As full-time RV’ers we travel and see a lot. This is part of our Opting Out of Normal series where we explore the “Off the Beaten Path” of every state. We love the big popular stuff like everyone else, but there is just something incredible about discovering something unique, different and maybe a little “off the beaten path”. We certainly can’t explore them all, but we’d love you to include your favorites below too. Each series will include a link to our most amazing boondocking locations.
Disclaimer about my Arkansas blog … I hope you like waterfalls! Ha! I’m drawn to waterfalls, and Arkansas is full of them!
Crater of Diamonds State Park
Crater of Diamonds State Park is located in Murfreesboro (say the name of that city 5 times! I was in this area for over a week and still couldn’t say the city correctly). Today, the site of his discovery, Crater of Diamonds State Park, is the only diamond mine in the world that’s open to the public, and you can keep what you find. Unfortunately we didn’t find anything. Though, there are signs everywhere (and we spoke to many people) who actually take buckets home and go through what they – have rock by rock. Hummm … That’s certainly dedication.
Quigley’s Castle
Known as “The Ozarks’ Strangest Dwelling,” Quigley’s Castle is more of an odd stone house than a castle. Ms. Quigley demolished the original house that she and her husband were living in while her husband was away so that he would have to help her build this strange new dwelling. The ploy seems to have worked. Check this place out for sure!! We ran out of time, and didn’t get a chance to go here, but if you want to find out more information, click here.
Pivot Rock Park
Pivot Rock is not hard to find at all. It is located on Pivot Rock Road off of Highway 62 West in Eureka Springs. The titular rock looks like an upside-down pyramid, right down to the stepped ridges on its edges.
Other formations on grounds, which are easily accessible via paved paths through the wilderness, include the Natural Bridge formation.
The Glory Hole Falls
Not the best of names to pick, but The Glory Hole Falls is really unique and different. It is located near Swain, in Newton County, Arkansas. Although it is in a little-visited place, this waterfall seems unreal as a creek pours directly through a perfectly rounded hole from the ceiling of a cave.
The unique Glory Hole Falls changes according to the time of day and the light and sometimes catches the light as it splashes into the creek and forms several tiny rainbows.
Whitaker Point
Whitaker Point is located near Deer, AR. Though this is an amazing hike and fantastic views, it’s not a popular hike at all. I’m not sure why! It’s only 3 miles round trip.
The trail’s destination is the “Crag”, a rock formation that juts out from the bluff’s face that resembles a hawk’s beak. It overlooks Whitaker Creek and a huge valley stretching for a long distance. but this is not all, in the spring and fall rainy season you can discover a number of waterfalls.
Roark’s Bluff
Roark’s Bluff is located in Newton County. Towers over the Arkansas skyline. The surrounding area is stunning, especially in the fall. If you’re lucky enough to visit during high water, you’ll see two magnificent waterfalls. Roark Bluff Falls and V Notch Falls.
Devil’s Den State Park
Concealed within the Ozark Valley, This state park is one of Mother Nature’s masterpieces. You’ll find Lake Devil, created by a native stone dam, deep inside the heart of the park, and the peaceful water is a sight that should be on anybody’s bucket list!
The Buffalo River
Best Kayaking – The Buffalo River. The rock walls, the calm river. This is just a spectacular place to kayak. We personally like flatwater kayaking, but I believe I did some research and you can find some more spirited areas to do some white water kayaking if that’s your thing.
The Lakes of Cosmic Cavern
Located in Northern AR, near the town of Berryville. Cosmic Cavern is one of Arkansas’s most impressive caves, a stunning cave experience. What’s hiding in that gorgeous cave is two bottomless lakes, and there’s nothing like gazing into that sapphire water.
Richland Creek Wilderness Area
This is truly one of the Natural State’s most awe-inspiring treasures. It’s almost 12,000 acres of scenic woods and the many incredible waterfalls in the area.
Arkansas’s waterfall paradise is rustic, but it is also a total wonderland. This is a perfect year to go! AR has had almost too much rain this year, so lakes and waterfalls are definitely full and flowing.
Pam’s Grotto
Near Haw Creek Campground. A little hidden gem right in the middle of the Ozarks. Pam’s Grotto Waterfall Trail is a 0.8 mile out and back trail located near Hagarville, Arkansas that features a waterfall at the end. Hiking trail is pretty easy! The trail is accessible year-round.
Looking for the best RV Camping in Arkansas? We found a lot of great free places! Click the button below to check out the RV Camping in Arkansas.
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Glad you made it to Pa. Curious about Ark. Corp parks. Both have severe limit on length so did you check them out first or just show up. I have been passing up some spots and may need to make a change.
Mark
Well it makes it easy to find space when it is the off season. We drove around some of the full hook up loops around the lake and there were a lot of larger sites but where we were may not have worked so well during peak season.
I’m glad that you guys like AR! It’s a beautiful state and there’s lots to do here! I’ve done several posts about things to do in or near AR. Y’all holler if you ever come back. It’s almost obligatory to come through AR if you’re going pretty much anywhere from east to west below the Mason-Dixon line! 🙂
Thanks for reaching out. We are certainly coming back to Arkansas. Our list of things to do there has only grown.
Thank you very much for checking out our information. We definitely were passing through and realized there is so much more to see and we will be back. Thank you again!
We really wanted to visit Crater of Diamonds state park when we visit the Hot Springs National Park but the weather didn’t allow us too. I just added a few more items to my list for when we return!
I’m so sorry the weather didn’t cooperate for you. Definitely put those things on your return trip list!
I have lived in Arkansas my whole life and believe me when I say if you want to really see the Off The Beaten Paths buddy up to one of the thousands who have horses. I can not tell you the beauty that Arkansas has to offer. I live in a tiny town and I have seen so many amazing areas just out our backdoor, but you would want a horse. Lol. These valleys and mountains go for miles and miles.
It is one of our favorite places we’ve been. We had no idea, and we were blown away by the beauty! Thanks for sharing your love of Arkansas too! It truly is a beautiful state. We’ve actually thought when we were done traveling, it would be high on our list of places to buy a little plot of land and set down roots. I have a couple amazing friends in Arkansas and maybe they can hook us up with some horses! I’ll have to ask! Thanks again for the tip!
Hello! Do you recall where on the Buffalo River you kayaked?
I’ll look it up for you, and let you know. Thank you!
Hi Angela – It looks like the Lower Buffalo Wilderness is the place. I believe the put-in is near Rush Landing. Don’t miss Elephant Head Rock! It’s really a neat area. But please check the current conditions, and also there are a lot of closures due to COVID 19, so depending on your abilities, time, type of kayak you have, etc – Please make sure you do your research before making the trip. Also, Tyler Bend Visitor Center can give you tons of information on exactly what you’re looking for. Hope that helps! Thank you!
Perfect! The trip will be June so I’ll be sure to check conditions then. Praying everything is up and running by then!