Fall in Arkansas is dreamy. The Natural State does it right when it comes to cooler weather, clear blue skies, and gorgeous foliage. Even better is the fact that the amazing fall color in Arkansas is still a bit of a secret!
Most people do not realize that Arkansas is a wonderful destination to experience the colors of fall which means that you won’t have to deal with hordes of “leaf peepers.”
One of my favorite things in the world is driving the winding backroads of Arkansas on a sunny day in late October with a cool breeze blowing in my open window and a canopy of reds and yellows silhouetted against a bright blue sky above me.
I love my home state in the fall!
Enjoy our list of the best places to experience fall color in Arkansas!
We have another post with even more information about fall activities in Arkansas.
When Do the Leaves Begin to Turn in Arkansas
The answer is: It varies.
In most years, fall color begins appearing in northern Arkansas in mid to late October, with the best color moving south through early or mid-November. Every year is different, though, so always check current foliage reports before making a special trip.
Beautiful Road Trips to Experience Fall Color in Arkansas
One of the best ways to experience Arkansas fall foliage is to take a scenic drive down an Arkansas backroad.
Here are some of our favorite scenic drives to see the fall color in Arkansas.
Arkansas Scenic Highway 7 Byway
Scenic Highway 7 was the state’s first designated scenic byway. It travels through four of the state’s varied geographical regions. This highway begins near El Dorado, Arkansas and ends in the Ozark Mountains near Harrison, Arkansas.
For the best fall color, I would suggest starting the byway just off I-40 near Russellville and heading north. You will find several places to pull over and see the views including the Grand Canyon of the Ozarks.
We have a post with a list of many of the hikes and stops that you can enjoy along this stretch of Scenic 7.
The Jasper Disaster
The Jasper Disaster is a 60-mile loop drive that includes part of Scenic 7 Byway, as well as highways 74 and 43. This route curves through the mountains and passes through the towns of Jasper and Ponca. There are several waterfalls and scenic stops along the way.
You can read all about this road trip with every major stop listed in our blog post about the Jasper Disaster!
Drive the Pig Trail
Arkansas 23 is a 19-mile stretch of road also called the Pig Trail. It winds through the rugged Boston Mountains of the Ozarks.
This is a twisty, turning road topped with a canopy of gorgeous tree cover. It is stunning in the fall.
US Hwy 71 Through the Boston Mountains
US 71 is another great fall route to Fayetteville that runs north and south through the Boston Mountains. You can pick up the route from just outside of Alma, Arkansas.
You will find several scenic overlooks along the way, as well as some charming small towns.
Ouachita Mountain Road Trips
The Ozark Mountains may be the best-known mountain range in Arkansas, but don’t forget the Ouachitas! In my opinion they are just as gorgeous in the fall.
- The Talimena Scenic Byway: This is an incredible road that follows the crest of the mountains from Mena, Arkansas to Talihina, Oklahoma. It runs a total of 54 miles with 18 of those in the state. There are 22 overlooks along the route. Queen Wilhelmina State Park is a perfect place to stay on the Talimena Scenic Byway. The park has campsites as well as a lodge with gorgeous mountain views.
- Ouachita Mountain Road Trip: We designed this Ouachita Mountain road trip that takes you through some of the most beautiful countryside in the region. It does include some dirt and gravel roads, but we drove it in a regular car. It passes by the Cossatot River, Shady Lake, Little Missouri Falls, and so much more. We actually took this road trip in the fall and it was absolutely stunning.
Crowley’s Ridge
Most people don’t think of the Delta when they are planning where to see fall color in Arkansas, but Crowley’s Ridge is actually one of the best spots. This tree-covered ridge rises sharply above the Delta plains below.
One of the most interesting things about the ridge is that many of the trees in its forests are similar to those found in the western Appalachian Mountains. Along with oaks and hickories, you will find hardwood trees that are less common in Arkansas, including American beech, sugar maple, and tulip poplar.
What does this mean for you? Beautiful fall color! This makes the Crowley’s Ridge Scenic Byway a wonderful spot for a fall foliage drive in the Natural State.
We have driven scenic routes all over the state, and these are only a few of our favorites for fall. Take a look at our complete guide to the scenic byways in Arkansas for even more beautiful drives.
Best Hikes for Fall Color in Arkansas
Whitaker Point (Also Known as Hawksbill Crag)
Whitaker Point is one of the best and most iconic hiking trails in Arkansas. Photos of Whitaker Point (also known as Hawksbill Crag) tend to be plastered on every bit of promotional material for the state.
Whitaker Point is beautiful year-round but never more so than when the leaves begin to turn. This is not an especially difficult hike, but the exposed edges of the crag can be dangerous, particularly for young children.
Lost Valley Trail
Lost Valley Trail is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful hikes in the Ozarks. You will definitely be impressed when you visit in the fall, particularly if the area has had recent rainfall.
The trail into Lost Valley isn’t too difficult and the foliage here is stunning!
You will walk through beautiful woods, a natural bridge with a small waterfall, a huge bluff overhang, and the gorgeous Eden Falls. You can even climb into a cave if you have a flashlight and don’t mind crawling a little.
Goat Trail to Big Bluff
If you aren’t afraid of heights then this ledge trail might just be the best hike to see the fall color in Arkansas!
Yes, this trail is a little scary but the panoramic views into the rugged Ozark Mountains and the Buffalo River below are astounding!
Flatside Pinnacle
Flatside Pinnacle is a short but steep hike about 45 minutes from Little Rock in the eastern Ouachita Mountains. It is a popular place to watch the sunset across the wilderness.
In my opinion, those gorgeous Arkansas sunsets combined with the colors of the fall foliage are truly a must-see.
The Dancing Rabbit Trail
The Dancing Rabbit Trail begins just behind the visitor center at Crowley’s Ridge State Park.
This is a 1.25-mile moderate hike that leads through the forest and over a swinging bridge. The fall color through this part of Crowley’s Ridge is stunning.
Seven Hollows Trail
Seven Hollows Trail is a great hike in Petit Jean State Park that leads under a canopy of trees, through hollows, past a natural bridge, huge rock bluffs, and a box canyon grotto.
The forest is very colorful here during the fall with the bright leaves contrasting beautifully against the deep gray of the bluffs.
Here is a list of some more Arkansas hikes that you might enjoy. If there has been recent rain – which is not often the case in the fall – you might enjoy some of these easy waterfall hikes.
More Ways to Experience Fall Color in Arkansas
See the Views from Mather Lodge
Petit Jean is one of the best state parks in Arkansas, and some of the prettiest views in the park are found behind historic Mather Lodge.. You can sit on the rocks and watch the sunset or enjoy a meal beside the huge picture windows in the lodge restaurant.
Either way, you can experience the foliage without taking a hike.
Watch the Sunset from Cameron Bluff
Mount Magazine may be one of the most photographed places in Arkansas, especially in the fall. The scenic drive up to the mountain is beautiful and there are some amazing overlooks in the park.
Cameron Bluff is a magical place to watch the sunset, and those last rays of sun make the changing leaves look even more beautiful.
Climb Pinnacle Mountain – Or Take an Easier Walk
Climbing Pinnacle Mountain in the fall is a tradition for many of us who live in Little Rock and consider Pinnacle Mountain State Park to be our own backyard.
It is a great Arkansas park to see the colors of the turning leaves. If you don’t want to make the steep and rocky climb to the top of the mountain, I would suggest walking through the Arboretum or hiking the Rocky Valley Trail.
Walk Through Maplewood Cemetery
I know that this may sound a little odd, but a cemetery is one of the best places to see fall color in Arkansas! Maplewood Cemetery is located just a few minutes from Harrison and is planted with over 700 sugar maple trees.
The color here is unbelievable. We are talking deep reds, vibrant oranges, and bright yellows. It is truly stunning. And yes, it is okay, even encouraged, to walk or drive through as long as you are respectful.
Maplewood Cemetery even has a Facebook page that gives updates on the turning leaves.
Ride the Arkansas and Missouri Railroad
The Arkansas and Missouri Railroad offers several different scenic round-trip rides through the mountains of western Arkansas. Rides leave from Springdale, Arkansas and Van Buren, Arkansas.
The passenger cars are from the 1920s to 1950s and have been meticulously restored. You will pass through the river valleys and traverse high trestles as you wind along tracks in the mountains.
This ride is one of the most relaxing ways to experience the fall color in Arkansas!
Explore Eureka Springs
Eureka Springs is always a stunner, but it is especially breathtaking in the fall. The historic architecture against the changing leaves on the hills makes Eureka Springs feel especially magical.
As lovely as it is in town, we also suggest taking a walk or riding a bike at Lake Leatherwood. This is an amazing city park with more than 25 miles of hiking and biking trails.
Photograph Mirror Lake
Mirror Lake is located near the incredible Blanchard Springs Caverns.
Photographers will be especially drawn to Mirror Lake! The lake is fed by the stream flowing from Blanchard Springs Caverns and the water is often a lovely blue-green color.
As you might expect from the name, this is a very calm lake with a surface like a mirror. The reds and golds of the trees seem almost otherworldly reflected on the surface of the lake in the fall.
You will also find the remains of an old mill just down from the lake. This is a lovely spot for photos.
Look for Elk in Boxley Valley
Many Arkansans consider Boxley Valley to be one of the most beautiful places in the state. This wide valley near the Buffalo River is dotted with old barns and the forested mountainsides rise in the distance.
In addition to the beauty of the fall foliage, the valley is home to herds of elk that are very active in the fall, especially early in the morning and just before sunset.
Float the Buffalo River
Floating the Buffalo River isn’t always possible in the fall so be sure and always check the water levels before you go.
However, if there has been enough rainfall, a fall float on the Buffalo River will be a memorable experience. Check out the Buffalo Outdoor Center for more information about floating and water levels.
We hope this gives you plenty of ideas for enjoying the fall color in Arkansas. Whether you take a winding mountain drive, hike to a beautiful overlook, or simply spend an afternoon wandering through one of our state parks, this is one of the best times of year to explore the Natural State.
