Native Americans were the first to traverse Arkansas' diverse landscapes, followed by French and Spanish explorers in the 16th and 17th centuries. The state's vast wilderness was a draw for these early adventurers, offering an abundance of natural resources such as timber, minerals, and game. In the 19th century, Arkansas became a hub for fur trappers and traders due to its plentiful wildlife.
The advent of national parks in the late 19th and early 20th centuries further solidified Arkansas's status as an outdoor recreation destination. Hot Springs National Park, established in 1832, was among the first of these protected areas. Its thermal waters have drawn visitors for centuries seeking relaxation and healing properties.
In more recent times, Arkansas has continued to promote its outdoor offerings with state parks, hiking trails like the Ozark Highlands Trail, world-class fishing spots on the White River, and challenging mountain biking trails in the Ouachita Mountains. The state's commitment to preserving its natural beauty while providing ample recreational opportunities makes it an enduring destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Arkansas is a major agricultural state with $10.3B of ag production, and roughly 82.7% of the state land privately owned by farmers and ranchers. The major crops are broilers (chicken) and eggs, soybeans, rice and corn. When planning hunting trips to Arkansas on private lands like farms & ranches, it's important to understand some key dates for farmers and ranchers.
Ranchers in this region will raise anywhere between 4-8 flocks of broilers each year. It is important to reach out to landowners to ensure a good time to visit. Farmers in Arkansas will usually begin to harvest soybean crops in September, depending on weather, through October.
Popular outdoor activities in Arkansas
Arkansas, known as the "Natural State," is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The state boasts over 600,000 acres of lakes and 9,700 miles of streams and rivers, making it a prime destination for fishing. Anglers can expect to find a variety of species including largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, and trout in the pristine waters of Arkansas. The White River is particularly renowned for its world-class trout fishing.
For hunters, Arkansas offers plentiful opportunities with diverse game such as deer, turkey, duck, and even bear. The state's rich wetlands provide some of the best duck hunting in the country. Meanwhile, the Ozark and Ouachita National Forests are popular spots for deer and turkey hunting.
Hiking and camping are also popular activities in Arkansas with its vast wilderness areas featuring breathtaking waterfalls, rugged mountains, and dense forests. The state is home to over 300 miles of the historic Ozark Highlands Trail which offers challenging hikes through scenic landscapes.
Whether you're an angler casting a line in one of Arkansas's clear lakes or rivers; a hunter seeking game in its lush forests; or a hiker exploring its rugged trails; Arkansas offers diverse outdoor adventures that cater to all interests and skill levels. Its natural beauty coupled with its abundant wildlife make it an ideal destination for your next outdoor adventure.
Popular counties for outdoor activities in Arkansas
Benton County, located in the northwest corner of the state, is a prime destination for fishing and boating with Beaver Lake offering 28,000 acres of clear water. The county also boasts an extensive trail system for hiking and mountain biking.
For hunting enthusiasts, Union County in southern Arkansas is a hotspot for deer and turkey hunting due to its dense forests and abundant wildlife. If you're into bird watching or water sports, Craighead County should be on your radar. Home to Craighead Forest Park and Lake Frierson State Park, it offers opportunities for kayaking, fishing and spotting a wide range of bird species.
Lastly, don't overlook Pike County if you're an angler at heart. The Little Missouri River flowing through this county is renowned for smallmouth bass fishing. Each of these counties provides unique opportunities to connect with nature while pursuing your favorite outdoor activities in Arkansas.