Fabulous Fall Trips in Arkansas

Fall In Love With The Ozarks

Arkansas landscapes are rich with the brilliant hues of fall foliage, and scenic drives are a popular activity.

Normally, the peak of color occurs around two or three weeks after color changes begin: late October for the Ozarks, late October or early November for central and western Arkansas, and early to mid-November for the southern and eastern sections, dependent on weather.

Enjoy this scenic driving tour for fall color in the Arkansas Ozarks:

Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway/Ark. 21(link is external)

The Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway passes through a rugged section of the forested Boston Mountains region of the Ozarks where five important recreational streams begin: the White(link is external), a world-class trout stream; the Buffalo(link is external), the country’s first national river; the Kings(link is external) and Mulberry(link is external) rivers; and Big Piney Creek(link is external). The byway crosses the 165-mile Ozark Highlands Trail(link is external), a hiking and camping trail through the Ozark National Forest(link is external) to the Buffalo National River(link is external).

Length: 35 miles, Ark. 21 north of Clarksville(link is external) as Ark. 21 crosses the southern boundary of the Ozark National Forest(link is external) and continues until Ark. 21 exits the forest near the Buffalo National River(link is external).

Things To Know: Shopping, lodging and dining are available to the south at Clarksville(link is external) and to the north at Jasper(link is external). Lodging is also available at Ponca(link is external) and Kingston(link is external). Camping is available at the Ozone(link is external) and Haw Creek Falls(link is external) recreational areas in the Ozark National Forest(link is external).

Fall Birding In Arkansas

Arkansas has plenty of options to help you celebrate the change of seasons. Birding is a year-round activity in the state and different species can be seen throughout the distinct seasons enjoyed here. Fall is a great time to birdwatch and Central Arkansas a prime place to do so.

Below are some fall birding hotspots you can visit in central Arkansas.

Beaverfork Lake in Conway: This lake just north of Conway is shallow, with lots of ducks and other waterfowl.

Murray Park/Big Dam Bridge/Cook’s Landing in Little Rock and North Little Rock: This area is well visited and has a variety of habitats. There are waterfowl, herons, egrets, gulls, pelicans, cormorants, raptors, woodpeckers, woodland birds, bluebirds, and sparrows. You can also watch the river for migrating shorebirds.

Lake Maumelle in Little Rock: There are multiple access points along Hwy 300 and Hwy 10. This area is primarily visited for waterfowl later in migration and there are ducks, loons, herons, egrets, eagles and other raptors, and some woodland birds.

Two Rivers Park in Little Rock: One of the premier parks along the Arkansas River, with biking and hiking trails through a variety of environments along the way.

Pinnacle Mountain/Arboretum in Little Rock: This park has a number of birdwatching areas including the Arboretum and feeders at the Visitors Center.

Willow Beach in Scott: A large park along the Arkansas River featuring fishing ponds, campgrounds, grassy areas and woods, plus good views of the river.

Little Rock Audubon Center: Offering a one-mile ADA Wildlife Observation Trail behind its headquarters; great for birdwatching.

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