These 7 Small Towns in Arkansas Come Alive in Fall
If you are heading for Arkansas this fall, you are in for a treat no matter what small town you visit. In north and central Arkansas, which encompasses the Ouachita Mountain Range and the Ozarks, the vibrant fall colors peak in late October and early November, while mid-November is the most colorful time in the state's southern portion. If you love the outdoors, you will find no shortage of adventures in Arkansas, dubbed "The Natural State." For those who prefer more family-friendly fall activities, pumpkin patches, apple orchards, and festivals abound, especially in the following seven small towns.
Jasper
For a fall trip to the Ozarks region of Arkansas, consider spending a day or two in the charming small town of Jasper. The peak time for fall leaves in the Ozarks is typically the end of October through the beginning of November, so you can plan your getaway accordingly. Each year, Horseshoe Canyon Guest Ranch treats visitors to everything the season has to offer, such as horseback rides and hikes on colorful woodland trails, rock climbing, zip-lining, and boating and fishing on the Buffalo National River. You can also check out the Carver Recreation Area for native wildlife and vibrant fall foliage viewing.
Eureka Springs
The small Ozark Mountain town of Eureka Springs is known for its historic downtown filled with beautifully preserved Victorian buildings and its natural hot mineral springs. Black Bass City Park, which features two miles of hiking trails in the bluffs and a scenic lake, is the perfect place to appreciate the fall colors. For visitors who want to take in the autumn views from town, the Harmon Park Loop Trail features shaded paths that wind through the historic Spring Street neighborhood. Each November, Eureka Springs hosts the Original Ozark Folk Festival, the country's longest-running folk festival.
Van Buren
Also located in the Ozarks, the small, gorgeous town of Van Buren has it all, from a perfectly preserved historic downtown and a thriving arts scene to an abundance of natural beauty and unlimited outdoor recreational opportunities. During the 1800s, the Butterfield Overland Mail Co. Stagecoach route ran through Van Buren, and the quaint community still celebrates that unique part of its history today. The town has no shortage of outdoor space from which you can view vibrant fall colors. The Mr. Chad and Betty Ann Colley Wilderness Park, Lee Creek Park, and Freedom Park are just a few of your options. In October, the town hosts the annual Old Town Van Buren Fall Festival.
Lake Village
With its location along The Great River Road National Scenic Byway on Lake Chicot, Arkansas' largest lake, Lake Village is the ideal place for an autumn getaway. Fall enthusiasts can take in the vibrant colors at Lake Chicot State Park while hiking, biking, fishing, or bird watching, among other outdoor activities. Not only does the quaint downtown feature unique shops and eateries, but it is also home to Jack R. Rhodes Lakefront Park, which features a boat ramp, an amphitheater, trails, and plenty of spots for an outdoor lunch amongst the colorful foliage. If history is your passion, you won't want to miss a trip to nearby Lakeport Plantation, an antebellum home on the Mississippi River.
Mountain Home
Mountain Home is an off-the-beaten-path small town situated in the Ozark Mountains near the Missouri border. With its typically mild autumn weather and vibrant foliage during mid-season, as well as its relaxed, tranquil feel, Mountain Home beckons visitors seeking an autumn escape. Due to its abundance of parks and waterways that draw in outdoor enthusiasts from all over the region, Outdoor Life Magazine has put Mountain Home on its top 20 cities for sportsmen list several times. The nearby Ozark National Forest comes to life each fall with a fiery autumnal palette of colors. Bull Shoals-White River State Park is another scenic place to hike, mountain bike, fish, and camp. The park also features a 15,744-foot visitor center overlooking Bull Shoals Dam, and a marina offering boat rentals.
Siloam Springs
There are many reasons to put the underrated small town of Siloam Springs on your "must-visit" list this autumn, one of them being its natural healing springs. Located in the northwest region of the state, Siloam Springs was recently named one of the best small cities in America by Smithsonian Magazine. During the fall months, outdoor adventurers can experience colorful foliage on the Sager Creek Mountain Bike Trail, or at the Siloam Springs Kayak Park, depending on whether you wish to explore by land or water. The walkable, historic downtown, which features plenty of green spaces and a flowing creek, is another ideal place to experience a fall day.
Heber Springs
Due to its historic mineral springs, location on Sugarloaf Mountain, and proximity to the Little Red River and Greers Ferry Lake, Heber Springs has always been a tourist destination. Although it's the perfect place to kick back and relax amongst nature all year long, the vibrant fall colors amplify the region's natural beauty. Sugarloaf Mountain offers several hiking trails for exploring native wildlife and the autumn foliage, while Greers Ferry Lake is available for fishing and boating. You also won't want to miss a trip to breathtaking Cornelius Falls, which is accessible via a short hike from the Bridal Veil Falls Parking Lot.
No matter where you find yourself in Arkansas this fall, a chance to explore all of the beauty of the season will be around every corner. With its abundance of city and state parks, colorful mountain ranges, stunning waterfalls, rivers, lakes, creeks, and other waterways, "The Natural State" really lives up to its name. Whether you are taking a family vacation, a romantic weekend getaway, or a solo trip to view the autumn colors in all of their splendor, you can't go wrong in Arkansas.
