Let me paint the picture. You are probably sitting on your couch right now, or maybe you are at your desk pretending to work, and you have this itch. You want to do something real. You want to get outside, but you do not want to fight crowds at some overhyped national park where you need to book a campsite six months in advance. This is exactly why hiking in Arkansas is the move.
That is the appeal. You get world-class scenery without the world-class traffic. You get waterfalls, bluffs, valleys, and forests that look like something out of a fantasy novel, but you also get solitude. Plus, the people are genuinely nice.
So if you’re planning your first trip, you are in for a treat. But you also need to be smart about it. You cannot just show up in flip-flops with a bottle of warm Dasani and hope for the best. Here’s a list of tips that will set you up for success.
How to Hike in Arkansas for the First Time
Choose the Right Trail
Here is the thing about ambition. It is great in the boardroom. It is less great when you are two miles into a trail, your knees are shaking, and you still have four miles to go. For your first time hiking in Arkansas, you need to pick a trail that says “welcome” instead of “prove yourself.”
State parks like Petit Jean, Mount Nebo, and Devil’s Den are your best friends. These places have trails that are well-marked, well-maintained, and full of payoff. At Petit Jean, you can hike to Cedar Falls and feel like you earned something without actually destroying your body.
At Mount Nebo, you get these incredible views of the river valley, and the trails are graded in a way that makes sense for beginners. Devil’s Den has this cool crevice area that feels adventurous but is not technically difficult.
Hiking in Arkansas involves rocks, roots, elevation changes, and sometimes loose gravel. An “Easy” or “Moderate” trail here might feel different than what you are used to. Respect the learning curve.
Wear Proper Footwear
Do not wear Converse. Do not wear fashion sneakers. Do not wear boots that are brand new and have never touched dirt. You need footwear that is broken in, supportive, and grippy.
Arkansas terrain is rocky. It is also often wet. You will step on moss, you will cross small streams, and you will navigate slopes that require actual traction.
Hiking boots or trail runners are the answer. If you usually run in zero-drop minimalist shoes, save that for the pavement. On the trail, you want something with a sole that grabs the ground like it means it.
And please, break them in before you go. Wear them around the house. Wear them to the grocery store. Wear them while you vacuum. Your heels will thank me later.
Hydration is Key
This is not the kind of tip you skim and forget. Write it down. Set a reminder. Whatever it takes.
You should bring at least one liter of water for every two hours of hiking. That is the baseline. If it is hot, bring more. If you sweat a lot, bring more. If you are hiking uphill, bring more. You get the idea.
But here is the pro tip. For longer hikes, do not just carry five liters on your back like a pack mule. Carry a filter or purification tablets. Arkansas has plenty of creeks and springs, and if you know how to treat the water, you can refill along the way.
Pack Essential Gear
You need to carry a small set of items every single time, even on short trails. This is non-negotiable.
First, a paper map and a compass. I know you have your phone. I know you have a GPS. But phones die, signals drop, and batteries fail in the cold. A paper map does not need a charger. Learn how to read it before you go.
Second, a first-aid kit. You do not need a trauma kit. You just need bandages, antiseptics, blister care, and maybe some ibuprofen. Third, a headlamp or flashlight. Even if you plan to be done by noon, pack a light.
Fourth, a multi-tool. You might need to cut something, tighten something, or open something. It is small. Just bring it.
Fifth, sunscreen. The trees provide shade, but they do not cover everything. You can still burn, especially on bluffs and open ridges. Protect your skin.
Dress in Layers
Cotton is comfortable, but it is also a liar. It feels nice when you put it on, but the moment you sweat, it stays wet. And when it is wet, it is cold. And when you are cold and tired, the fun stops.
Wear a moisture-wicking base layer. This can be synthetic or wool. Then add a lightweight insulating layer if you need it. Then add a shell if there is wind or rain. You can always take layers off and stuff them in your pack, but you cannot put on a layer you did not bring.
This is especially important in the spring and fall when mornings are chilly but afternoons are warm. Hiking in Arkansas means experiencing multiple seasons in a single afternoon. Dress for the version of you that gets hot, not the version that just stepped out of the car.
Check the Weather
Arkansas weather is not polite. It does not wait for a convenient time to change. You need to check the forecast the morning of your hike and then check it again before you leave the house.
In the summer, heat and humidity are the main concerns. You can be sweating just standing still. Plan your hike for the morning. Start early, finish early, and avoid the peak heat.
In the spring and fall, thunderstorms can pop up fast. If you hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Turn around. The trail will be there tomorrow.
Practice Leave No Trace
You are hiking in Arkansas because it is beautiful. Keep it that way.
Stay on the designated trail. Do not cut switchbacks. When you cut a switchback, you cause erosion, you damage plant roots, and you create scars that take years to heal. Plus, you are more likely to get lost if you wander off the path.
Pack out everything you bring in. That includes apple cores and orange peels. They decompose slowly and attract animals to areas where humans frequent. Just carry your trash out with you. It is not hard, and it is the right thing to do.
Start Early
Set your alarm. I know it is your vacation. I know you want to sleep in. But the early morning light on an Arkansas bluff is worth more than an extra hour of sleep.
Starting early means cooler temperatures. It means better lighting for photos. It means you have a buffer if you move slower than expected. It means you are off the trail before the afternoon storms roll in. It means you can grab a late lunch and feel accomplished for the rest of the day.
Final Thoughts
Arkansas will surprise you. It will quiet your mind and fill your lungs with clean air. It will show you views that make you forget about your email inbox.
It will remind you that adventure does not always require a passport or a flight across the ocean. So pick your trail. Pack your bag. Tell someone where you are going. And then go. Because the best day of the week is always the day you spend hiking in Arkansas.