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Bear Aware in Arkansas: How to Avoid Bear Encounters While Hiking and Camping in Bear Country
Arkansas earned the nickname The Bear State long before it became known as The Natural State, and today that nickname once again fits. After black bears were nearly wiped out
Arkansas Crystal Mining Proposal Raises Questions About Watersheds, Recreation and the Future of National Forest Management
Arkansas’ national forests could soon feel the effects of major federal policy changes aimed at
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Bear Aware in Arkansas: How to Avoid Bear Encounters While Hiking and Camping in Bear Country
Arkansas earned the nickname The Bear State long before it became known as The Natural State, and today that nickname once again fits. After black bears were nearly wiped out in Arkansas by the early twentieth century, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission restored the population by relocating bears from Minnesota and Manitoba between 1958 and 1968. That effort succeeded. Today, Arkansas is home to more than 5,000 black bears, making it one of the top black bear states in the South. For hikers, backpackers, campers, trail runners, paddlers, and outdoor travelers, that means one thing: if you spend time
Bear Aware in Arkansas: How to Avoid Bear Encounters While Hiking and Camping in Bear Country
Arkansas earned the nickname The Bear State long before it became known as The Natural State, and today that nickname once again fits. After black bears were nearly wiped out in Arkansas by the early twentieth century, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission restored the population by relocating bears from Minnesota and Manitoba between 1958 and 1968. That effort succeeded. Today, Arkansas is home to more than 5,000 black bears, making it one of the top black bear states in the South. For hikers, backpackers, campers, trail runners, paddlers, and outdoor travelers, that means one thing: if you spend time
Pulaski County’s Trail Ambitions Might Survive a Political Shake-Up
The Southwest and Southeast trails are moving forward, but a new county judge will be the one who finishes the job. Pulaski County is in the middle of one of
GRAVELOCALYPSE: New Premier Gravel Cycling Event in Marion County, AR
Arkansas gravel enthusiasts have a new date to circle on their calendars. On Saturday, May 16th, the Trail Team of North Central Arkansas (TTONCA) will host the inaugural GRAVELOCALYPSE in
Pulaski County’s Trail Ambitions Might Survive a Political Shake-Up
The Southwest and Southeast trails are moving forward, but a new county judge will be the one who finishes the job. Pulaski County is in the middle of one of
GRAVELOCALYPSE: New Premier Gravel Cycling Event in Marion County, AR
Arkansas gravel enthusiasts have a new date to circle on their calendars. On Saturday, May 16th, the Trail Team of North Central Arkansas (TTONCA) will host the inaugural GRAVELOCALYPSE 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
Bear Aware in Arkansas: How to Avoid Bear Encounters While Hiking and Camping in Bear Country
Arkansas earned the nickname The Bear State long before it became known as The Natural State, and today that nickname once again fits. After black bears were nearly wiped out
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
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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