Day Trippin in the Ozarks - Top Five
Its going to be a sunny weekend, they say, and you've been stuck indoors all week. You just need to get outdoors, without having to spend a thousand dollars to have a good time. Whether you're flying solo, planning a romantic couples day out, or haulin the kiddos, here's five places around the Ozarks you must visit!
Pictured: Glory Hole Falls, Lewis and Clark Outfitters
1. Glory Hole Falls, Ozone, AR
Google Directions or GPS: N35 49.326, W93 23.611
From NWA Area: About 1.5 hour drive to Glory Hole Falls
When you arrive, parking is along the side of the road. You will see the trail and its VERY steep getting down, and, back up, just FYI for anyone out there not into huffing and puffing on a hike. Advice- go slow, soak in the walk and it won't seem so bad. Well worth the hike, though! It's in the top five because when you get there, its magical! Several small beautiful waterfalls, leading to the main event, the infamous Ozark Glory Hole.
Find out directions and more at Explore the Ozarks Online!
Pictured: Hawksbill Crag, TripAdvisor
2. Hawksbill Crag (Whitaker Point)
From NWA Area: About 1.5 hour drive to Hawksbill Crag
An iconic place in the Ozarks, voted best place to "get kissed." Worth the trek to the Crag, a natural formation with stunning views of the Ozarks. Read more about Hawksbill Crag.
Pictured: Kings River Falls, Lewis and Clark Outfitters
3. Kings River Falls Natural Area
1543 Madison 3500, Witter, AR 72776
About an hour east from Fayetteville, AR. Ya'll, this is THE summer hippy swimmin hole. DON'T be surprised to share this with a small crowd on a summer day, but there's plenty of room to chill and let this spectacular waterfall wash your worries away. Tip- less people in the fall and winter, and just as beautiful!! A must-see in the Ozarks. Its about a mile to hike to the actual falls area, so pack light, not that I haven't seen an ice chest lugged back there a time or two, but just sayin, less is more. Don't forget to practice Leave No Trace! And sharin is carin'. Take some time and enjoy the beautiful exposed Ozark bedrock too.
Pictured: Blanchard Springs Recreational Area, Explore Ozarks Online
4. Blanchard Springs Recreational Area
Mountain View, AR
From NWA: 3 Hours
We went exploring the Ozarks to Blanchard Springs Caverns, in Mountain View, AR. The visitor's center was top notch, and the waterfall trails were amazing! My son played for hours in the waterfall. When we left, we stumbled on this gem though...Blanchard Springs Rec Area and Campground! The tall bluff had deep water to jump off and snorkel around. The rocky beach area was great for lounging and a nice picnic to finish the day. A true must go day trip in the Ozarks!
Pictured: Roark Bluff at Steel Creek Campground, Buffalo National River, Photo Credit: Baxter Bulletin.
5. Roark Bluff at Steel Creek Campground, Buffalo National River
Jasper, AR
From NWA, about 1.5 hours
Annnnnnd, last, but not least, one of our top five Ozark day-trippin destinations is Steel Creek Campground, along the beautiful Buffalo National River. Camping, hiking trails, paddling, breath-taking scenery of limestone bluffs, or just enjoy a great swimmin hole, this is THE place to be on a warm sunny day in the Ozarks. While you're up there, stop by Low Gap Cafe, where the locals go. Great food, eclectic and superb atmosphere. If you have more time, go explorin in Jasper, AR, and visit their downtown square, many hidden treasures await! I could spend days here, and have done so, its a regional gem to have in the Ozarks.
There you have it folks, top five day trippin' destinations in the Ozarks. What are you waiting for, go play!