado, here are my favorite things to do when traveling to Northwest, Arkansas!
Float the Buffalo River
The Buffalo River runs through Northwest Arkansas and is a stunning, clear river perfect for kayaking, canoeing, rafting and fishing! We usually put in near the town of Ponca, but I bet you can find an outfitter close to your lodging, depending on the time of year.
We typically kayak an 8-12 mile length, which takes us 4-6 hours with a few short stops for breaks. The scenery and bluffs are gorgeous!
River flow is highest in the spring, although the water is cold! When we float the Buffalo River in the spring, we typically opt for canoes. There will be gentle rapids, and you have a good chance of getting wet! This makes a kayak (especially a ride-on kayak) a less desirable choice.
In the summer, the water flow is slower and a raft or kayak works great! There are plentiful outfitters to rent your gear from, and to schedule shuttles and transportation with.
Visit Jasper, Arkansas
Jasper, Arkansas is a quaint small town that sits right near the Buffalo River! It has a cute downtown with shops and restaurants, and two grocery stores. For many that visit the area, it’s a bit of a hub.
While in Jasper, eat the absolutely delicious (and huge) pizzas at Jasper Pizza Co, shop at Bubba’s Buffalo River Store, The Freckled Frog and The Crystal Cottage.
For dinner, try out the Low Gap Cafe!
Hit the Trails
Northwest Arkansas has hikes for every level of hiker! We have enjoyed the beautifully maintained trails, a lot of waterfalls and also some challenging hikes over the years.
Our very favorite is Alum Cove Trail, which is short but does take some time because you will be hiking down and back up a ravine. On this trail, you’ll see one of the largest natural bridges in the area and plenty of small caves, waterfalls and a small river. We love this trail in the spring when waterflow is heavy. You’ll see little waterfalls everywhere as you go! Just make sure to bring your waterproof boots.
Other than Alum Cove, we typically hike the Round Rock Trail, which is a bit longer but has stunning views of the Buffalo River basin. As a bonus, you can bring on-leash dogs on both of these trails!
I also recommend checking out Glory Hole Falls, which is a strenuous hike with a waterfall cascading through a hole in a natural rock floor. It’s beautiful!
Visit Mystic Caverns
Just outside of Harrison, there’s a defunct amusement park called Dogpatch. My understanding is that Mystic Caverns was a show cave that was part of that park (but don’t quote me on that)!
Tours are still available of Mystic Caverns and if you visit, you’ll see some super spectacular rock formations and stalactites. I am not one that enjoys touristy things typically, but our entire family enjoyed this tour!
Drive the Scenic Byway
The Scenic 7 Byway is an excellent way to see the sights if you have limited mobility and hiking isn’t a great choice.
I have to tell you that it’s a very winding road with sharp curves, so drive with care! There are plenty of scenic outlooks and places to stop and enjoy a picnic lunch, and small towns along the way.
I hope this list helps you plan a wonderful trip to Northwest Arkansas, packed with adventure! If you end up doing any of these activities, let me know how it went in the comments below. Or, I’d love to hear your suggestions if you have more ideas!