The best walks and hikes around Jonesboro

There are 5 easy hiking trails available around Jonesboro, offering a variety of experiences from nature preserves to park loops. All routes listed in this guide are considered easy, making them accessible for most hikers.

Yes, Jonesboro offers several family-friendly hiking options. All 5 routes in this guide are rated as easy, making them suitable for families. For example, the Boardwalk Trail is a short, accessible option, while the Kenwood Park Loop provides a pleasant walk in a park setting. Craighead Forest Park also features a 2.4-mile chat trail circling its lake, perfect for a leisurely family outing.

For short, easy walks, consider the Boardwalk Trail, which is just over 1 km long, or the Kenwood Park Loop at about 1.45 km. Both offer gentle terrain and are perfect for a quick stroll.

Yes, the Kenwood Park Loop is a great option for a circular walk within Jonesboro. Additionally, the Big Pond loop from Lake City, located a short drive away, also offers a pleasant loop experience.

Jonesboro's trails, particularly those on Crowley's Ridge, often feature wooded hills, offering a contrast to the flatter delta lands. Parks like Craighead Forest Park and the Forrest L. Wood Crowley's Ridge Nature Center provide trails through prairies, woodlands, and wetlands. While some trails in Craighead Forest Park can be strenuous, the routes listed in this guide are generally easy with minimal elevation changes.

Crowley's Ridge itself is a significant natural feature, providing scenic views and a unique ecological environment. The Forrest L. Wood Crowley's Ridge Nature Center offers trails that traverse prairies, woodlands, and wetlands, providing an immersive nature experience. While specific viewpoints are not detailed in the routes, the natural beauty of the ridge and its forests are prominent.

Many outdoor spaces in Jonesboro, including Craighead Forest Park, are generally dog-friendly, though it's always best to keep dogs on a leash. For specific trail regulations, it's advisable to check with the park authorities directly. The trails listed in this guide are typically suitable for leashed dogs.

Spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant hiking conditions in Jonesboro, with mild temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter can bring colder temperatures, though trails remain accessible for those prepared for the weather.

Most major parks and nature centers in and around Jonesboro, such as Craighead Forest Park and the Forrest L. Wood Crowley's Ridge Nature Center, offer dedicated parking facilities for visitors. For specific routes like the Reynolds Nature Preserve Trail or McCurry Park walking trails, parking is typically available at the trailheads or nearby park entrances.

Beyond hiking, Jonesboro's outdoor areas offer a range of activities. Craighead Forest Park features a 60-acre fishing lake, camping, birdwatching, and picnicking. Lake Frierson State Park and Lake Charles State Park, a short drive from Jonesboro, are popular for fishing, paddling, swimming, and boating, in addition to their hiking trails.

Absolutely. All 5 routes featured in this guide are rated as easy, making them ideal for beginners or those looking for a relaxed outdoor experience. Trails like the Reynolds Nature Preserve Trail and McCurry Park walking trails offer gentle paths and manageable distances.