While half of the state is made up of lowlands, there are extensive Arkansas mountains spread across various parts of the state. The Boston and Ouachita Mountains are located in western Arkansas and are home to the two highest peaks in the state. Numerous state parks, rivers, and lakes are scattered throughout this region. The mountains in Arkansas are very popular vacation destinations, and hundreds of Arkansas mountain cabins are available as vacation rentals.

The Ouachita Mountains form the US Interior Highlands, along with the Ozark Mountains, which is the only major mountainous area between the Rockies and the Appalachians. These fold mountains are home to excellent opportunities for canoeing and scenic drives, as well as the historic Hot Springs resort area. The Boston Mountains are part of a high plateau area with deep cut valleys that extends into Oklahoma. With so many scenic areas, Arkansas Ozark vacations and Ouachita vacations can occur in much of the state. The water provided by the damming of the Ouachita and White River in the Arkansas mountains helped create a rapidly expanding tourism industry and many possibilities for outdoor recreation.

You have a number of places for your Arkansas Ozark vacations including the resorts around popular city attractions, as well as the wilderness areas around the many state parks.

Arkansas Map

Devil's Den

Set deep in the Lee Creek Valley, Devil's Den was one of the first state parks (founded in 1930). It is only about a 30-minute drive from Fort Smith. Available here are modern and primitive camping sites, picnic areas, hiking, equestrian and mountain biking trails, and fishing. There are also caves to explore, and a number of one, two, and three-bedroom Arkansas mountain cabins strung along Lee Creek.

Mount Magazine

At 2,734 feet above sea level, this is the state's tallest mountain. It combines a fascinating history with cooler summer temperatures to make for Arkansas Ozark vacations second to none. A historic lodge sits right on the summit, providing magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. Among the things to do here are mountain biking, hang gliding, and technical rock climbing on a 1,500-foot wide sandstone bluff, as well as more traditional hiking and backpacking. Area attractions include the historic Subiaco Abbey, built in 1887.

Petit Jean Mountain

More history abounds at Petit Jean, beginning with prehistoric Native American pictographs in Rock House Cave. The CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) kept to the ancient and rugged nature of these mountains in Arkansas by building stone and log Arkansas mountain cabins that still survive today. Some of them are located on bluffs overlooking the Arkansas River, and some are secluded in pristine mountain forests. Numerous programs and special events are hosted by the park throughout the year.

Mount Nebo

This was another of the earliest state parks, and is a prime location for hiking, biking, and even hang gliding Arkansas mountains. The mountain stands at 1,350 feet, and provides other attractions, such as a swimming pool, tennis courts, playgrounds, extra-large enclosed and standard open pavilions, picnic areas, and a ball field. These mountains in Arkansas are also near one of the region's many lakes.

Mountain View

This little town features a most unique state park, the Ozark Folk Center State Park, dedicated to preserving the crafts, music, history, and heritage of the Ozark Mountains. There are live music performances, traditional craft demonstrations with local artisans, and even apprentice programs and workshops. All Arkansas Ozark vacations will be enhanced by a visit to this unique park.