Top 10 Highlights of 2021
Arkansas Adventures
In 2021 we spent 2.5 months [May – Mid July] traveling the state. Starting in Harrison, near the Buffalo Wild and Scenic River to Mountain View to Petit Jean State Park in Morrilton to Fayetteville and ending in Hot Springs, was a trip we will not soon forget. We have already began planning to revisit our favorites for 2023.
It would be [almost] impossible to summarize our trip with a Top 10 Photo Review but here goes.
#1 Wild and Scenic National Buffalo River
Our primary purpose for visiting Arkansas was the (and we are not exaggerating)
AH-MAZING Wild and Scenic National Buffalo River.
Paddling and camping along this historic river through majestic hundred foot high rock gorges on blue green waters was one of our great adventures. Be sure to hit in the spring when the waters are flowing.
#2 Hemmed-in Hollow Falls
Arkansas has so so so many beautiful waterfalls, but Hemmed-in-Hollow Falls topped our list. What made our trip so very special is that we did the “easier” route to the falls beginning from the shore of the Buffalo River. We felt that we had been transported to the red rock gorge of Utah.
You can visit my photo website site at https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/2-james-frazier
#3 Pam’s Grotto Falls
Having said that Arkansas has so so so many wonderful Waterfalls, Pam’s Grotto Falls was another one of our favorites and definitely worth a mention. This requires a short, rocky hike but it’s worth the effort of navigating the slippery and (sometimes) tricky boulders to get a glimpse.
You can visit my photo website site at https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/2-james-frazier
#4 Cedar Creek Falls at Petit Jean State Park
Petit Jean State Park is one of our ALL TIME FAVORITE state parks! Within it’s boundaries there are numerous hiking trails, overlooks, and waterfalls. The Crown Jewel is Cedar Creek Falls. This is a very popular trail as it is an easy 1.8-mile round trip hike located behind the historic Mater Lodge.
You can visit my photo website site at https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/2-james-frazier
#5 Ozark Mountains – Big Bluff
One of our favorite hikes in the Ozark Mountains was to Big Bluff via the Centerpoint to Goat Trail in Ponca, Arkansas. This is one of the most popular trails in the area but we began early in the morning and seemed to have it all to ourselves to capture these majestic views of the Buffalo River valley.
You can visit my photo website site at https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/2-james-frazier
#6 Whitaker’s Point Trail – Hawksbill Crag
Another top contender was this beautiful sunrise at Hawksbill Crag. Knowing we wanted to witness a Sunrise at the famed Hawsbill Crag, we awoke very early and started our journey. The Whitaker Point Trailhead, located near Pettigrew, Arkansas was about an hour from our campsite and the trail itself is about 1.5 miles to the focal point. Sunrises can be tricky but we were ecstatic with our experience. We had the place to ourselves for quite some time and as anyone who’s ever experienced a solitary sunrise in the mountains knows —– it was magical.
#7 Eureka Springs
We constantly hunt for the nooks and crannies of each state, trying to get the most out of it that it has to offer, so we can really dig our heels in and soak it up. Eureka Springs can be busy, but we fell in love with this quaint small town. We visited several times and were able to enjoy local cuisine on a park bench, shopping at the boutiques, and were especially enchanted by the town’s neon lights at night.
What we did to experience Eureka Springs:
- Historic Town. Strolled the town both during the day shopping the unique boutiques, visiting the various springs, experiencing local cuisine on a park bench and at night with empty streets and neon lights.
- Thorncrown Chapel. This is a truly amazing architectural marvel nested in the Ozark Mountains.
- Turpentine Creek Animal Refuse. A true sanctuary that provides a lifetime home for abandoned, abused, and neglected big cats with an emphasis on tigers, lions, leopards and cougars.
- Christ of the Ozarks. We walked the sidewalk around the statue and fell in love with the bike trails.
- Rockin’ Pig Saloon. This is BY FAR our FAVORITE BBQ place. We visited several times to enjoy their amazing BBQ and unique sides dishes. A true culinary delight in a joyful atmosphere with one-of-a-kind service. An A+ all around!
#8 Hot Springs National Park
We didn’t quite know what to expect from Hot Springs National Park. Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains its advertised as a relaxing spa vacation getaway.
For us it definitely had is pro and cons. It’s unlike any other National Park you will visit. We were never able to distinguish between the extremely commercialized, busy and crowded town and the actual National Park. We came to believe they are one in the same with lots of typical touristy shops and eateries. The flip side is that seeing Bath House Row and being able to relive an era where luxury and wealth was at its peak for a town deep in the mountains of Arkansas was a special treat.
What we did to experience Hot Springs National Park.
- Spa Treatment. We treated ourselves to a spa package at one of the three bath houses that actually pipes in the natural hot spring water.
- Bath House Row. We walked the town marveling at the magnificent buildings and taking the time to visit the museum and walk through the history.
- Grand Promenade. We walked the brick promenade above and behind the major bathhouses.
- Hot Springs Mountain Tower. We rode the elevator to the top of the 216-foot high observation tower to get a 360 degree view of the town.
- Garvin Woodland Gardens. Beautiful 210 acre botanical gardens featuring Anthony Chapel (a twin to the Thorncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs).
- Superior Bathhouse Brewery. This was a favorite we visited several times. We loved several of their brews and the food was especially tasty.
#9 Favorite Sunrise
Mike’s [most] favorite time to photograph mother nature is Sunrise and Sunset when her colors just explode. While camping at Petit Jean State Park, we were awoken by orange rays streaming through our windows. Mike jumped up, grabbed his camera and ran out the door. Being situated on a campsite at the edge of Bailey Lake this was front row view as we sat in our chairs and sipped our coffee.
A sunrise like this is extremely special as it happened, per say, by accident. Most times we are up at 4 AM, travel and then hike to catch the earth coming awake.
You can visit my photo website site at https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/2-james-frazier
#10 Sunset
One of our favorite sunsets in Arkansas, was again at Petit Jean State Park. As this overlook was just minutes from our campsite, we were able to casually stroll over to and enjoy the colorful sunset. Sunsets during the two-week period we spent at Petit Jean provided some of the best that I can remember.
If you’ve never considered Arkansas a place to visit, we highly recommend giving it a shot……
Dream Big, Travel Far, Live Well…
What’s Next?
More Great Smokey Mountain National Park adventures!
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Nspired Adventures 
Arkansas just wasn’t a place on our radar screen but y’all have shown that in our newest conviction to see the USA first, this state should def make the list!! Beautiful photos guys!
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