Many people are wondering when the best time to visit Arkansas is. But, like picking an ice cream topping, why choose just one? The real magic happens when you see Arkansas by season.
Think about it. Every single season in The Natural State has its own unique personality and its own incredible adventures. From the blooming springs to the sunny summers, the colorful falls, and the crisp winters, there is never a bad time to get outside.
And this is your ultimate guide to a year of exploring Arkansas by season.
Arkansas by Season: The Ultimate Guide to Year-Round Fun
Spring: The Great Awakening
After a quiet winter, spring in Arkansas is like a deep breath of fresh air. The whole world seems to wake up, and the energy is absolutely contagious. This is the time for new beginnings and getting back on the trail.
First, the landscape explodes with color and life. This is also when the state’s farmers’ markets burst to life. From Jonesboro to El Dorado, you can find the freshest ingredients. Be sure to savor locally grown strawberries, spinach, peas, and kale in April and May. It is the tastiest way to feel the season change.
Spring’s energizing weather is absolutely perfect for hiking, biking in Bentonville, and trail running. The Ouachita and Ozark Mountains are calling your name. Campers can return to the 52 state parks, and horseback riders can head for scenic spots like Village Creek State Park or DeGray Lake Resort State Park.
Anglers will also love spring because they can catch bass on Beaver Lake and walleye on Lake Ouachita.
Summer: Sun, Water, and Celebration
Summer in Arkansas is all about beating the heat and having a blast while doing it. If you’re new here, let us show you the nearest water source.
Grab a life jacket because water fun is the name of the game. You can take a boat out on Lakes Ouachita and Hamilton. Additionally, you can fish the White and Red Rivers or even go cliff diving at Greers Ferry Lake. Paddleboarding is also very popular, and outfitters on Beaver Lake can help with gear and lessons.
Another way to beat the heat is to find a good breeze, and Arkansas has many ways to do that. You can zip line through the trees at more than 12 spots across the state. You can also hang glide near Mount Magazine or even skydive.
If that sounds too extreme, you can always head inside to cool off by visiting one of the state’s great museums or historical sites to learn something new.
Fall: Colors, Cool Air, and Cozy Fun
When the air gets cool and the leaves start to turn, you know fall has arrived. This is many people’s favorite season, and for good reason. It is simply stunning in Arkansas.
If you think of pumpkins when you think of fall, you are in good company. You can load up the family and visit a pumpkin patch. Great places include Arkansas Frontier’s Farm, Suzanne’s Fruit Farm, and Peebles Farm. Most patches also have hayrides, concessions, and fun corn mazes.
The mild autumn temperatures are perfect for almost any outdoor activity. It is prime time for geocaching, rock climbing, and exploring caves like Blanchard Springs Caverns.
Swimsuit season is over, but you can still camp at one of the state’s 9,000 campsites. In November, you can even float the upper Ouachita River and fish for smallmouth bass. The cooler weather is also great for digging for treasure at the Crater of Diamonds State Park or at a quartz mine.
And as Halloween approaches, you will find spooky events and festivals in Little Rock.
Winter: Crisp Air and Quiet Adventures
Just because it’s colder doesn’t mean the adventures stop. Winter in Arkansas has a quiet beauty, and it’s a time for unique, cozy activities.
You can bundle up and head for the water. November is a great time to fish for trout on the White River. You can also look for blue catfish on the Mississippi River. The fishing is fantastic because the brown trout are making their spawning runs.
Winter is also the peak of hunting season in Arkansas. Thousands of people take to the woods to hunt for deer, turkey, elk, and waterfowl. In fact, Arkansas is world-famous for duck hunting. The town of Stuttgart is even called the duck hunting capital of the world. Hunters and gumbo lovers gather there in late November for the Championship Duck Calling Contest. It is a true Arkansas tradition.
And to get into the holiday spirit, you can visit a Christmas tree farm. Great choices include Geisler’s Holiday Forest, McAlpine Christmas Tree Farm, Pine Grove Christmas Tree Farm, and Christmas in the Ozarks Tree Farm. Cutting down your own tree is a wonderful way to make family memories.
Arkansas Adventure is Year Out, So Plan your Trip!
The point is simple and powerful: you never have to stop exploring. There is no reason to put your adventures on hold for half the year. Every season in Arkansas offers its own special magic and a long list of things to do. You just have to step outside and look for them. So, get your calendar and start planning a beautiful, endless exploration of Arkansas by season.