3 days in northwest arkansas
Adventure awaits in… Arkansas? With East coast hiking states like Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee getting overrun, there are some hidden gems in this often overlooked area that might surprise you.
TOP 3 THINGS TO DO IN NW ARKANSAS
Take a Hike
The area surrounding Jasper, Arkansas is home to some surprisingly beautiful hiking trails.
We don't always recommend museums...
But when we do, it’s because Bentonville, Arkansas is home to Wal-Mart’s headquarters.
Play in the Dirt
Murfreesboro, Arkansas is home to Crater of Diamonds State Park – the only places in the world where the general public can mine for them.
Did you know?
Sam Walton (who once did the hula on Wall St.) opened the first Wal-Mart in 1962 in Rogers, Arkansas.
Today, Bentonville, Arkansas is home to the company's headquarters, which is expanding to an even bigger campus set to open in 2025.
A FEW MORE ARKANSAS FUN FACTS:
- Arkansas is home to a National Park. Hot Springs National Park is located about an hour southwest of Little Rock.
- Arkansas has it's own "Grand Canyon." Their claim to fame is that it's the deepest in the Ozarks.
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Weather Considerations
We took this trip in early April. While the weather was pretty ideal for hiking, it still wasn't quite spring yet. I'd love to go back when the tress and flowers are blooming. However, if you plan on visiting Crater of Diamonds state park, this was the perfect time of year. You'd definitely need an umbrella or sun shade of some kind in the summer months.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VISITING CRATER OF DIAMONDS STATE PARK
Sometimes it’s skill, and sometimes it’s just pure luck.
Our friend and I did a ton of research to learn about the “art” that is gem-hunting, only to find out that some finders-of-diamonds knew nothing about it. They just strolled through the park, saw something shiny, and picked it up.
For the best information, make sure to visit the park’s website. You’ll find everything you need to know about park entrance fees as well as renting equipment.
We also spent some time on YouTube watching instructional videos from experienced gem hunters.
What to bring
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Gloves
- Shoes that can get muddy
- Clothes you don't mind playing in the dirt in
What to consider
- How many days you'll spend here
- How many hours you're planning for
- How seriously you're going to take it
- Weather
Hiking in NW Arkansas
Since the trails aren’t as popular or as well-trafficked in this area, it took a bit of research to find what we were looking for. Aside from using AllTrails, which is a great resource, we also found some locals to ask. Here are a few recommendations:
- Round Top Mountain Trail, Jasper: 3.5m Loop, 538ft. of elevation gain. A little difficult to follow as it loops the mountain several different ways. Scenic view at the top, much better when trees/flowers are in bloom.
- Whitaker Point, Ozark Nat'l Forest:
- Round Top Mountain Trail: 3.5m Loop, 538ft. of elevation gain. A little
Hiking in NW Arkansas
Since the trails aren’t as popular or as well-trafficked in this area, it took a bit of research to find what we were looking for. Aside from using AllTrails, which is a great resource, we also found some locals to ask. Here are a few recommendations:
- Round Top Mountain Trail, Jasper: 3.5m loop, 538ft. of elevation gain. A little difficult to follow as it loops several different ways. You’ll get a prettier view at the top during lush spring/summer months, or when leaves change in fall.
- Whitaker Point
DAY 1
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Fly in to NW AK (XNA)
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Pick up rental car
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Drive to Swaha Lodge
DAY 2
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DAY 3
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DAY 4
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