I used to think I had Arkansas hiking figured out until I missed a turn on a backroad and ended up somewhere that changed my whole perspective. Instead of crowds and packed overlooks, I found empty trailheads, quiet hollows, and views I had completely to myself.
Since then, I’ve made a habit of tracking down the hikes locals talk about in half sentences, the ones that never seem to make it into guidebooks. No big signs.
No tour buses. Just raw Ozark and Ouachita scenery if you’re willing to put in a little extra effort…