9 Best Destinations for a Winter Vacation in Arkansas

With mostly mild winter weather and an abundance of seasonal things to see and do, Arkansas is an ideal winter getaway for anyone who enjoys a chilly vacation. Whether you’re traveling to experience the multi-city Arkansas Trail of Holiday Lights or want to discover snow-covered wonderlands in some of the state’s best parks, The Natural State will not disappoint. So gather your best winter gear and get ready for a wonderful winter getaway.

Mount Nebo State Park

As Arkansas’ oldest state park, Mount Nebo State Park has served as a hotspot for hiking and admiring scenic views since the 1920s. The park, which is situated atop the 1,350-foot Mount Nebo, transforms into a true winter wonderland when the snow hits. Park visitors can spend a few hours here wandering the various trails including the popular Rim Trail. Spanning 3.5 miles, the Rim Trail circles the top of Mount Nebo and provides hikers with breathtaking views of the surrounding Arkansas River Valley. When the valley is covered in ice and snow, it looks like the inside of a snow globe.

Winter wildlife watching is another fun activity to enjoy at the park. While here, visitors should keep their eyes peeled for white-tailed deer, raccoons, and various birds. The park also hosts regular events that visitors can participate in including Critter Trivia nights, hayrides, and campfire storytimes. Those looking for accommodation near the park won't need to look far. The park offers a handful of heated cabins that make for a charming winter stay.

Ozark-St. Francis National Forest

Spanning a whopping 1.2 million acres, the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest has mountain views and snow-covered trees in abundance. While the massive forest has plenty to offer in any season, a major highlight in the winter is Glory Hole Falls. The unique waterfall flows through a hole at the top of one of the forest’s caverns. In the coldest months, this waterfall freezes into a stunning ice formation for visitors to admire. The roughly 2-mile hike to the falls is not an easy one and hikers should come prepared for winter weather and slippery sections of trail.

Other activities include cavern tours, wildlife viewing, and admiring the park's scenic waterways. Those hoping to spend as much time as possible exploring the forest will want to book cabin accommodations. The forest has 3 areas where cabins can be rented including the Cove Lake Recreation Area, the Lake Wedington Recreation Area, and the White Rock Mountain Recreation Area.

Fayetteville

Fayetteville, Arkansas is a charming town that comes alive in the winter. Between holiday festivals, a beautiful downtown core, and plenty of snowy scenic hikes, Fayetteville is the perfect stop for a fun-filled winter vacation. Travelers arriving between November 22 and January 1 will be just in time for the annual Lights of the Ozarks festival. The “treasured celebration” features parades, light displays, food trucks, vendors, holiday music, and a shopping haul crawl to support local store owners in town.

Another great winter event in Fayetteville is Winter Glow at BGO. The event is held in the first half of December at the beautiful Botanical Garden of the Ozarks and features over 2,000 different lights and displays throughout the gardens. Outdoor lovers will want to swing by Lake Fayetteville Park where they can explore the 5.5-mile nature trail that loops around the lake and the additional 4.3 miles of paved trail that also circles the water.

Those with a car can venture roughly 30 miles outside of town to enjoy an afternoon of outdoor skating at The Rink at Lawrence Plaza in Bentonville, Arkansas. After all that fun and exploration, travelers can find respite at any number of chain hotels located in Fayetteville such as the Graduate by Hilton which offers funky decor and a memorable stay.

Devil’s Den State Park

Devil’s Den State Park has operated as a state park since the 1930s and remains a popular spot for outdoor recreation today. Visitors arriving in the winter months can admire unique rock formations, caverns, waterfalls, and plenty of hiking trails all covered in snow and ice. Those looking to brave the cold for a few days can book one of the park’s cabins which feature kitchens and fireplaces to keep things cozy.

There are 11 hiking trails winding throughout the state park, each with its own stunning scenery. However, if there’s only time for one hike, the Devil’s Den Self-Guided Trail is your best bet. Along this 1.5-mile trail, hikers will experience rock terrain, frozen springs, and frosty waterfalls. Hikers should also keep their eyes open for the various birds who reside in the park including Red-shouldered Hawks and Broad-winged Hawks. Those looking for some educational programing will find a wide range of events that fit the bill. In the winter season the park hosts events such as presentations on why skunks smell and "Sensory Grab Bag" which teaches visitors how to identify items in nature with just their sense of touch.

Mount Magazine State Park

Mount Magazine State Park, located in Paris, Arkansas, is another excellent destination for winter hiking. The park is home to sweeping scenic views that only shine brighter when the sparking winter frost hits. A great place to start exploring the park is on the North Rim Trail. The 2.2-mile trail is moderately difficult but the views it offers of the Arkansas River Valley and the Ozark Plateau are practically priceless.

Those looking for even better views can ascend to the park’s highest elevation point via the Signal Hill Trail. Activities including wildlife viewing, ice fishing, and warming up at the Lodge at Mount Magazine are also worth exploring. Visitors hoping to spend a night or two in the park will find a handfull of cabins that can accomodate. However, the best place to stay in the park durring the winter is The Lodge at Mount Magazine. The lodge has 60 guest rooms and offers breathtaking views of the Petit Jean River Valley and Blue Mountain Lake.

Eureka Springs

The town of Eureka Springs historically attracted visitors with its “healing” spring water. Today, the town is better known for its overall natural beauty and well-maintained Victorian-era architecture. These Victorian buildings make up the town's downtown core and are the reason that Eureka Springs “boasts the country’s only entire downtown on the National Register of Historic Places,” according to arkansas.com.

On a calm, snowy day downtown Eureka Springs feels like walking through a magical holiday village. Outside of the downtown core, visitors will also want to explore the trails at Lake Leatherwood City Park which features a spring-fed lake, a limestone dam, and over 25 miles of trails. The town also hosts a variety of winter and holiday-themed events including Living Windows where real people act out Christmas scenes in the shop windows.

Other events include visits with Santa in the park and gingerbread house-making at the Crescent Hotel and Spa. The Crescent Hotel and Spa is also an ideal location for visitors seeking accommodations in Eureka Springs. The hotel is stunning inside and out and is known locally as the “symbol of hospitality.”

Heber Springs

Similar to Eureka Springs, the charming town of Heber Springs, Arkansas is also well known for its natural hot springs. In the winter months, visitors can spend their time strolling through the historic downtown or searching for the icy Collins Creek Waterfall along the Collins Creek Trail. Those who time their trip correctly can watch the town come together to light up the historic courthouse. The annual holiday lighting event will be accompanied by a parade, plenty of food, craft vendors, and Santa appearances.

Outside festive events, Heber Springs also offers an abundance of natural beauty. Experienced winter hikers will be instantly drawn to the beauty and allure of Sugarloaf Mountain. Along the summit, hikers will see various springs, rugged terrain, and gorgeous snow-swept quarries. Travelers will find plenty of unique places to stay in Herber Springs including the woodsy Lindsey's Resort which sits on the picturesque shores of Little Red River.

Jasper

Home to the winding Buffalo National River, deep valleys, and snow-capped mountains, Jasper, Arkansas is an outdoor lover's dream destination. Those hoping to get a glimpse of the Buffalo National River can set out on the Buffalo River Trail. Along the way, hikers will come across scenic overlooks, towering bluffs, and historic homesteads.

Speaking of scenic overlooks, a visit to the Arkansas Grand Canyon in the winter is a must. Visitors here can admire sparkling snow-covered trees for as far as the eye can see. Finally, be sure to check out the Horseshoe Canyon Ranch. In addition to cozy accommodations, the ranch also offers a growing trail system for mountain biking and a well-respected restaurant serving up hearty, wholesome meals that are sure to keep you warm on a long winter day.

In conclusion

Between challenging mountain hikes with unreal views and holiday light festivals that would put a smile on the likes of Scrooge and The Grinch, there’s no denying the appeal of Arkansas in the winter. Whether you’re looking for snow-covered outdoor activities or are ready to cozy up with a cup of hot chocolate in a warm winter lodge, you’ll find it all and more here in The Natural State.