A great way to get out, exercise and see the beautiful town is to visit one of the many Eureka Springs hiking trails the region has to offer. Visitors of all ages and experience level will find a trail just waiting to be explored. This guide will pinpoint just a few of the trails that are in Eureka Springs and the surrounding areas.
The Buffalo National River region in the Ozark Mountains is a great spot for a day of hiking. The park has over 95,000 acres to explore with 100 miles of maintained trails. Many of the trails include river crossings and rough terrain for the more experienced hikers. The trails along the Buffalo River Trail range anywhere from 11 miles, the South Boxley to Ponca trail, to the Ozark to Pruitt trail which is 2 miles. The Buffalo River Trail runs 40 linear miles along the Buffalo River with scenic views of the gravel banks and bluffs along the way.
Table Rock Lake in Northwestern Arkansas has miles of trails for walking or hiking. The various terrains make the trails ideal for all skill levels. The rougher trails are great for mountain bikers, experienced hikers and even horseback riders. The smooth terrain trails are great for bike riding and have easy walking paths. For views of the lake, the Table Rock Lakeshore Trail is a flat trail that runs 2.25 miles in length. Sights to be seen along the way are oak trees more than 200 years old. For the more experienced hikers, the White River Valley Trail System is 11.75 miles and contains four loops each unique in their offerings. Those looking for a challenge should check out the Blue Loop which is the longest and contains about 400 feet of elevation gain. For great scenery, the Green Loop runs through grassland and wooded areas and also contains the highest elevation point on the trail at 1,200 feet.
Withrow Springs State Park, located 20 miles south of Eureka Springs, is the perfect setting for hikers of all experience. There are two moderate trails including the Dogwood Nature Trail and the Forest Trail. The Dogwood Nature Trail is a beautiful trail to visit in the springtime because of its many flowering Dogwood trees. It runs ¾ miles long. The Forest Trail is only 1 ¼ miles long and is a great spot to watch for deer. The War Eagle Trail is a more strenuous hike. The trail is a 2 mile roundtrip hike that ends at a scenic overlook at a 150 foot high bluff. This popular trail boasts amazing views of the river and the mountains.
A short thirty minute drive from Eureka Springs will take you to Roaring River State Park in Missouri. Hikers will love to walk the seven trails that wind through the park showcasing its stunning natural beauty. Hikers looking to go to the highest point in the park should try the Eagle’s Nest Trail which runs 2.75 miles. For views of the Roaring River, the Deep Leap Trail leads to an overlook and boardwalk above the fish hatchery. This trail runs .02 miles and takes approximately 15 minutes to walk. There are other trails to be found at Roaring River with varying distances, degrees of difficulty and views.
Lake Leatherwood City Park is home to over 21 miles of trails and is located right in Eureka Springs. Sights to be seen along the trails of the park include historic stone walls, bridges and rock formations, natural springs and wildlife. The Leatherwood Loop in the park is a nice and easy walking trail that is about 4 miles round trip. This trail starts at the Leatherwood Fields Trailhead and follows the Leatherwood Trail to the Beacham Trail which circles the lake and crosses over the dam. Another park located right in Eureka Springs is Black Bass Lake City Park. This 200 acre park surrounds a 9 acre lake. The Bluff Trail which is mostly level but steep at beginning and end boasts views of the lake and runs above the Sycamore Spring Trail. The Sycamore Spring Trail leads to the wooden bridge and offers views of the lakes shoreline.
When you find yourself in Eureka Springs, be sure to check out Arsenic and Old Lace bed and breakfast for your stay. Located just two blocks from the historic downtown area, Arsenic and Old Lace is tucked far enough away for peace and quiet but within walking distance to all the action. For reservations and room availability, click here.
Photo courtesy of Oakley Originals