Hey friends! It’s that time of the year again when the leaves start painting the world with vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow. Fall in Arkansas is simply magical, and it’s the perfect season to get out and explore. So, grab your pumpkin spice latte and your favorite people, because I’ve got a fantastic Arkansas Fall Bucket List for you!
It’s road trip time!
1. Ozark Leaf Peeping Fun!
The Ozark Mountains (and much of Arkansas) transform into a kaleidoscope of colors during the fall season. This is the perfect time to explore the beauty of this region by going “leaf peeping!”
Leaf peeping is an informal term in the United States and Canada for the activity in which people travel to view and photograph the fall foliage. –source
Take a leisurely drive along the Pig Trail Scenic Byway, a road that winds through the Ozarks. Roll your windows down and enjoy the cool air while you drive!
If you want to surround yourself in nature, hit the hiking trails like the Buffalo National River Trail, Lost Valley Trail or anywhere at Petit Jean State Park. The vibrant leaves and crisp fall air make any hike amazing.
2. Petit Jean State Park
Petit Jean State Park is my favorite place to be no matter the season but it’s extra special during the Fall.
There are countless hiking trails of all difficulty so I know you’ll find one you like.
Also, the views behind Mather Lodge are priceless. Every evening, people gather there just to enjoy the sunset!
Fall is also the PERFECT time to rent a YURT at Petit Jean.
Details about that: Everything You Need to Know About Renting a YURT at Petit Jean State Park
Actually, there are YURTs all over Arkansas! Check those out here:
9 Yurts in Arkansas That Make “Camping” Relaxing
3. Corn Maze Craziness
Visiting a corn maze is a all tradition that’s hard to resist.
There are many spread around Arkansas that offer aMAZEing corn mazes and so much more (including pumpkins)!
Some favorites are:
1. Hicks Family Farms in Lonoke
2. Peebles Pumpkin Farm and Corn Maze in Augusta
3. Jackson Farm in Black Rock
4. Rolling Oaks Farm in Jonesboro
5. Pumpkin Hollow in Piggot
4. Arkansas Wine Country
I know that visiting Arkansas’s wine country might not be the first thing you think of when you thing of Fall but hear me out. The Altus region, nestled in the Arkansas River Valley where fall colors abound, boasts several wineries that produce a range of wines.
Take a tour, taste the local wines, and enjoy the picturesque vineyard views. It’s a fantastic way to appreciate the flavors and landscapes of Arkansas in the fall.
While you’re there, check it off your Arkansas Bucket List!
5. Haunted House Adventure
With Halloween approaching, indulge your inner thrill-seeker by visiting a haunted house. I’ll be honest, haunted houses are not my thing. They never have been and they never will be but I know how much people love them.
The Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs is infamous for its ghostly inhabitants. Join a guided tour to hear tales of the hotel’s haunted history, or for the bravest souls, consider booking a room for an eerie overnight stay.
And good luck. 🙂
6. Arkansas Apple-Picking Delight
The apple orchards of Arkansas beckon during the fall season. Grab a basket and head to a local orchard for some apple-picking fun.
Apple picking in Arkansas is a tradition for many of us. Filling up your baskets with delicious Arkansas-grown apples while you eat your breakfast right off the tree is an experience not to be missed.
Check them out here: [Best] Apple Orchards in Arkansas- where to pick your own apples
So, there you have it, an in-depth look at your Arkansas Fall Bucket List. Each of these activities offers a unique and memorable way to celebrate the beauty and charm of autumn in The Natural State.
Have fun, y’all!