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Arkansas

Forming the mountainous joint between the Midwest and the Deep South, Arkansas (ar-kan-saw) is an often-overlooked treasure of swift rushing rivers, dark leafy hollows, crenelated granite outcrops and the rugged spine of the Ozark and the Ouachita (wash-ee-tah) mountains. The entire state is blessed with exceptionally well-presented state parks and tiny, empty roads crisscrossing dense forests that let out onto breathtaking vistas and gentle pastures dotted with grazing horses. Mountain towns juke between Christian fundamentalism, hippie communes and biker bars, yet all of these divergent cultures share a love of their home state's stunning natural beauty.

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Must-see attractions

Anthony Chapel
Arkansas
Located just across from the Garvan Woodland Gardens, the Anthony Chapel is an architectural masterpiece. This soaring, wood-and-glass complex, built in…
William J Clinton Presidential Center
Arkansas
This library houses the largest archival collection in presidential history, including 80 million pages of documents and two million photographs (although…
Petit Jean State Park
Arkansas
The excellently maintained trails of this state park, the oldest in Arkansas, wind past a lush 95ft waterfall, romantic grottoes, expansive vistas and…
Mt Magazine State Park
Arkansas
This stellar state park features some 14 miles of trails that wind around Arkansas' highest point. The surrounding vistas are spectacular, taking in all…
Hot Springs National Park
Arkansas
On Bathhouse Row in the 1915 Fordyce bathhouse, the NPS visitor center and museum has exhibits about the park's history, first as a Native American free…
Mt Nebo State Park
Arkansas
Mt Nebo and surrounds are crisscrossed by 14 miles of trails that plunge into the woodsy mountainscape. The strenuous Nebo Springs trail makes a loop that…
Riverfront Park
Arkansas
This park rolls pleasantly along the Arkansas River, and both pedestrians and cyclists take advantage of it. It's a truly fine integration of the river…
Hot Springs Mountain Tower
Arkansas
On top of Hot Springs Mountain, the 216ft tower has spectacular views of the surrounding mountains covered with dogwood, hickory, oak and pine – lovely in…

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Best Road Trips

From delightful towns and beautiful villages to hairpin bends and breathtaking views across the Ozarks. Here are the five best road trips in Arkansas.

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