This Mountainous State Park Boasts Lush Hiking Trails And The Highest Peak In Arkansas

Hidden away in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests is the stunning Mount Magazine State Park, home to its namesake Mount Magazine in Arkansas. This peak reaches 2,753 feet high and provides stunning, panoramic views that make it a perfect attraction for any outdoor enthusiast. Located just a two-hour drive from Little Rock and less than 90 minutes from Fort Smith, this gorgeous park is easily accessible from Interstate 40. It can be reached from the nearby Fort Smith Regional Airport or the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport in Little Rock, where visitors can rent a car. Thanks to its easy interstate access, visitors typically choose to drive to the park, with many including it as a follow-up destination to Arkansas' most scenic road trip.

Being home to the highest peak in Arkansas is only part of the appeal. Mount Magazine State Park is a truly stunning destination. A playground for adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts alike, simply brimming with lush trails and a whole host of activities, including mountain biking, horseback riding, hang gliding, and ATV riding opportunities. The park is also home to a variety of beautiful scenic overlooks, picnic areas, and pavilions. You can gather your bearings by visiting the park's visitor center, which offers a gift shop, multiple exhibits, daily audiovisual programs, special workshops, and a large wildlife observation area overlooking a native plant garden.

One of the best reasons to visit Mount Magazine State Park is to enjoy its diverse trail system and its truly breathtaking views. Considered by many to be the top trail in the park, the Signal Hill Trail leads directly to Arkansas' highest peak. It is a loop trail and though moderately challenging, can be completed in under an hour, making it an extremely popular spot for hiking.

North Rim Trail is another popular choice and can be looped with Mossback Ridge and Greenfield Trail to enjoy a two-hour hike through forests and glistening creeks. Vista points on this trail boast views of the Arkansas River Valley and the Ozark Plateau. Another trail worth exploring is the Benefield Loop Trail. Taking just less than an hour to complete, it is considered an easy route that is popular with casual hikers and beginners alike. This trail will take you through thick forests and open meadows, with seasonal wildflowers sprinkled along the route.

For those looking for even more beautiful spots, there's a range of other great trails, including Bear Hollow Trail, Cove Lake Trail, Will Apple's Road Trail, and Huckleberry Mountain Horse Trail. Many of these are not only highly recommended for the stunning views they boast, but also for the wildlife and birdwatching opportunities — and of course, the gorgeous nature that can be seen along the way.

Mount Magazine State Park is one of the best destinations for a weekend trip, and for those planning to stay overnight in the area, there's plenty of great options. Backcountry permits can be arranged through the visitor center, and a selection of 18 campsites are available for those looking to sleep under the stars. Each site features water, electric, and sewer hookups, in addition to an RV dump station. There is also a bathhouse with hot showers and flush toilets for your personal needs. Bookings can be made either online or over the phone.

Guests looking to keep costs low and enjoy the comfort of a room indoors to escape from the elements overnight can book a room at the on-site lodge. With 60 rooms and a selection of on-site facilities, there's plenty to enjoy, including a hearth room lobby, indoor swimming pool, fitness center, and gift shop. It is also home to the delicious Skycrest Restaurant, which serves up mouthwatering classic Southern cuisine.

If you're looking for a more exclusive, private stay in your own little sanctuary, there is also a selection of 13 comfy cabins at the foot of Mount Magazine. They boast views over the Petit Jean River Valley and Blue Mountain Lake, and each has a rustic, 1930s-style wooden exterior, plenty of great amenities, and a wrap-around porch with an outdoor hot tub!