Field Trip | 7 Natural Wonders of Arkansas

The 7 Natural Wonders of Arkansas
 

Arkansas is nicknamed The Natural State for a reason! It is filled with many natural wonders. We've narrowed it down to 7 for you.  
Get Dad outside for Father's Day on a trip to a Natural Wonder of Arkansas.

#1 Buffalo National River
Our favorite Natural Wonder of Arkansas is the Buffalo National River. Established in 1972 as America's first National River, it flows freely for 135 miles and is one of the few remaining undammed rivers in the lower 48 states. Once you arrive, prepare to journey from running rapids to quiet pools while surrounded by massive bluffs as you cruise through the Ozark Mountains down to the White River. The Buffalo National River area is also great for hikes, horseback riding, elk viewing, waterfall hunting (Hemmed In Hollow Waterfall), and taking a dip to cool off on a hot summer day. Be sure to take a Filson Dry Bag. You will get wet.

#2 Hawksbill Crag, a.k.a. Whitaker Point
So nice they named it twice. This has become one of the most photographed places in Arkansas. Thrill seekers will enjoy the rush of standing on its peak, while nature lovers will enjoy the scenic 3 mile round trip hike. Our Topo Designs Trip Pack is the perfect backpack for your hike out to the point.

#3 Hot Springs National Park
This natural wonder includes portions of downtown Hot Springs making it one of the easiest National Parks to visit. Whether you want a weekend getaway to a spa for a bath in hot spring water or for a weekend of camping and hiking, this is your place. Check out pg. 146 of our for National Parks Atlas more information.

#4 Crater of Diamonds
This State Park in Murfeesboro is the only diamond-producing site in the world open to the public. Here you can experience a one-of-a-kind adventure hunting for actual diamonds. You'll search over a 37 acre plowed field. This is the eroded surface of an ancient volcanic crater that 100 million years ago brought to the surface the diamonds and some of the semi-precious stones. Good luck! (Grab a bottle of our Jack Black All-over Wash cause you'll be dirty all-over after your dig!)

#5 Lake Chicot State Park
Lake Chicot, Arkansas's largest natural lake, is a scenic setting in the Mississippi Flyway for fishing, boating, and bird watching. This 20-mile long oxbox lake was once part of the main channel of the Mississippi River. Outdoor enthusiasts have so many recreational choices at this oasis in the Delta. Best way to take it in? Try a party barge cruises on the lake. Use a Filson Soft-sided Cooler to keep your beverages cold for the journey.

#6 Blanchard Springs Caverns
Blanchard Springs Caverns is one of the most spectacular caves found anywhere in the world. It is believed to have been formed, and continually changed, by an ongoing mountain spring that pours into a glassy-surfaced trout pond below the cave, called Mirror Lake. Visitors can take guided walking tours through an active cavern system, featuring sparkling calcite formations, stalactites, stalagmites and columns. Make sure you take your Randolph Sunglasses to avoid excessive squinting after emerging from the underground!

#7 Greers Ferry Lake
Greers Ferry Lake is a popular lake for many water sports, one of which is Cliff Diving . The most popular site for cliff Diving is "The Dam Site". The spot is popular because of the cliffs ranging from 4 ft high to over 40 ft high. These heights along with seemingly bottomless drop-offs at the foot of the cliffs make this the prime spot for adventurous swimmers! A note from experience, chose shorts with a drawstring like  Iron & Resin Board Shorts. An elastic waistband just won't do.