The 8 Best Spots for Leaf Peeping in Arkansas: Peak Dates, Top Driving Routes, and More

Fall is arguably the most colorful season of the year. There’s no better place to enjoy the beautiful colors of fall than in Arkansas. The state is one of America’s most naturally endowed states, with numerous state parks, national forests, rivers, and scenic drives. Arkansas is stunning throughout the year but comes alive during the fall. The state is the perfect spot for leaf peeping—the yearly ritual of watching and photographing colored fall leaves. Fall foliage can be observed in Colorado, Oregon, Tennessee, and Washington. However, none of these locations is a match for the reputation of best spots for leaf peeping in Arkansas.

Fall weather causes temperature changes. In addition to the lack of sunlight, chlorophyll breaks down in the leaves. This allows the deep reds, oranges, and vibrant yellow colors of leaves to shine through undiminished. Annually, thousands of visitors are lured by these colors to take Instagram-worthy pictures. Others simply wish to bask in these splendid delights of nature. Whatever category you fall into, here are important details about the best leaf-peeping spots in Arkansas and how to get to them. 

Great River Road National Scenic Byway

This is by far one of the most popular and best spots for leaf peeping in Arkansas. The peak foliage period is around mid-November. The driving route is by the Great River Road, which stretches 3,000 miles across 10 states. The Great River Road’s best leaf-peeping trail is the path that cuts through the St. Francis National Forest from the town of Marianna to West Helena. Out of 21 miles, 14 of them are on gravel roads. Near the southern end of the National Scenic Byway is Lake Chicot State Park. Here, you can take a walk to stretch your legs while feeding your eyes on the vibrant colors of the leaves and watching birds on their migratory journeys. 

Pinnacle Mountain State Park

If you are in the city but don’t have more than an hour or two to spare and still want to check out a nice spot or peep some leaves before you go, Pinnacle Mountain is your best shot. The peak period is from early to mid-November, so it’s best to go around this time. You can stroll through the Arkansas Arboretum and walk through the Eastern Quarry Trail. You’ll get fantastic views of the river and catch some natural greenery. If you’re not one for walking through trails or using a mountain bike, why not explore the paved path of the Kingfisher Trail? This paved road runs along the river and is one of the best spots for leaf peeping in Arkansas.

Mount Magazine State Park

Mount Magazine is undoubtedly one of the most notable peaks in America. Rising 2,000 feet above surrounding valleys with elevation feet of 2,753 feet above sea level, you should check out Mount Magazine if you are interested in taking in the breathtaking views of the fall colors atop the highest point in the state. You’ll get 360-degree views of the Arkansas River Valley and thousands of trees. That’s practically enough leaf-peeping for one lifetime.

The Ouachita Mountains and Arkansas River Valley

The Ouachita Mountains are a jagged range of large mountains that extend 225 miles from Little Rock, Arkansas, to the Oklahoma region. The Ouachitas is the best spot to seek out fall foliage on the oaks, maples, and other hardwoods. These popular spots are located in the central and west-central parts of Arkansas. 

The change in foliage color in Arkansas typically happens in three stages, starting from the northern part of the state to the south. It begins in the Ozarks in the north. After one week, the foliage starts changing color in the Ouachita Mountains and Arkansas River Valley area too. Color changes usually start in late October, and peak periods are from early to mid-November. 

The Ouachita Mountains and Arkansas River Valley offer a fabulous mix of wild forests, parks, and city areas, making it the ideal location for leaf peeping. Beginner to expert hikers can also explore the numerous trails in this area on their leaf-peeping adventure. 

Mountain View

If you’re in Arkansas around late October and you want to do your leaf-peeping in a place that is quiet and peaceful, check out the colorful atmosphere of Mirror Lake near Mountain View. This three-acre lake, which is nourished by water flowing through from nearby canyons, is bordered by trees whose leaves fall in distinctive shades of red and yellow.

In addition to being one of the best spots for leaf peeping in Arkansas, Mirror Lake is also one of the best trout fishing spots in Arkansas. The short paved walk on the Mirror Lake Trail leads to the iconic waterfall formed by water spilling over the dam.

Moro Bay State Park 

Moro Bay is a smaller, less-visited state park located at the southernmost end of Arkansas, within the delta and gulf coastal plains. Painted with nature’s brush, it is immersed in glorious beauty during fall. You can see the sunset from the water, surrounded by vibrant foliage. 

While paddling through the water, you can see the cypress trees that tower up and above the water. Enthusiasts usually recommend going in the early evenings so you can watch the sunset through the trees or visit the foliage during the full moon periods to get a nicer view at night. 

The peak period is around mid-November. If you’re driving, simply take Highway 1 north from San Luis Obispo and get to Los Osos, precisely at the Baywood park off-ramp. Turn left, drive down a mile, and then turn right to go straight to the park.

It’s also possible to stay on the campsite at Raymond Lake or stay within the park’s five cabins. Here you’ll find a deck overlooking the bay, with gorgeous views of bronze cypress leaves, black gum leaves, and yellow sweet gum leaves.

Hot Springs National Park

The driving route for Hot Springs is the same as the infamous scenic 7 through the Ozarks. It’s a picturesque view that takes you straight into the city of Hot Springs. The peak period is mid-November. 

If you’re interested in a trail, why not go to the Hot Springs Mountain Tower for a 360-degree view of the National Park, the city, and of course, all the leaf-peeping you want? It’s possible to drive up to West Mountain for more colorful views. The National Park has 47 springs, and water flows from them into the town’s two bathhouses, depending on where you want to stay. 

Buffalo National River

Driving routes in this area go through three different highways—Harrison, Lower District, and Highway 14. We recommend using a highway map, as GPS is unreliable in this area. This location is the first national river in America. It is also one of the longest rivers in the country without dams.

The Arkansas fall foliage here is incredibly beautiful during the day, so it’s probably better to plan a trip at night if you don’t reside within Arkansas. Visiting the Buffalo River during the peak period in late October will give you a variety of choices. You can check out the Centerpoint Trail for a nice spot to take pictures of the panoramic leaves in the afternoon. It’s a great spot to enjoy the views of 800-year-old juniper trees. 

If you want to see the redbud trees in their full glory during a blooming season, take the Centerpoint Trail to Hemmed-in-Hollow falls. The famous Hawksbill Crag is accessible from the Whitaker Point Trail. It offers loads of picturesque spots to snap nice landscape pictures, especially from on top of the crag.

Conclusion

Being in Arkansas for the fall season can be loads of fun if you’re willing to be super adventurous. Try out any of the top leaf-peeping spots in Arkansas if you’re planning a fall trip. The beauty of nature in these places is sure to take your breath away. 

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The photo featured at the top of this post is © Tammo2011 / CC0 1.0 – License / Original