Fishing, Lakes & Rivers

It’s no secret that Arkansas’s lakes and rivers are some of the most sought-after destinations in the country. Visitors come from far-flung locales to experience top-notch fishing on the large, clean lakes of Beaver, Bull Shoals, Norfork and Greers Ferry. Major rivers in Arkansas include the Buffalo, Kings, White and Little Red. In the Ouachitas, the Diamond Lakes, including Hamilton, DeGray, Catherine, Ouachita and Greeson, are popular with families for boating and water sports, as well as anglers looking for their biggest catch to date. This year’s Big Bass Bonanza, Arkansas’s largest amateur big bass tournament, will be held on June 25-27 along 300 miles of the Arkansas River. $100,000 in guaranteed total prize money will be awarded.

Motorcycling

Scenic highways, unique destinations and friendly people make Arkansas a natural choice among motorcyclists. One motorcycling hot spot is Scenic 7 Byway for a smooth ride with twisting turns and rewarding views. Biker-friendly towns include Harrison, Fayetteville, Eureka Springs, Mountain View and Hot Springs, all of which host poker runs and rallies throughout the year. Mark your calendars for the 10th Annual Wild Hog Music Festival and Motorcycle Rally beginning April 22 in Helena-West Helena and the 6th Annual Mountains, Music and Motorcycles in Mountain View on August 20.

Cycling & Mountain Biking

With Arkansas’s diverse terrain, there’s always a new and exciting twist on cycling and mountain biking adventures. City parks across the state offer smooth trails for scenic rides. The Big Dam Bridge, the longest bridge built specifically for pedestrians and cyclists, is a popular place for group rides in Little Rock and North Little Rock. Arkansas boasts two of the International Mountain Biking Association’s “Epic” rides: the Womble Trail near Hot Springs and the Syllamo Mountain Bike Trail near Mountain View.

Hiking

Outdoor enthusiasts will find about 250 Arkansas trails designed for day hiking and more for extended excursions, such as backpacking along the Ozark Highlands and Ouachita national recreation trails. Most of Arkansas’s 52 state parks feature nature trails for moderate treks. For adventure beneath the surface, try caving in north Arkansas. In addition to guided tours in show caves, Cosmic Cavern near Berryville, War Eagle Cavern near Rogers and Blanchard Springs Caverns near Mountain View offer guided wild caving tours for the physically fit.

State Parks

Whether you enjoy hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, wildlife watching or diamond digging, there is something for you at Arkansas’s 52 state parks. Our campsites, cabins and lodges are well suited for couples, families and groups. Arkansas’s most popular parks include: Mount Magazine State Park near Paris, Petit Jean State Park near Morrilton, DeGray Lake Resort State Park near Arkadelphia, Pinnacle Mountain State Park near Little Rock and Crater of Diamonds State Park near Murfreesboro.

Golfing

Spring and summer are picture-perfect for golfing in The Natural State. Here you’ll find championship-caliber courses among rolling hills, dense forests, sparkling lakes and tranquil rivers. But don’t let our scenery distract you. Fifteen of the finest courses in 13 destinations comprise The Natural State Golf Trail. Choose one or more of these elite links for your next golf trip.