This Quiet Ozarks City Is An Underrated Gem For Nature Lovers

With its cozy location snuggled inside the densely forested Ozark mountain range and a population of only 2,000 people, Eureka Springs, Arkansas, is relatively unknown as an outdoorsman's paradise to most. It was once a booming resort town, courtesy of the ostensible healing powers of the natural mineral springs there—curious travelers flocked from far and wide to see for themselves the restorative mysteries the waters held. Because the town is not as easily accessible as some nearby larger cities, today, it keeps a relatively low profile. Yet, Eureka Springs is definitely worthy of any nature lover's consideration due to its unique landscapes, plentiful flora and fauna, recreational activities, and chances for adventure and quietude alike.

The City That Water Built

One compelling feature for outdoor enthusiasts is The Natural State’s karst topography, which means that its landscape is primarily formed by dissolving bedrock—specifically limestone in Arkansas. As a result, the state boasts a mosaic of caves, natural springs, and sinkholes, ideal for nature lovers looking to explore a truly uncommon environment. Eureka Springs is frequently called “the city that water built,” a nickname that pays tribute to the role H2O has played in creating its special terrain.

Cold Mineral Springs

The city itself is home to more than 60 natural cold mineral springs, which you can usually find rising up through limestone formations inside the many parks specifically built to protect the water from human pollution. While you can’t jump in, a casual walking tour through the historic downtown is a relaxing way to interact with the springs that gave the city its name. A number of them are located off of Spring Street, including the Basin Spring, the spring that Native Americans originally believed had healing properties, and the Crescent Spring, which was named after a local crescent-shaped rock outcropping.

Hiking and Biking Trails

There is no shortage of hiking trails for those who want to explore Eureka Springs’s natural beauty on foot. Whether you are looking for lush vegetation, jaw-dropping vistas, or one-of-a-kind geological features, there is something for every interest and ability level.

Kings River Overlook Trail leads to a beautiful scenic post overlooking the river and its valley. On the other hand, the family-friendly Lost Valley Trail features a teeming canyon of ferns and a waterfall, Eden Falls. For a more remote experience, try Tea Kettle Falls, a secluded trail that will leave you with unbelievable views of the limestone bluffs amidst a serene setting, culminating with another waterfall—this time, an incredible 46-footer.

If you are a mountain biker, you will also appreciate Eureka Springs for an unmatched riding experience, known as one of the best in the country, thanks to the Oz Trails system’s more than 550 miles of shared-use paths across Northwest Arkansas. Every September, riders of all stripes descend upon the city for the Fat Tire Festival, a three-day mountain biking festival that promises fun and adventures for all.

Area Lakes

Additionally, Eureka Springs is located near an abundance of lakes and rivers, which is perfect for a day spent outdoors by (or in!) the water. A spot where recreation is in high supply is the 85-acre Lake Leatherwood, where you can conveniently find fishing boat and paddleboard rentals, along with bait and tackle sold at the onsite marina.

Black Bass Lake’s clear green water is perfect for hiking, biking, and fishing, and it provides a remote feeling despite its proximity to town. For those needing to beat the heat, one of Beaver Lake’s special features is a swimming hole called Hogscald Hollow, a hidden cove on the lake's east side, complete with the Lover’s Leap Falls punctuating this natural oasis.

Local Wildlife

Notably, nature lovers will love the many opportunities to interact with Eureka Springs’s lengthy list of local wildlife, including bald eagles, black bears, elk, armadillos, and river otters. Great places to look are Devil’s Eyebrow Natural Area, also home to a large concentration of rare plant species in the state. You can also try Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area, the only state park in Arkansas that allows regulated hunting.

Birders specifically will have great luck at Lake Leatherwood, where sightings of pileated woodpeckers, tufted titmice, and Carolina chickadees have been reported. You can also visit the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, a sanctuary for rescued big cats founded in 1992. While these animals are obviously not native to Arkansas, this organization is a special place to witness animal compassion in action through a dual focus on welfare and conservation.

Unknown to many, Arkansas claims over 2,000 documented caves in its territory, but most are not available for the public to explore. However, just six miles from Eureka Springs is Onyx Cave Park, the site of one of the only self-guided cave tours in the United States. Young and old alike will love trekking through the cave’s stunning underground and communing with its peaceful atmosphere. A short drive away, you will find Cosmic Cavern, an awe-inspiring natural cave with two bottomless cave lakes, the second of which was only discovered in 1993, and a 9-foot soda straw, a tubular stalactite thought to be the longest in all of the Ozarks.

Visiting Eureka Springs

What is even more amazing is that all of these natural wonders and outdoor escapes are just minutes away from Eureka Springs’s charming historic downtown; the city’s layout allows visitors the rare ability to move between the two spheres with ease. Plus, with a devotion to ecotourism, Eureka Springs encourages visitors to get out and explore—in a responsible way that echoes the local community’s passion for sustainability and conservation of its most valuable resources. Even better than its welcoming attitude to visitors is that the town is exceptionally dog-friendly, so your four-legged friends can join in your woodsy expeditions and even your dining out after a long day spent outdoors.

If you are thinking about a visit to Eureka Springs, springtime can’t be beaten, offering you the bursting colors of the dogwoods, redbuds, and tulips dotting the landscape along with the flitting dragonflies and croaking frogs of Black Bass Lake. Fall, of course, means a kaleidoscope of autumnal hues best viewed from one of the town’s many scenic overlooks. (Long after you leave, you can continue to gaze at the famous foliage through one of the city’s live webcams found online!) While those might be the best seasons to visit, wintertime in Eureka Springs offers a unique look at the limestone formations grounding the city after the last leaves have fallen from the trees. For the same reason, winter also provides a clearer view of the local wildlife.

While the town is easy to navigate by car, parking can be tricky once the vacationers roll into town. However, the Eureka Springs Transit Service is a great way to go. With four different color-coded routes, the rubber-wheeled trolleys are an easy and affordable way to navigate the town. For mountain bikers, a shuttle service like Adventure Mountain Outfitters is convenient for arriving at your chosen trailhead without the hassle of parking.

So, if you are overdue for a replenishing visit with Mother Nature, do not hesitate to plan a trip to Eureka Springs. While its resort town popularity might be a thing of the past, it is entering an all-new heyday, led by nature lovers who have already uncovered the myriad ways to enjoy the stunning natural scenery so unique to this little Ozark town. Its special topography and geographical features, combined with limitless recreational activities, are the foundation of your much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Join the ranks of those in the know and try this underrated gem for yourself.