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Arkansas Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Economies Reach New Heights in 2024
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas welcomed 52 million visitors in 2024, a 2.6% increase over the previous year, marking another record-breaking year for the state’s tourism economy. According to the
How to Protect Your Dog from Summer Heat on Outdoor Adventures in Arkansas
With summer in full swing, Arkansas’s trails, rivers and parks are calling. Many outdoor enthusiasts
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Arkansas Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Economies Reach New Heights in 2024
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas welcomed 52 million visitors in 2024, a 2.6% increase over the previous year, marking another record-breaking year for the state’s tourism economy. According to the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism (ADPHT), those visitors spent $10.3 billion across the Natural State, representing a 4% rise in direct visitor spending over 2023. When factoring in supply chain and income effects, Arkansas’ total tourism-related economic impact reached $17.4 billion. That impact supports local businesses, generates jobs, and reduces tax burdens across the state. “From beautiful rivers and lakes to world-class hiking and mountain biking trails, Arkansas
Arkansas Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Economies Reach New Heights in 2024
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas welcomed 52 million visitors in 2024, a 2.6% increase over the previous year, marking another record-breaking year for the state’s tourism economy. According to the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism (ADPHT), those visitors spent $10.3 billion across the Natural State, representing a 4% rise in direct visitor spending over 2023. When factoring in supply chain and income effects, Arkansas’ total tourism-related economic impact reached $17.4 billion. That impact supports local businesses, generates jobs, and reduces tax burdens across the state. “From beautiful rivers and lakes to world-class hiking and mountain biking trails, Arkansas
How to Protect Your Dog from Summer Heat on Outdoor Adventures in Arkansas
With summer in full swing, Arkansas’s trails, rivers and parks are calling. Many outdoor enthusiasts bring their dogs along for the adventure, but the combination of heat, humidity and rugged
Sanders Announces $735,000 in Funding for Unpaved Road Improvements in 12 Counties
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (July 10, 2025) — Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced Thursday more than $735,000 in funding for 12 projects across Arkansas counties through the Arkansas Unpaved Roads Program.
How to Protect Your Dog from Summer Heat on Outdoor Adventures in Arkansas
With summer in full swing, Arkansas’s trails, rivers and parks are calling. Many outdoor enthusiasts bring their dogs along for the adventure, but the combination of heat, humidity and rugged
Sanders Announces $735,000 in Funding for Unpaved Road Improvements in 12 Counties
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (July 10, 2025) — Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced Thursday more than $735,000 in funding for 12 projects across Arkansas counties through the Arkansas Unpaved Roads Program.
Climbing
Horseshoe Canyon Ranch Unveils E-Mountain Bike Trails, Joins OZ Trails Network
JASPER, Ark. – May 23, 2025 – Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, a renowned rock climbing destination in Arkansas, today announced the official opening of an extensive e-mountain bike trail network and
A Crag of Our Own: Urban Climbing Comes to Life at Big Rock Quarry
Tucked beside the Arkansas River and above the bike lanes of the North Little Rock section of the Arkansas River Trail, a new vertical adventure is drawing climbers to one
Big Rock Quarry Climbing Project Moves Forward: Route Development Begins!
Exciting news for Arkansas climbers! The Big Rock Quarry climbing development is officially underway, with the Arkansas Climbers Coalition (ACC) beginning the route development process in North Little Rock. This
Hiking & Backpacking
Hit the Dirt: Northwest Arkansas’ Best Short Hikes (5-10 Miles)
Lace up your boots and explore the natural beauty of Northwest Arkansas. The region, renowned for its rugged Ozark Mountain terrain, offers a wealth of hiking trails perfect for a
When the Trail Bites Back: Outdoor Mishaps and How to Handle Them
Spending time outdoors in Arkansas is one of life’s greatest pleasures—until things don’t go quite as planned. Whether you’re hiking deep into the backcountry or simply pulling into a state
Pinnacle Mountain State Park Expands Accessibility with Trackchairs
Pinnacle Mountain State Park is taking a major step toward inclusivity by introducing all-terrain Trackchairs. These wheelchairs allow visitors with mobility challenges to explore the park’s trails like never before.
Paddling
Watch Your Wake: AGFC Urges Boaters to Respect Others on Arkansas Waterways
The streams are dry and the lakes are full—welcome to summer in Arkansas. On a recent paddling trip to DeGray Lake Resort State Park, our group of kayakers and paddleboarders
Kayaking the Big Maumelle River: A Scenic Adventure Near Little Rock
Pinnacle Mountain State Park offers some of the most accessible and scenic paddling opportunities in Central Arkansas, and kayaking the Big Maumelle River from the park’s boat launch to the
Tyler Bend Project Pause Hits Start of Peak Season
Searcy County, AR – A significant restoration project aimed at improving the Lower Tyler Bend river access point at the Buffalo National River has been unexpectedly put on hold due
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