Family and I want to do 3 days in northwest Arkansas during spring break, hoping to be outdoorsy with canoeing, hiking, hot springs etc. we've driven through but never stopped or stayed. Would love recommendations on where to visit, what to do, anything to avoid, etc. thanks!!!!

Page 87Flyfisher. He and his wife are really familiar with all that area.

Do a search under "Aquin" in the travel thread. I did a lengthy list sometime ago. Let me know if you don't find it.

The Texags search engine is awesome…

aggiesundevil4 said:

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Family and I want to do 3 days in northwest Arkansas during spring break, hoping to be outdoorsy with canoeing, hiking, hot springs etc. we've driven through but never stopped or stayed. Would love recommendations on where to visit, what to do, anything to avoid, etc. thanks!!!!

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white river state park or Stetsons are both great spots to stay - you can rent Jon boats and trout fish.

Jasper or Ponca for access to buffalo national river - a lot canoe floats and hiking available out of that area

Eureka Springs is also a good base if you want a little more civilization but also access to white river and kings river.

The White River is one of the best trout rivers in the country

Yeah a lot of fishery trout released on the White - easy fishing with a spinning rod. For a fun time rent a couple guides and take the family down the river. I caught a huge brown on there once as well.

Pro tip though: Don't go wandering too far off into the backroads - only place I've ever seen Nazi flags flown in America. Not kidding.

And drive slow.....I'm not sure I've ever driven through an area where there were so many loose dogs just roaming

Keeping in mind that if you draw a line from Texarkana to the Boot Heel of Missouri, then everything above that line is going to mean averaging 40 miles per hour drive time: your list ( and most of the advice so far) is throwing too big a loop to do in three days.

My advice is choose between:

1) Hot Springs are in Hot Springs in the south middle of the state. Plenty to do there with Hot Springs National Park, Gulpha Gorge, Mid America Science Museum, tourist stuff in Hot Springs. Hiking in the Ouachita National Forest, canoeing about 45 minutes away on the Caddo River.

2) Petit Jean and maybe Mount Magazine State Parks. Beautiful lodges, spectacular views, waterfalls, caves a first class antique car museum, rock formations, canoeing on lakes and more trails than you can hike in 3 full days.

3) Northwest Arkansas (Fayetteville, Rogers, Bentonville) More city activities but a lot of fun. Crystal Bridges Art Museum, Daisy BB Gun Museum, Native American Museum, nice shops in downtowns squares, destination for dining, hiking on Mt. Sequoia and canoeing not too far away on the Mulberry River.

4) Eureka Springs. Not as good for kids in my opinion, lots of cool shops and bars, good trout fishing nearby on Beaver Tailwater. Biggest two attractions are The Passion Play ( not open until April) and the Eureka Live Drag Queen Show, so it is kind of "different".

5) Jasper/Ponca. As pretty as anywhere in the USA. Canoeing and hiking on the Upper Buffalo, Lost Valley, Elk, wildlife and historic buildings in Boxley Valley. Arkansas Grand Canyon. Lots of unique cabins to stay
in.

6) Mountain Home, Bull Shoals, Norfork ( where I live and close to Gunny) North Central Arkansas. Some of the best trout fishing in the world in White and Norfork River, Dry Run Creek for those under 16. Canoeing on Middle Buffalo and Crooked Creek ( March is a little early but doable) Blanchard Springs Caverns and Mirror Lake. Many hiking trails, waterfalls, etc. Easy day trip to Bass Pro Headquarters, Wonders of Wildlife or Top of the Rock.

Let me know if you need more info.

Buffalo River. Gilbert, Arkansas. Buffalo Camping and Canoeing.

Lots of great guidance, thanks! We aren't fixated on NW Arkansas just heard that's where the pretty and adventurous stuff is - you've provided great stuff to look into/prioritize!

I left out Devil's Den State Park from the North West Arkansas part. Be sure and look it up. That trip could also include The US Marshall Museum, Judge Parker's Courthouse and a famous antique carousel in Ft. Smith on the way from Texas.

If you're near Siloam Springs or Gentry - go to the Wooden Spoon. It's a restaurant run by Mennonites. Wow - it is phenomenal!

https://woodenspoongentry.com/


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87Flyfisher said:

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Keeping in mind that if you draw a line from Texarkana to the Boot Heel of Missouri, then everything above that line is going to mean averaging 40 miles per hour drive time: your list ( and most of the advice so far) is throwing too big a loop to do in three days.

My advice is choose between:

1) Hot Springs are in Hot Springs in the south middle of the state. Plenty to do there with Hot Springs National Park, Gulpha Gorge, Mid America Science Museum, tourist stuff in Hot Springs. Hiking in the Ouachita National Forest, canoeing about 45 minutes away on the Caddo River.

2) Petit Jean and maybe Mount Magazine State Parks. Beautiful lodges, spectacular views, waterfalls, caves a first class antique car museum, rock formations, canoeing on lakes and more trails than you can hike in 3 full days.

3) Northwest Arkansas (Fayetteville, Rogers, Bentonville) More city activities but a lot of fun. Crystal Bridges Art Museum, Daisy BB Gun Museum, Native American Museum, nice shops in downtowns squares, destination for dining, hiking on Mt. Sequoia and canoeing not too far away on the Mulberry River.

4) Eureka Springs. Not as good for kids in my opinion, lots of cool shops and bars, good trout fishing nearby on Beaver Tailwater. Biggest two attractions are The Passion Play ( not open until April) and the Eureka Live Drag Queen Show, so it is kind of "different".

5) Jasper/Ponca. As pretty as anywhere in the USA. Canoeing and hiking on the Upper Buffalo, Lost Valley, Elk, wildlife and historic buildings in Boxley Valley. Arkansas Grand Canyon. Lots of unique cabins to stay
in.

6) Mountain Home, Bull Shoals, Norfork ( where I live and close to Gunny) North Central Arkansas. Some of the best trout fishing in the world in White and Norfork River, Dry Run Creek for those under 16. Canoeing on Middle Buffalo and Crooked Creek ( March is a little early but doable) Blanchard Springs Caverns and Mirror Lake. Many hiking trails, waterfalls, etc. Easy day trip to Bass Pro Headquarters, Wonders of Wildlife or Top of the Rock.

Let me know if you need more info.

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I wouldn't bother with crooked creek - there are no fish in there.