PEDESTAL ROCK/KINGS BLUFF

Ozark-St. Francis National Forest

Picturesque bluffs and wooded hillsides are the norm for this pair of trails, situated north of Russellville (Pope County) and south of Jasper (Newton County). Covering about 4 miles in a loop, the two trails are rated moderate but the route is mostly easy to hike, which makes it a good family outing. In addition to its natural beauty, the trail offers geological education as layer upon layer of sediment deposited throughout the millennia can be seen.

To get to the shared trailhead in the Pedestal Rocks Scenic Area, take Arkansas Highway 7 to Pelsor (Pope County). Go east on Arkansas Highway 16 for 6 miles and watch for signs directing you to the entrance and parking area.

The 2.2-mile Pedestal Rocks loop contains caves, an arch and the pedestal rocks that give the trail its name, all formed by erosion. The trail also passes by seasonal waterfalls along the way. The cave portion below the bluffs does not have a maintained trail, but is easy to navigate and explore.

Access the Kings Bluff 0.7-mile loop and hike through various switchbacks until arriving at the imposing Kings Bluff. On the route, take in spectacular rock formations and breathtaking overlooks. When water levels are up on a nearby creek, the waterfall is a sight, cascading 114 feet into the basin below.

It’s A Long Way Down

While the hike is considered a relatively easy one, visitors are advised to exercise caution on the bluffs, especially when hiking with kids. Most sections of both trails offer no guardrail protection and a fall could result in serious injury or worse.

BLOWING SPRINGS PARK

Bella Vista (Benton County)

So-called city park trails don’t always inspire optimism about the quality of the hike, but that’s not the case with Blowing Springs. Located in the southern part of Bella Vista, Blowing Springs offers three routes — 3.8-mile Blowing Springs Park Extended Loop, 2-mile North Upper and South Lower Loop and 1.3-mile Blowing Springs/Back 40 Connector — that add up to about 7 miles of easy- to moderate-rated hiking. Here, you can find cliff sides, caves and seasonal waterfalls. The three trail loops offer varying degrees of difficulty and are open to both foot and two-wheeled traffic, allowing for endless customization of workout.

As if all that weren't enough, Blowing Springs provides entry to Back 40 and Wonderland, offering even more trails and adventures.

Lots To Do Nearby

Bella Vista has a reputation for being just retirees and golf courses for days, but if you haven't visited this thriving northwest Arkansas community lately, you’re missing out. Here are few sights and tastes to sample while in town:

• Sugar Creek lies right across the street from Blowing Springs Park, offering a tranquil, relaxing setting to unwind. The Little Sugar Trails are connected to the Back 40 area via the Sugar Bridge.

• Pay your respects to our nation’s heroes at the moving Veterans Wall of Honor, located just up the road from Blowing Springs.

• Those visiting with kids will enjoy Art on Trails, easy walking or biking trails lined with family friendly public art.

• Following your hike, make sure to check out the Gear Garden in Blowing Springs. The area frequently offers food trucks and even live music on weekends. Or, head into town and grab a burger at JJ’s, a slice at Highland’s Grill & Pub or a taco at El Pueblito’s.

NORTH AND WEST MOUNTAIN

Hot Springs National Park

There’s no better trails master class, certainly in Central Arkansas, than the hiking that has been enjoyed for generations in Hot Springs (Garland County). Between North Mountain and West Mountain the explorer can find whatever their heart desires (or can take), from flat and easy to middling strenuous to leg-torching.

Not only do the trails stripe the mountains here, but they have been seamlessly integrated with the city itself to provide several points of access from the historic downtown. This provides a means to walk out of the woods and into a bar, restaurant or taproom in the span of just a few blocks.

Some favored trails include Goat Rock, a popular and well-used North Mountain tract, that delivers both dense forests and mountain meadows along its easy- to moderate-rated path. The 1.1-mile meandering trail provides a gentle descent from the trailhead and offers switchbacks that keep the vista in view. A traditional highlight is to get to the top of Goat Rock, a short side trip up a series of stone steps that pays off with the best view on the route. The trail ends at Gulpha Gorge Trail, whereupon the hiker can turn around and retrace their steps or go west to the road leading back to trailhead parking.

Another favorite is the 1.5-mile Mountain Top on West Mountain which is two trails in one. The south section (0.6 miles) runs from Prospect Avenue to where Sunset Trail bisects it just beyond the parking terminus of West Mountain Drive. The north section (0.9 miles) begins at the Sunset Trail crossing and ends at Whittington Park. Mountain Top has another duality as well: Travel southward and the trail rises quickly for a strenuous hike; go north and the rise is gradual before descending steeply to the park.

Mind Your Manners

The National Park Service reminds all hikers to observe safety and etiquette while on the trails, including:

• Stay on the established trails. Take plenty of drinking water and wear appropriate clothing and shoes.

• Respect wildlife; observe only from a distance and keep pets on a 6-foot leash at all times.

• If you pack it in, pack it out. Otherwise, leave it alone for others to enjoy just as you found it.

HARRIS CREEK TRAIL

Cossatot River State Park

A more advanced hike awaits visitors to the Cossatot River State Park near Wickes (Polk County). Harris Creek Trail is a moderate to strenuous loop covering 2.5 miles through six different habitats. These distinct areas include a shale pit, an old mining location adjacent to the parking area. Next is the adjoining shale glade where plant life has established footholds in the fragile soil that’s gathered over the rock. The glade overlooks Baker Creek and the third section of the trail, which runs parallel to it on the northeast-facing slope.

Baker Creek empties into Harris Creek, turning the parallel trail southwest, then west, just above an alluvial terrace formed by the creek itself. The terrace features mature trees of various species leading into the drainage area, the steepest and roughest part of the loop. At the southernmost point, about two-thirds of the way through the hike, is an overlook offering a breathtaking view from a bluff above the Cossatot River. The remaining section of trail continues through a mature shortleaf pine/hardwood forest back to the parking area.

Nature Steals the Show

Technically classified as a Natural Area, there’s not a lot of modern conveniences in or around Cossatot River State Park. If you’re here, you’re here for what Mother Nature provides, not Main Street. Luckily, the park has that in spades, including Class IV rapids for the experienced kayaker or canoeist during the wet season. There are also three additional hiking trails, primitive camping sites and all the natural beauty you can take in.

The nearest community of any size, Wickes, is a hamlet comprised of some 750 people where you’ll find the Lighthouse Drive-In, offering an array of burgers, plates, tacos and shakes. Another option is Cossatot Grounds Café serving a diverse menu of coffee drinks plus breakfast, sandwiches and Mexican delicacies.