Put Little Rock, Hot Springs, Bentonville, and Rogers on your schedule if you enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and strolling through forests. Adventurers won’t be let down by this Southern American state, which is known for its imposing mountains, meandering rivers, and charming towns. When you’re not hiking, Arkansas offers fantastic activities like going to a presidential library, taking a bath in an old bathhouse, and seeing art in intriguing museums. There is beauty everywhere.
Little Rock: River Adventures in Arkansas
There is a tonne great to do in the state capital’s downtown area near the Arkansas River. Follow the walking and bicycling trails to explore both sides of the river; make frequent stops to admire the charming parks, rich gardens, and museums. Explore interactive exhibits, memorabilia, pictures, Oval Office and Cabinet Room replicas, and more at the William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum to learn more about the life and times of the 42nd president of the United States. Then, immediately outside, cross the river using the pedestrian- and bicycle-only Clinton Presidential Park Bridge. Do this at night when the bridge is illuminated for a wonderful treat. Browse the River Market in Riverfront Park and take in the beautiful artefacts in the Vogel Schwartz store.
Hot Springs, Arkansas: A National Park Where Urban and Natural Beauty Meet
Enjoy the history and charm of Hot Springs National Park, where visitors have gathered for hundreds of years to relax in the healing thermal spring waters. Enroll in a ranger tour to learn more about the stunning Hot Springs National Park and famous Bathhouse Row. Learn more about the eight bathhouses that were constructed between 1892 and 1923 by spending some time on the half-mile Grand Promenade trail. You can reach the mountain’s summit by hiking the Hot Springs Mountain and North Mountain routes. There, you’ll be pleasantly delighted with views of the forest, the park, and the city that seem to go on forever. Any of the paved routes in the national park are open to bicycling.
A Retail Empire, a Magical Museum, and Epic Trails in Bentonville
Cycling enthusiasts of all skill levels can ride on more than 200 kilometres of bike routes in and around Bentonville. In fact, Bentonville refers to itself as the mountain biking capital of the world. The trails are accessible from the city centre and close to hotels, dining establishments, and tourist destinations. You’ll soon discover that Sam Walton began his retail career in Bentonville in 1950 with a five-and-dime store before opening the first Walmart in nearby Rogers in 1962. You can visit The Walmart Museum to learn more about Sam Walton and the world’s largest retailer, then indulge in a butter pecan ice cream cone at The Spark Café Soda Fountain. The company’s headquarters are still located in Bentonville.
Rogers: Downtown Recreation and Mountain Biking
A guided mountain biking adventure on the Monument Trails at Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area is one of the greatest ways to see the Rogers region. 87 kilometres of trails are available on around 4,900 hectares of land at Arkansas’ largest state park. Make reservations for a tent camping with Beaver Lake views well in advance of your vacation. There are wonderful recreational areas close to downtown’s eateries and stores. The Railyard Bike Park’s pathways and amenities are perfect for cyclists of all skill levels, even after dark when the lights are left on until 10 p.m. The 95-hectare Lake Atalanta Park, which also has walking trails and a playground, has a bike park.
How to Get There
Fly into Clinton National Airport (LIT) in Little Rock or Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) in Bentonville to begin exploring Arkansas. To travel to any of these places, rent a car.