[title subtitle=”words and Images: Catherine Frederick, Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism”][/title]
Looking for an adrenaline rush? Arkansas is the place for extreme adventures! From motocross riding and off-road ATVing to rock climbing, zip lining and geocaching, we’ve got you covered! Breathtaking scenery and our state’s diverse landscape provide an outlet for your adventurous spirit. Get out and explore Arkansas! You’ll be sharing stories of your trip for years to come.
ZIP LINES
Zip line adventures are found in abundance in The Natural State! Check out all the excitement offered by these action-packed attractions. Each has their own special brand of activity for different ages. Contact the individual properties for rules and regulations.
Ozarks
Buffalo River Canopy Zip Line Tour – Ponca
buffaloriver.com, 800.221.5514
Byrd’s Outdoor Adventure Center – Ozark
byrdsadventurecenter.com, 479.667.4066
Fort Rock Family Camp & Cabins – Combs
fortrock.org, 479.677.3136
Iron Horse Zip Line – Jasper
horseshoecanyonduderanch.com, 800.480.9635
Loco Ropes – Mountain View
locoropes.com, 888.669.6717
Ozark Mountain Ziplines – Eureka Springs
ziplineeurekasprings.com, 479.363.6699
Zippin Griffin – Hardy
griffinparkarkansas.com, 870.856.4743
Ouachitas
Adventureworks – Hot Springs
adventureworks.com/hotsprings, 501.318.3711
Ouachita Bend Adventures Zip Line – Malvern ouachitabendadventures.com, 501.318.3711
MOTOCROSS RIDING & ATVS
For thrill seekers who enjoy the high-speed power of motocross riding, tracks like Pine Bluff MX host courses where enthusiasts can unleash their energy. For visitors who prefer BMX action, there are a few BMX motocross complexes for riders to maneuver their bikes across, including Cabot BMX Complex and Bonzai BMX at Burns Park in North Little Rock.
Pine Bluff MX – Pine Bluff
pinebluffmx.com, 870.879.5144
Cabot BMX – Cabot
cabotparks.com, 501.278.7343
Bonzai BMX – North Little Rock
bonzaibmx.8m.com, 501.753.6989
SKY DIVING
Learn how to skydive at the “Free Fly Capital of the Midwest,” Skydive Ranch! They offer jump static line, jump tandem, and extreme jumping! You’ll get a whole new perspective on the gorgeous Arkansas Ozarks as you travel back to terra firma on a memorable journey.
Sky Ranch – Siloam Springs: skyranch.com, 888.456.JUMP
OFF-ROAD
Off-road connoisseurs can find days of muddy fun at Arkansas’ ATV hot spots that include the Ozark National Forest, Mill Creek, Wolf Pen Gap, Moccasin Gap, Fourche Mountain, and Huckleberry Mountain. Superlift Off-Road Vehicle Park is home to an all-in-one course that offers challenges for four-wheel-drive vehicles, buggies, ATVs, and motorcycles.
Superlift Off-Road Vehicle Park – Hot Springs
ORVPark.com, 501.625.3600
ROCK CLIMBING & BOULDERING
Some of the best rock climbing in the nation is found right here in Arkansas. Grab your climbing shoes, chalk bag, and harness and spend a day or a week exploring the vertical world of the Ozark and Ouachita Mountain ranges. Sam’s Throne and Horseshoe Canyon Ranch are just a few of the destinations for climbers. Bouldering is also big here.
Taking on the challenging terrain of long trails via a mountain bike or hike is always a dependable source of adventure. The International Mountain Bicycling Association has named five trails in the state EPIC routes, including the Womble Trail and Lake Ouachita Vista Trail in the Ouachita Mountains and the Syllamo Trail near Mountain View. Trekkers can also explore the 168-mile Ozark Highlands National Recreation Trail or travel the 223-mile Ouachita National Recreation Trail to the south. Discover more than twenty routes and free bicycling guides at Arkansas.com.
arkansas.com/bicycling/mountain-biking.
MOUNTAIN BIKING & HIKING
Off-road connoisseurs can find days of muddy fun at Arkansas’ ATV hot spots that include the Ozark National Forest, Mill Creek, Wolf Pen Gap, Moccasin Gap, Fourche Mountain, and Huckleberry Mountain. Superlift Off-Road Vehicle Park is home to an all-in-one course that offers challenges for four-wheel-drive vehicles, buggies, ATVs, and motorcycles.
Superlift Off-Road Vehicle Park – Hot Springs
ORVPark.com, 501.625.3600
CANOING & KAYAKING
For water junkies, the Cossatot River forms Cossatot Falls, a rugged and rocky canyon that hosts Class IV and V whitewater rapids for canoeists and kayakers. Wakeboarders can practice their craft on 600,000 acres of lakes located across the state (including 40,100-acre Lake Ouachita). Scuba divers and parasailers can enjoy the view both under and over Arkansas’ watery terrain.
arkansas.com/outdoors/water-activities/canoeing-rafting-kayaking
OTHER OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Adventure racing is another extreme thrill you can find here. The state has many adventure races throughout the year that showcase the varied terrain through various trekking challenges. The adrenaline rush of paintball is also an option. The sport combines a blend of strategy, teamwork, and action. The largest paintball range in the state can be found at Paintball Arkansas in Conway. The park offers woods, trails, bridges and nine different playing fields for outdoor laser tag, hillbilly golf, etc.
Paintball Arkansas – Conway: paintballarkansas.com, 501.470.4400
The Natural State is also home to Geocaching, which combines technology with nature to produce an exciting new form of entertainment. Think of it as a modern-day treasure hunt, with caches hidden all over the state by individuals or groups. The location of each geocache is marked with Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates which are shared via the Internet or an app. Each hunt and the terrain around it varies in difficulty. Standard geocaching protocol is to leave something if you take something. Geocaching is an activity kids and families will love because it combines a laid-back hike with problem-solving and navigational skills. Test your geocaching skills in some of The Natural State’s scenic and historical settings. Caches can also be found at some Arkansas wineries, in the middle of downtown areas or other public venues. Over 150 special geocaches are located along Arkansas’ Great River Road, including a 100-cache power trail. The caches are placed at historic locations in the ten-county region of the Arkansas Delta. Tens of thousands of caches are hidden in Arkansas. So, grab your GPS and discover some of the wonders of The Natural State. But, be warned, the challenge of Arkansas geocaching is addictive!
Official geocachers website: geocaching.com
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission: agfc.com
There you have it, friends! Adventure takes on many forms in Arkansas, but no matter the thrill you seek, you’re sure to find it right here in this great state we call home. Start planning your adventures in Arkansas today! Visit Arkansas.com for more ideas and a free planning guide.
