The Ozark National Forest is full of hidden gems that are just waiting to be discovered! Located in Arkansas, the forest spans 1.2 million acres and contains so much natural beauty. You’ll find rivers, mountains, waterfalls, bluffs, unique rock formations, and more! Some of Arkansas’ best trails are located in the Ozark National Forest. It’s hard to decide where to even begin exploring this vast area. There are over 300 miles of trails through the forest and hikers may never see the same view twice. Lucky for you, I’ve put together this guide to share the most picturesque spots. Find out the most scenic hikes in the Ozark National Forest.
1. King River Falls Trail
- Length: 1.8 miles
- Rating: Easy
- Type: Out-and-Back
- Elevation gain: 72 ft
Kings River Falls Trail is a scenic trail along the banks of the Kings River. It features cascading waterfalls at the end of the trail and is also a refreshing swimming spot on a sunny day. When you arrive at the trailhead, you’ll find designated parking spots. The trail is incredibly scenic, and you’ll find beautiful viewpoints along the river on the way to the waterfall – definitely an Arkansas gem! The trail is mostly flat and very easy to follow. I recommend visiting earlier in the morning, especially if you’re visiting on a weekend, as this is a very popular area and tends to get crowded.
2. Pedestal Rocks Loop Trail
- Length: 2.4 miles
- Rating: Moderate
- Type: Loop
- Elevation gain: 331 ft
The Pedestal Rocks Loop is a very scenic hike with unbelievable rock formations! Along the trail, you’ll find caves, and arches as well. I recommend planning to spend more time here as there’s plenty to explore off trail. You could make this short trail much longer! Be sure to explore under the bluffs as well.
3. Glory Hole Falls Trail
- Length: 1.8 miles
- Rating: Moderate
- Type: Out and Back
- Elevation gain: 387 ft
Glory Hole Falls is one of the most unique waterfalls I’ve ever visited! You can park on the side of the road, and there’s a sign for the trailhead. This 1.8 mile trail is well marked, and it is all downhill to the waterfall (which unfortunately means it’s uphill on the way out). The trail takes you to the top of the waterfall where the hole is. To get down to the actual waterfall, you’ll need to climb down a steeper path, but it is very doable. Visit after rainfall, and you’ll find the waterfall gushing.
4. Sam’s Throne Trail
- Length: 2 miles
- Rating: Moderate
- Type: Out and Back
- Elevation gain: 331 ft
Sam’s Throne Trail is a moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Mount Judea, Arkansas that features stunning bluff views and beautiful wild flowers. Drive past the camping spots and you’ll find parking near the trailhead. Follow the sign for “Sam’s Loop Trail” (although it is out and back). The entire trail is very scenic with views of the lush valley below.
5. Triple Falls Trail
- Length: 0.3 miles
- Rating: Easy
- Type: Out and Back
- Elevation gain: 9 ft
Depending on when you visit, you could see either two or three waterfalls – – hence the two names! I was fortunate to visit after a rainy week and got to see Triple Falls! This waterfall is located within Camp Orr, a Boys Scout Camp, but anyone is welcome to visit. Drive down a winding road and you’ll find the start of the trail to the waterfall. The trail is incredibly easy and very short (0.3 miles). It is not much of a hike, but the view of the falls is incredible.
6. Devil’s Canyon Scenic Area Trail
- Length: 4.6 miles
- Rating: Moderate
- Type: Loop
- Elevation gain: 620 ft
You’ll find waterfalls, streams, and caverns on the Devil’s Canyon Scenic Area Trail! There are two main waterfalls on this hike. I recommend visiting during rainy season or after heavy rain to experience these highlights. Although this trail is considered “moderate”, I believe it is harder than rated.
For the first waterfall, look for a rock pile on the left side of the trail and then just after there’s an unmarked path that takes you to it. After you’ve reached this smaller waterfall, go up the hill on the opposite side of the creek from where you came in. The trail will bear off to the left. Follow this until you reach the second falls. It is difficult to reach the base of this larger waterfall as you have to scale down a rope along a steep hill, but it is doable. Climb back out using the rope and follow pink ribbon markets to complete the loop.
7. Whitaker Point Trail
- Length: 2.9 miles
- Rating: Moderate
- Type: Out and Back
- Elevation gain: 413 ft
The Whitaker Point (also known as Hawksbill Crag) is a short 2.9 mile hike that leads to an incredibly rewarding view! This tops the list of the most scenic hikes in the Ozark National Forest, The overlook offers a scenic view of lush mountains, and tops the list as one of the most beautiful places in Arkansas. I recommend either visiting at sunrise or sunset and bringing a picnic to enjoy the view. Check out my in-depth guide on hiking Whitaker Point and everything to expect.
Additional Information
I recommend spending several days in the Ozark National Forest, especially if you’re trying to hike all these trails. If you’re from Northwest Arkansas, then you don’t need to look for overnight accommodations. However, if you’re visiting from out of town, then I recommend visiting and staying in larger cities close by such as Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Bentonville, and Eureka Springs as there’s plenty to do in these Northwest Arkansas cities. There are also several cabins and lodges within the national forest.
Additionally, make sure to pack some snacks and bring plenty of water if you’re spending the entire day hiking. There are few restaurants near the Ozark National Forest. I stopped in Jasper and found a few places to eat including Ozark Cafe, Blue Mountain Cafe and Bakery, and Cliff House Inn.
Go ahead and download an offline map of the Ozark National Forest as cell signal can be spotty. I had saved all of the trailheads on my downloaded Google Maps which made it easy to navigate from one hike to another.
Map of the Most Scenic Hikes in the Ozark National Forest
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