Arkansas' Mountainous State Park Offers Thriving Hiking Paths and the Tallest Summit in the State
Mount Magazine State Park, nestled within the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, is a popular destination for weekend trips and outdoor enthusiasts. The park, home to Arkansas' highest peak at 2,753 feet, offers a variety of activities and scenic trails that cater to diverse interests and skill levels.
Accommodation and Amenities
Visitors can choose from 18 campsites, each equipped with water, electric, and sewer hookups, an RV dump station, and a nearby cabin area. The cabins, boasting a rustic, 1930s-style wooden exterior, offer great amenities, including a wrap-around porch with an outdoor hot tub. There are 13 such cabins at the foot of Mount Magazine, providing stunning views over the Petit Jean River Valley and Blue Mountain Lake.
For a more exclusive, private stay, the park also offers an on-site lodge with 60 rooms, an indoor swimming pool, fitness center, gift shop, and the Skycrest Restaurant serving Southern cuisine. A bathhouse with hot showers and flush toilets is available for personal needs.
Outdoor Activities and Trails
Mountaineers and nature lovers can explore a range of trails, from easy loops to moderately challenging ones leading to the park's highest point.
The Benefield Loop Trail, popular with casual hikers and beginners, takes less than an hour to complete and features thick forests, open meadows, and seasonal wildflowers.
For those seeking a more challenging hike, the Signal Hill Trail is considered the top trail in the park. It leads directly to Arkansas' highest peak and can be completed in under an hour, offering spectacular panoramic views from the summit.
The North Rim Trail, when looped with the Mossback Ridge and Greenfield Trail, offers a roughly two-hour hike through forests and along glistening creeks, culminating in vista points that oversee the Arkansas River Valley and the Ozark Plateau.
Other notable trails include the Bear Hollow Trail, Cove Lake Trail, Will Apple's Road Trail, and the Huckleberry Mountain Horse Trail. These trails are praised for their scenic beauty, wildlife, and birdwatching opportunities, enriching the nature experience.
Park Information and Accessibility
Mount Magazine State Park features scenic overlooks, picnic areas, and pavilions for visitors to enjoy. The park's visitor center offers a gift shop, multiple exhibits, daily audiovisual programs, special workshops, and a large wildlife observation area overlooking a native plant garden.
The park is easily accessible via Interstate 40, with nearby airports being Fort Smith Regional Airport and Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport in Little Rock.
Backcountry permits can be arranged through the visitor center, and bookings for campsites can be made online or over the phone. Unfortunately, the park does not offer any specific information about birdwatching opportunities on these new trails mentioned in this article.
Whether you're a seasoned mountaineer or a casual nature lover, Mount Magazine State Park offers an unforgettable outdoor experience in the heart of Arkansas.
For those intrigued by travel accounts, theBenefield Loop Trail, an easy and picturesque hike, is a must-explore for casual hikers and beginners in Mount Magazine State Park. Additionally, lifestyle enthusiasts and home-and-garden admirers might find the cabins' rustic charm and the on-site lodge's amenities appealing, turning their park visit into a travel experience.
On the adventurous end, travel aficionados can attempt theSignal Hill Trail, leading to Arkansas' highest peak, or explore the North Rim Trail looped with Mossback Ridge and Greenfield Trail, offering a challenging hike with stunning views and enchanting wildlife sightings – a perfect blend of travel, lifestyle, and outdoor activities.
