Arkansas
5
Day Itinerary •
USA
Five days in Arkansas lets you explore the full extraordinary breadth of the Natural State, from the vibrant arts scene of Fayetteville and Bentonville to the magnificent Buffalo National River, the extraordinary Ozark and Ouachita mountain wilderness and the most extraordinary spa city in America at Hot Springs. This route covers the complete Arkansas experience. The extraordinary Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Hawksbill Crag and the Buffalo River float trip, the extraordinary Blanchard Springs Caverns, the finest quartz crystal mines in the world near Mount Ida and the extraordinary Crater of Diamonds State Park where visitors keep what they find.
Best Time To Visit
April to June or September to November for ideal conditions
Getting There
Fly into Fayetteville (XNA) or Little Rock (LIT)
Getting Around
Rental car essential. Ozark roads are winding and beautiful.
Budget Per Day
Approx $90 to $150 per person per day
Difficulity
Easy to moderate, some Ozark and Ouachita hiking
DAY 1
FAYETTEVILLE AND BENTONVILLE
MORNING
CRYSTAL BRIDGES MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART, BENTONVILLE
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is the most extraordinary free art museum in the American South, its extraordinary collection of American masterworks from colonial portraiture to contemporary installations housed in pavilions by Moshe Safdie straddling a spring-fed creek in the Ozark forest. Works by Norman Rockwell, Winslow Homer, Georgia O'Keeffe and Andy Warhol are among the finest. The surrounding trails through the Ozark woodland are extraordinary. Entry completely free. Drive: 30 min drive
MIDDAY
FAYETTEVILLE ARTS DISTRICT AND DICKSON STREET
Fayetteville is the most extraordinary arts city in Arkansas, its extraordinary Dickson Street corridor of independent music venues, galleries and restaurants giving the finest creative neighborhood in the Ozarks. The Walton Arts Center is the finest performing arts venue in the state. The Square in downtown Fayetteville with its extraordinary weekend farmers market and the remarkable Arkansas Air and Military Museum are both outstanding. Free to explore. Drive: 20 min drive
AFTERNOON
DEVIL'S DEN STATE PARK AND LEE CREEK VALLEY
Devil's Den State Park is the most extraordinary CCC-era state park in Arkansas, its extraordinary crevice caves through tilted sandstone rock, the finest swimming lake in the Ozarks and the remarkable stone lodge and cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s giving the finest example of rustic park architecture in the South. The Yellow Rock Trail gives the finest view over the Lee Creek valley and the Boston Mountains. Entry $5 per vehicle.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary 8th Street Market in Bentonville is the finest food and cycling hub in the Ozarks, its extraordinary collection of local vendors, Bike Rack Brewing and the Momentary contemporary arts venue giving the finest casual afternoon in northwest Arkansas. The Bentonville mountain bike trail network surrounding the market is the finest in the South. Free.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Farmer's Table Cafe, Fayetteville The finest farm-to-table breakfast in Fayetteville. Extraordinary local eggs and strong Arkansas coffee. | Lunch: Tusk and Trotter, Bentonville Outstanding Arkansas charcuterie and craft beer near Crystal Bridges. The finest lunch near Bentonville. | Dinner: Pressroom, Fayetteville The finest restaurant in Fayetteville. Extraordinary local Arkansas produce and outstanding craft beer list.
DAY 2
BUFFALO NATIONAL RIVER
MORNING
HAWKSBILL CRAG, THE MOST EXTRAORDINARY OVERLOOK IN ARKANSAS
Hawksbill Crag in the Upper Buffalo Wilderness is the most extraordinary natural overlook in Arkansas, its extraordinary quartzite outcrop jutting 100 feet over the Buffalo River valley 500 feet below. The 2.4-mile round trip hike through oak and hickory forest to the crag gives the most photographed view in Arkansas. Start before 7am on weekends. Best at sunrise when mist fills the valley below. Trail free. Drive: 1.5 hr drive
MIDDAY
BUFFALO NATIONAL RIVER FLOAT TRIP
The Buffalo National River is the most extraordinary float trip river in America, its extraordinary crystal-clear water between limestone bluffs up to 500 feet tall giving the finest canoe experience in the South. The 8-mile section from Ponca to Kyle's Landing through the Upper Buffalo Wilderness is the most extraordinary, its extraordinary Steel Creek meadow and the towering limestone bluffs above Hemmed-in Hollow unmissable. Canoe rental approx $50 from Buffalo Outdoor Center. Drive: 30 min drive
AFTERNOON
BOXLEY VALLEY ELK AND THE OZARK SUNSET
Boxley Valley along the upper Buffalo River is the most extraordinary wildlife valley in Arkansas, its extraordinary open meadows giving the finest elk viewing in the Ozarks at dawn and dusk. A herd of over 300 elk grazes the valley and the bulls bugling in September and October is the most extraordinary wildlife sound in the Ozarks. The extraordinary Highway 21 drive through the valley past the historic Boxley Baptist Church is the finest in Arkansas. Free.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Hemmed-in Hollow waterfall in the Buffalo Wilderness is the finest hidden waterfall in Arkansas, its extraordinary 209-foot freefall plunge the tallest waterfall between the Rockies and the Appalachians, accessible only by a 6.5-mile round trip through the most remote section of the river. Free. The most extraordinary hidden gem in the Ozarks.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Cliff House Inn, Jasper Most extraordinary breakfast with Buffalo River views. Local eggs and strong Ozark coffee before the hike. | Lunch: Picnic on the Buffalo River Pack lunch from Jasper. The extraordinary picnic on the riverbank under 500-foot limestone bluffs. | Dinner: Ozark Cafe, Jasper The finest restaurant in Jasper since 1909. Extraordinary local catfish, fried chicken and Arkansas chess pie.
DAY 3
OZARK FOLK COUNTRY
MORNING
BLANCHARD SPRINGS CAVERNS, THE MOST EXTRAORDINARY CAVE IN ARKANSAS
Blanchard Springs Caverns in the Ozark National Forest is the most extraordinary cave system in Arkansas, its extraordinary living formations of stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone and helictites still actively growing in a cave discovered by local hunters in the 1950s and developed by the US Forest Service. The Dripstone Trail gives the finest guided cave experience in the Ozarks through caverns of extraordinary scale and beauty. Entry approx $12. Book ahead. Drive: 1 hr drive
MIDDAY
MOUNTAIN VIEW, THE FOLK MUSIC CAPITAL OF AMERICA
Mountain View is the most extraordinary folk music town in America, its extraordinary Ozark Folk Center State Park preserving the traditional music, crafts and skills of the Ozark hill people in the finest living history park in the South. The Courthouse Square on weekend evenings gives the most extraordinary free folk music experience in America, with musicians setting up on the sidewalk and playing traditional Arkansas fiddle, banjo and guitar into the night. Ozark Folk Center entry approx $15. Drive: 30 min drive
AFTERNOON
WHITE RIVER AND THE OZARK HIGHLANDS
The White River below Beaver Dam near Cotter is the most extraordinary trout fishing river in Arkansas, its extraordinary cold tailwater fishery producing the finest Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout fishing in the South. The extraordinary Cotter Trout Dock is the finest outfitter for guided river fishing in the Ozarks. The dramatic White River valley with its extraordinary limestone bluffs gives the finest river scenery in Arkansas outside the Buffalo. Fishing licenses from approx $10.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Hedges Hollow cave near Mountain View is the finest undeveloped wild cave in Arkansas, accessible only with a local guide and giving an extraordinary caving experience through narrow passages and cathedral chambers entirely unlike the developed tours at Blanchard Springs. Free with guide. The most extraordinary hidden experience in the Arkansas Ozarks.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Tommy's Famous, Mountain View The finest breakfast in Mountain View. Extraordinary catfish and eggs, biscuits and local sorghum molasses. | Lunch: Catfish Hole, Alma Outstanding Arkansas catfish on the drive through the Ozarks. Extraordinary all-you-can-eat catfish tradition. | Dinner: Woodsman Tavern, Mountain View Outstanding Ozark cuisine in the finest restaurant in Stone County. Local trout and Arkansas craft beer.
DAY 4
HOT SPRINGS AND THE OUACHITA
MORNING
HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK BATHHOUSE ROW
Hot Springs National Park is the most extraordinary spa city in America, its extraordinary Bathhouse Row of eight magnificent Gilded Age bathhouses along the base of Hot Springs Mountain the finest collection of therapeutic architecture in the United States. The Buckstaff Bathhouse operating since 1912 is the only original bathhouse still giving the full thermal bath experience. The Fordyce Bathhouse visitor center with its extraordinary stained glass and tile work is the finest building in Arkansas. Park free. Drive: 2.5 hr drive
MIDDAY
COLEMAN CRYSTAL MINE AND THE OUACHITA QUARTZ FIELDS
The Coleman Crystal Mine near Mount Ida is the most extraordinary mineral collecting experience in America, its extraordinary quartz crystal claims in the Ouachita Mountains allowing visitors to dig for world-famous Arkansas quartz crystals and keep what they find. Arkansas produces more quartz crystals than anywhere else in the world. The crystals are among the finest on earth. Entry approx $10. Tools provided. Mount Ida calls itself the Quartz Crystal Capital of the World. Drive: 1 hr drive
AFTERNOON
GARVAN WOODLAND GARDENS AND LAKE OUACHITA
Garvan Woodland Gardens on Lake Hamilton is the most extraordinary botanical garden in Arkansas, its extraordinary 210 acres of native Arkansas plants in a lakeside Ozark woodland setting giving the finest garden experience in the state. Lake Ouachita nearby is the largest lake entirely within Arkansas and one of the clearest lakes in America, its extraordinary 40,000 acres of clean water surrounded by Ouachita National Forest giving the finest boating and swimming in the state. Garden entry approx $15.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Alum Cove Natural Bridge in the Ozark National Forest is the finest hidden natural arch in Arkansas, its extraordinary 130-foot-long sandstone arch accessible by a 1-mile loop trail through old-growth forest of extraordinary beauty entirely unknown to most visitors. Free. The finest hidden gem in the Ozark National Forest.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: The Ohio Club, Hot Springs The oldest bar in Arkansas serving breakfast. Extraordinary biscuits and gravy in the most historic building on Central. | Lunch: McClard's Bar-B-Q, Hot Springs The most legendary BBQ in Arkansas since 1928. Extraordinary ribs, tamales and the finest sauce in the South. | Dinner: Fisherman's Wharf, Hot Springs The finest seafood restaurant in Hot Springs on Lake Hamilton. Extraordinary local catfish and crawfish.
DAY 5
CRATER OF DIAMONDS
MORNING
CRATER OF DIAMONDS STATE PARK, THE ONLY PUBLIC DIAMOND MINE IN THE WORLD
Crater of Diamonds State Park near Murfreesboro is the most extraordinary geological park in America, its extraordinary 37-acre diamond-bearing lamproite volcanic pipe the only diamond-bearing site in the world where the public can dig and keep what they find. Over 35,000 diamonds have been found since the park opened in 1972, including the 15.33-carat Amarillo Starlight and the 8.52-carat Esperanza. Entry $16 per adult. Tool rental approx $10. Dress for digging. Drive: 1.5 hr drive
MIDDAY
MURFREESBORO AND THE LITTLE MISSOURI RIVER
Murfreesboro is the most extraordinary small town in southwest Arkansas, its extraordinary Crater of Diamonds Discovery Center giving the finest introduction to the geology of Arkansas lamproite and the remarkable diamond mining history of Pike County. The Little Missouri River below Murfreesboro gives extraordinary canoeing through the Ouachita foothills. The remarkable Albert Pike Recreation Area downstream has the finest swimming holes in the Ouachita National Forest. Entry free. Drive: 30 min drive
AFTERNOON
LAKE OUACHITA AND THE OUACHITA NATIONAL FOREST
Lake Ouachita is the largest lake entirely within Arkansas and one of the clearest bodies of water in America, its extraordinary 40,000 acres of gin-clear Ouachita Mountain water surrounded by 1.8 million acres of national forest giving the finest lake recreation in the state. The Ouachita National Recreation Trail, at 223 miles the finest long-distance trail in the South, passes through the extraordinary landscape above the lake. Day hikes from Ouachita Visitor Center extraordinary. Free.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Crater of Diamonds has a secret: the best time to search is after heavy rain, which washes diamonds to the surface and concentrates them in natural collection points. Check the park website for recent rain conditions before visiting. The Lamproite Pipe trail gives the finest understanding of the diamond geology. Free with park entry.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Crater of Diamonds park cafe Coffee and breakfast before the morning diamond dig. Pack energy for the extraordinary search. | Lunch: Purple Cow, Murfreesboro The finest diner near Crater of Diamonds. Extraordinary burgers, pie and strong Arkansas coffee. | Dinner: Rockin' River BBQ, Mena Outstanding Ouachita BBQ in the finest restaurant in the Ouachita Mountains. Local smoked pork and craft beer.
Where To Stay
Fayetteville, Night 1 21c Museum Hotel or The Chancellor Hotel. Approx $120 to $200 per night. Jasper or Mountain View, Nights 2 to 3 Cliff House Inn or Inn at Mountain View. Approx $90 to $150 per night. Hot Springs or Murfreesboro, Nights 4 to 5 Arlington Resort or Quality Inn Murfreesboro. Approx $80 to $160.
Top Tips
1. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville is completely free. One of the finest in America.
2. Hawksbill Crag: arrive at sunrise and start before 7am on weekends to avoid crowds on the narrow trail.
3. Crater of Diamonds: wash your dirt at the sluice, look for greasy-looking pebbles. Over 35,000 found since
1972.
4. Blanchard Springs Caverns tour: book ahead. The Dripstone Trail is the finest cave tour in the Ozarks.
5. Mountain View's Courthouse Square has free live folk music on weekends. The finest authentic folk scene in America.
6. The Buffalo River float from Ponca to Kyle's Landing is the finest 8-mile canoe trip in the South. Allow a full day.
Total Budget
$90 to $150/day