After the holidays, January can feel a little slow. You’ve had your fun, and now you’re staring at a brand new year. So, what’s a great way to shake off that slow feeling and really start your year with energy? The answer is simple: go hiking in Arkansas in January.
It’s the perfect reset.
The summer crowds are gone, and the landscape is something quiet and stunning. You get these open, peaceful trails and these incredible winter views you just can’t see any other time.
So, if you’re ready to trade the couch for some crisp air and amazing scenery, read on to find the very best places to go hiking in Arkansas this January.
The Top Winter Hiking Spots in Arkansas
1. Whitaker Point (Hawksbill Crag)
This is the photo you’ve seen, an iconic rocky ledge jutting out over a vast, forested valley. That’s Whitaker Point, one of the best places to hike in Northwest Arkansas. In January, this spot is just magical.
The main reason to hike here is that the winter views are completely unobstructed. Without all the leaves, you can see for miles and miles. Plus, the trail is quieter, so you might just get that famous ledge all to yourself for a few minutes.
Here’s the important part, though: you must be cautious. That beautiful ledge can get icy, and the rocks on the trail can be slippery. Good boots are non-negotiable. But if you go prepared, standing on that crag in the cold, clear winter air is an unbeatable way to start the year.
2. Lost Valley Trail
If you want a little bit of everything on one hike, Lost Valley is your spot. It’s a shorter trail, which is perfect for a January day when daylight is limited. The unique points here are the waterfalls and the cave.
In winter, the smaller waterfalls along the creek can freeze into beautiful, delicate icicles. The big attraction is the waterfall at the end, which flows right out of a massive bluff. You can even walk behind it!
And then there’s Cobb Cave, a short but cool rock shelter you can explore. The rock formations along the whole trail, like the natural bridge, look even more dramatic against the gray winter sky. It’s an adventure that doesn’t take all day but feels truly rewarding.
3. Centerpoint to Goat Trail
Okay, this one is for my more experienced hikers looking for a real challenge. This trail is not a casual walk. It’s rugged and steep in places. But, oh my goodness, the payoff is worth every single step.
The Goat Trail is a narrow path that clings to the side of a bluff high above the Buffalo River. When you get there, you get the most spectacular, heart-stopping view of the river winding through the canyon below.
In January, with the bare trees, the view is even more incredible. You can see every curve of the river. It is ideal for winter conditions because you’ll stay warm from the effort of the hike, and you won’t see many people. Just be certain you have good gear and are comfortable with heights and rugged terrain.
4. Cedar Falls Trail
This trail, located at Petit Jean State Park, leads to one of the tallest and most powerful waterfalls in the state. The hike down into the canyon is beautiful, with huge boulders and stone stairs.
In winter, the waterfall often flows well due to seasonal rainfall. When you reach the base, the sight and sound of Cedar Falls pounding into the pool below is powerful. The spray coats the surrounding cliffs in ice, creating a glittering, frozen frame around the rushing water. It’s a stunning contrast.
The hike back is all uphill, so it gets your blood pumping and makes you feel strong, exactly the feeling you want in January.
Easier & Family-Friendly Options
1. Tanyard Perimeter Loop
Not every January hike has to be a big expedition. Sometimes you just want a beautiful, manageable loop. That’s the Tanyard Perimeter Loop. It’s popular for a very good reason: it’s absolutely lovely.
The trail follows a creek past small, charming waterfalls and over little wooden bridges. It’s perfect for winter exploration because it’s not too long, and the water features are always pretty.
You might see ice forming along the edges of the waterfalls, and the quiet woods feel peaceful. It’s a fantastic option for a family wanting to get outside or for anyone who wants a relaxing but scenic winter walk.
2. Seven Hollows Trail (Petit Jean)
Also at Petit Jean State Park, the Seven Hollows Trail is an explorer’s dream. This loop trail takes you through different “hollows,” or small valleys, and past some of the park’s most unique rock formations. The big attraction is the massive Natural Bridge, a huge stone arch you can walk under.
In the quiet of January, you can really appreciate its size and beauty. You’ll also see small caves and grottoes carved into the sandstone. The winter light shines into these areas in a special way, creating cool shadows and highlights on the rocks. It’s a moderate hike that keeps you interested the entire time with something new to see around every bend.
Hike In Arkansas This January!
So, don’t let January keep you indoors. This month is a special opportunity to see Arkansas in a whole new way. You can find a quiet challenge on the high bluffs or peaceful beauty on a forest loop. Each of these trails offers a unique way to breathe in the new year and feel refreshed. Pull on your boots, pack some warm layers and water, and go experience the amazing adventure of hiking in Arkansas in January.