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Trail of the Month: Blue Mountain Trail System, The Gateway to Central Arkansas Adventure
Just west of Little Rock, where Highway 10 begins its climb toward Lake Maumelle, lies one of Central Arkansas’ most versatile trail systems. The Blue Mountain Trail System has quickly
Guide ARK Directory Now Live, Connecting Visitors with Verified Outdoor Guides Across Arkansas
The Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation has officially launched the Guide ARK Directory, giving residents
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Trail of the Month: Blue Mountain Trail System, The Gateway to Central Arkansas Adventure
Just west of Little Rock, where Highway 10 begins its climb toward Lake Maumelle, lies one of Central Arkansas’ most versatile trail systems. The Blue Mountain Trail System has quickly become a favorite destination for mountain bikers, trail runners, and hikers looking for smooth singletrack, scenic overlooks, and an experience that can be as relaxed or as challenging as they choose. What began as a conservation effort has evolved into one of the region’s most important outdoor recreation assets. Even more exciting, Blue Mountain is no longer just a standalone destination. It now serves as a key link in what
Trail of the Month: Blue Mountain Trail System, The Gateway to Central Arkansas Adventure
Just west of Little Rock, where Highway 10 begins its climb toward Lake Maumelle, lies one of Central Arkansas’ most versatile trail systems. The Blue Mountain Trail System has quickly become a favorite destination for mountain bikers, trail runners, and hikers looking for smooth singletrack, scenic overlooks, and an experience that can be as relaxed or as challenging as they choose. What began as a conservation effort has evolved into one of the region’s most important outdoor recreation assets. Even more exciting, Blue Mountain is no longer just a standalone destination. It now serves as a key link in what
Birding Festival of the South Expands Lineup Ahead of Inaugural Event in Hot Springs
The inaugural Birding Festival of the South is taking flight in a big way. Since Visit Hot Springs first announced the festival earlier this year, organizers have continued to add
Arkansas’s First State Park Reaches New Heights with Opening of Nation’s Only State Park Via Ferrata
MORRILTON, Ark., Arkansas outdoor adventure took another major step forward today as Petit Jean State Park officially opened the Petit Jean Via Ferrata, a guided fixed cable climbing experience that
Birding Festival of the South Expands Lineup Ahead of Inaugural Event in Hot Springs
The inaugural Birding Festival of the South is taking flight in a big way. Since Visit Hot Springs first announced the festival earlier this year, organizers have continued to add
Arkansas’s First State Park Reaches New Heights with Opening of Nation’s Only State Park Via Ferrata
MORRILTON, Ark., Arkansas outdoor adventure took another major step forward today as Petit Jean State Park officially opened the Petit Jean Via Ferrata, a guided fixed cable climbing experience that
Climbing
Arkansas’s First State Park Reaches New Heights with Opening of Nation’s Only State Park Via Ferrata
MORRILTON, Ark., Arkansas outdoor adventure took another major step forward today as Petit Jean State Park officially opened the Petit Jean Via Ferrata, a guided fixed cable climbing experience that
To Hell and Back Again: A Climber’s Tale
Editor’s Note: This story is part of our #ThrowbackThursday series, revisiting memorable adventures from the Arkansas Outside archives. Originally published in 2014, this firsthand account captures Cris Slaymaker’s experience competing
Forest Service Proposes First National Climbing Policy for Federal Lands
For decades, rock climbing on federal lands has been managed through a patchwork of local plans, forest-specific guidance, and agency interpretations of existing laws. Now, the U.S. Forest Service is
Hiking & Backpacking
Get Out There: Enjoying Arkansas Summers Without the Itch
Arkansas is a paradise for outdoor lovers in the summer. From the misty peaks of the Ozark Mountains to the forests of the Ouachita National Forest, from the clear waters
How to Protect Your Dog from Summer Heat on Outdoor Adventures in Arkansas
With another scorching Arkansas summer underway, the trails, rivers, and parks of the Natural State are calling. If you are bringing your dog along, a little preparation goes a long
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
Paddling
Throwback Thursday: Paddling the Maumelle River and Lake Maumelle: A Peaceful Kayak Adventure Near Little Rock
Originally published in 2012. Updated for 2026. Just a short drive west of Little Rock, the Maumelle River offers one of Central Arkansas’ most peaceful paddling experiences. Flowing into Lake
WOKA Whitewater Park Hosts National Youth Development Camp as Region Eyes Olympic Future
WATTS, Okla. Some of North America’s most promising young paddlers will converge on the Arkansas and Oklahoma border this week as WOKA Whitewater Park, operated by the Grand River Dam
Remmel Dam Recreational Releases Resume Just in Time for the Fourth of July
After weeks of suspended flows during one of the region’s driest stretches in recent memory, paddlers and tubers finally have something to celebrate heading into the holiday weekend: recreational water
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