The best dog-friendly hikes and walks in Polk County

The Queen Wilhelmina Reservoir Trail offers a delightful, easy stroll through peaceful woodlands, leading you to a historic stone reservoir. This short 0.5-mile (0.9 km) route, with no elevation gain, is perfect for a quick 14-minute escape into nature, providing a serene forested experience. You'll find yourself surrounded by trees, with the highlight being the old stone reservoir that once served the original Wilhelmina Inn.

Accessing the trail is simple, as it starts conveniently behind the Queen Wilhelmina Lodge, where ample parking is available. This easy hiking trail is suitable for all ages and can be enjoyed year-round. It's a great option if you're looking for a gentle walk to stretch your legs without committing to a longer, more strenuous hike.

This trail is notable for its historical significance, as the reservoir at its base was the water source for the 1890s Wilhelmina Inn. Located in Queen Wilhelmina State Park atop Rich Mountain, Arkansas's second-highest peak, the area itself boasts breathtaking views often compared to the Smoky Mountains. While the trail itself is flat, the surrounding park offers stunning vistas from the lodge area.

The Ouachita National Recreation Trail offers a rugged, immersive hiking experience through the Ouachita Mountains, characterized by dense pine and oak forests, sharp ridges, and clear streams. You'll traverse diverse natural features, from picturesque rock outcroppings to expansive views from peaks like Rich Mountain, often spotting white-tailed deer and various bird species. This difficult route is a true wilderness escape, providing a sense of solitude rarely found on other long-distance trails.

When planning your visit, be aware that the 66.6-mile (107.2 km) trail, with its 7457 feet (2273 metres) of elevation gain and estimated 30 hours and 28 minutes duration, is best tackled in spring or fall to avoid the hot, humid, and buggy summers. Water sources can be unreliable, so plan accordingly. Access points like Talimena State Park in Oklahoma and Pinnacle Mountain State Park in Arkansas serve as key Ouachita National Recreation Trail parking areas.

What sets the Ouachita National Recreation Trail apart is its remarkable sense of quiet immersion in the wilderness, supported by well-marked blue blazes and strategically placed shelters every 8-10 miles. Beyond its natural beauty, the trail holds historical significance, incorporating sections of old military roads and Civilian Conservation Corps structures. While primarily for hikers, approximately 140 miles of the trail are also open to mountain biking, offering another way to experience this unique landscape.

The Eagle Rock Loop is a fantastic way to experience the Ouachita National Forest, guiding you through a mix of rolling mountains, lush river valleys, and shaded forests. You'll encounter rocky sections underfoot and enjoy the beauty of crystal-clear streams, with the impressive Little Missouri Falls being a standout feature along the way. This moderate 8.7-mile (13.9 km) hiking route, with its 919 feet (280 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 4 hours and 33 minutes to complete, making it a solid half-day or full-day adventure.

Planning your visit is relatively simple, as no permits or fees are required to hike or camp on the loop. The trail is accessible year-round, but many find the cooler temperatures of fall and spring to be the best time to visit. Parking is generally available at trailheads, though it's always wise to arrive early during peak seasons. Remember to carry enough water, especially during warmer months.

While this specific route is a moderate day hike, the larger Eagle Rock Loop is renowned as Arkansas's longest and most challenging loop, often used as a test piece for experienced backpackers. The area is rich in natural scenery, from unique rock formations to expansive vistas, and its origins as a 100-year-old postal route add a layer of history to your journey through the Ouachita wilderness.