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What NEPA Changes Could Mean for Arkansas Trails, Forests, and Public Lands
If you hike the Ouachita National Recreation Trail, paddle the Buffalo National River, or camp in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, federal land policy affects your outdoor experience. A major
Update: Arkansas Forest Service Research Stations Face Closure in Sweeping National Reorganization
An update to our earlier coverage of the Forest Service restructuring and what it means
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What NEPA Changes Could Mean for Arkansas Trails, Forests, and Public Lands
If you hike the Ouachita National Recreation Trail, paddle the Buffalo National River, or camp in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, federal land policy affects your outdoor experience. A major shift in that policy is now underway. On April 3, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture finalized a comprehensive revision of its National Environmental Policy Act regulations, commonly referred to as NEPA. The change could affect how quickly projects move forward on nearly three million acres of national forest land in Arkansas. That includes trail systems, campgrounds, roads, waterways, wildlife habitat, and timber projects across some of the state’s most
What NEPA Changes Could Mean for Arkansas Trails, Forests, and Public Lands
If you hike the Ouachita National Recreation Trail, paddle the Buffalo National River, or camp in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, federal land policy affects your outdoor experience. A major shift in that policy is now underway. On April 3, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture finalized a comprehensive revision of its National Environmental Policy Act regulations, commonly referred to as NEPA. The change could affect how quickly projects move forward on nearly three million acres of national forest land in Arkansas. That includes trail systems, campgrounds, roads, waterways, wildlife habitat, and timber projects across some of the state’s most
A Full Weekend of Adventure in Helena, Arkansas
When people think of a multi-activity outdoor weekend in Arkansas, the Ozark or Ouachita Mountains usually come to mind. But for those willing to look beyond the highlands, Helena offers
COWabunga! Gravel Race Returns to Viola on May 2nd
If you haven’t heard of COWabunga! Gravel yet, consider this your introduction to one of North Central Arkansas’s most charming grassroots cycling events. Hosted by Syllamo Events and set in
A Full Weekend of Adventure in Helena, Arkansas
When people think of a multi-activity outdoor weekend in Arkansas, the Ozark or Ouachita Mountains usually come to mind. But for those willing to look beyond the highlands, Helena offers
COWabunga! Gravel Race Returns to Viola on May 2nd
If you haven’t heard of COWabunga! Gravel yet, consider this your introduction to one of North Central Arkansas’s most charming grassroots cycling events. Hosted by Syllamo Events and set in
Climbing
5th Annual Arkansas Climbers Festival Returns to Horseshoe Canyon Ranch in 2026
The 5th Annual Arkansas Climbers Festival returns to Horseshoe Canyon Ranch in Jasper from Friday, March 27, through Sunday, March 29, 2026. This three-day celebration of climbing culture brings together
New Climbing Area at Petit Jean State Park
Petit Jean State Park in Arkansas is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rich history. Now, this beloved park is adding a new chapter to its legacy: rock climbing. For
For the Love of Climbing: From Rock Bottom to Rock Faces — How Climbing Gave Katie Jo Myers Life
By Sharon Bennett, featuring Katie Jo Myers Climbing is more than just a sport. It is a source of strength, hope, and community for many. In this installment of For the Love
Hiking & Backpacking
Beginner’s Guide to Backpacking the Ozarks & Ouachitas
Arkansas Outside · Trail & Gear Beginner’s Guide to Backpacking Arkansas Spring in the Ozark & Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas There is a particular kind of morning that belongs only
Backpacking the Eagle Rock Loop: Days Two and Three on the Athens-Big Fork Trail (Part 2)
We slept well our first night on Saline Creek, which meant getting moving in the morning took a little longer than planned. It is actually easier to break camp fast
Backpacking the Eagle Rock Loop: Spring Break on the Little Missouri Trail (Part 1)
We lost count of stream crossings somewhere around 15 to 20 before noon on the first day. The sandals got a lot of use. It was a great three-day, two-night
Paddling
Mile Zero Delta Outdoor Festival 2026 | Helena-West Helena, Arkansas
HELENA-WEST HELENA, Ark. — One of the Arkansas Delta’s most ambitious outdoor celebrations returns this weekend as the Mile Zero Delta Outdoor Festival takes over Helena-West Helena from Friday, April
Proposed Whitewater Park on Cedar Creek Promises “Exciting Final Feature” at Petit Jean State Park
A bold new concept circulating among outdoor recreation enthusiasts suggests transforming Cedar Creek at Petit Jean State Park into Arkansas’s most dramatic whitewater park. The proposal would create a series
National Park Service Launches Free Real-Time Float Guide Dashboard for Buffalo National River
The National Park Service has introduced a free interactive dashboard that gives paddlers real-time river flow data for the Buffalo National River, making it easier than ever to plan a
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