Arkansas Outside has been named Best Digital Publication in the 2026 Outdoor Media Awards, and we have our readers to thank for making it happen.
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
We have some exciting news to share, and it’s all because of you.
Arkansas Outside has been named the 2026 Best Digital Publication in the Outdoor Media Awards People’s Choice competition, presented by Outdoor Media Summit. The award was announced on October 13, following this year’s Outdoor Media Summit in Asheville, North Carolina.
This national recognition puts Arkansas Outside among some of the best-known voices in outdoor journalism, storytelling, and media. But what makes this award particularly special is that it was decided by readers.
You voted. You shared our request for votes. You encouraged others to support us. And together, you helped a publication dedicated to outdoor recreation in Arkansas earn national recognition.
For that, we can’t thank you enough.
From Arkansas Trails to a National Stage
When Arkansas Outside launched in November 2011, the goal was simple: share the stories, places, people, and experiences that make Arkansas such an incredible place to enjoy the outdoors.
Over the years, we’ve covered everything from mountain biking, hiking, paddling, and trail running to conservation, outdoor events, and the development of recreational trails and greenways across the state.
We’ve celebrated new trails opening, followed the progress of major outdoor recreation projects, highlighted the volunteers who maintain our favorite places, and occasionally asked difficult questions about decisions affecting public lands and outdoor access.
Along the way, we’ve met countless people who share our enthusiasm for getting outside.
Nearly 15 years later, that original mission remains unchanged.
We’re still telling Arkansas outdoor stories, and we’re still convinced that some of the best outdoor adventures in the country are right here in The Natural State.
A National Award Chosen by Readers
The Outdoor Media Awards recognize excellence in outdoor journalism, content creation, marketing, and industry leadership.
The 2026 awards were presented as part of Outdoor Media Summit, which brought together more than 300 outdoor media professionals and industry representatives in Asheville.
Awards were presented in several categories, including journalism, podcasts, video production, marketing, and outdoor gear.
The People’s Choice categories recognized outstanding outdoor media outlets and creators, including Best YouTube Channel, Best Social Handle, Best Podcast, Best Print Publication, and Best Digital Publication.
Arkansas Outside received the People’s Choice Award for Best Digital Publication.
Unlike the awards selected by industry judges, the People’s Choice awards gave readers and followers an opportunity to recognize their favorite outdoor media.
That distinction means a great deal to us. Our readers are the reason Arkansas Outside exists, and having your support recognized on a national level is something we won’t soon forget.
You can read the official announcement of the 2026 Outdoor Media Award winners.
This Award Belongs to the Arkansas Outdoor Community
While our name is on the award, the recognition belongs to a much larger community.
It belongs to the trail builders and volunteers who spend their weekends creating and maintaining places for the rest of us to enjoy.
It belongs to the race directors, event organizers, outdoor clubs, and advocates who bring people together and make outdoor recreation more accessible.
It belongs to the photographers, writers, businesses, organizations, and everyday outdoor enthusiasts who share their stories and help us discover what’s happening across Arkansas.
And, most importantly, it belongs to you, our readers.
Whether you’ve followed Arkansas Outside since the beginning or discovered us last week, your interest and participation have helped keep this publication going.
Every article you read, every story you share, every newsletter you open, and every conversation you start helps us reach more people who care about Arkansas and its outdoor opportunities.
What’s Next for Arkansas Outside?
Winning a national award is a wonderful milestone, but it doesn’t change what we’re here to do.
We’ll continue exploring Arkansas, reporting on outdoor recreation developments, promoting events, sharing new places to visit, and telling the stories of the people who make our outdoor community special.
We’ll also continue covering issues that matter to outdoor enthusiasts, from trail access and public lands to bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and conservation.
There are still plenty of trails to explore, rivers to paddle, communities to visit, and stories to tell.
As Arkansas Outside approaches its 15th anniversary this November, this award is an especially meaningful reminder of how far we’ve come together.
Thank you for reading. Thank you for sharing our stories. Thank you for voting. And thank you for being part of Arkansas Outside.
We’re proud to represent Arkansas on the national outdoor media stage, and we’re even prouder of the community that helped us get there.
We’ll see you outside!
The Arkansas Outside Team
This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens, thank you for supporting our work!